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We’re not OK: The What Paramedics Want in 2025 report pulls no punches

From burnout to broken trust, the warning signs are everywhere

This week on the Inside EMS Podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive deep into the What Paramedics Want in 2025 industry report — and let’s just say, it’s not all sunshine and stable shifts.

The report, created in partnership with Fitch & Associates and sponsored by Pulsara, lays bare the hard truths: burnout is at an all-time high, staffing gaps are holding steady at crisis levels and confidence in leadership is lukewarm at best.

Chris and Kelly get real as they discuss some of the shocking stats — such as, only 59% of agencies report having enough staff to answer 911 calls, and 76% of respondents now cite burnout as a critical issue. But this isn’t just about fatigue; it’s about leadership gaps, lack of support and workplaces that are driving out even the most seasoned medics.

From the “mandatory overtime spiral” to why communication isn’t just nice — it’s a necessity — this episode tackles how broken systems are eroding morale and what leaders can (and must) do to change course. You’ll hear why stay interviews matter more than exit interviews, how marijuana use is creeping up as a stress escape, and the simple steps agencies can take to rebuild trust and retention.

From chronic burnout and staffing gaps to a lack of meaningful leadership engagement, personnel are sounding the alarm — and offering a roadmap for change

Memorable quotes

  • “If one-quarter of your work workforce says ‘we don’t enjoy our jobs anymore’ and ‘we don’t enjoy working for you anymore,’ you got a hell of a problem on your hands.” — Kelly Grayson
  • “This isn’t just burnout because of the things we’re seeing.  This is because of staffing shortages. This is because of lack of funding. This is because of working overtime. This is because agencies are mandating overtime. And that’s gonna lead to burnout.” — Chris Cebollero
  • “What we have is a shortage of people who are willing to work for chump change and horrible working conditions.” — Kelly Grayson

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Catch a new episode of the Inside EMS podcast every Friday on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud,  Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS Feed. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

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The Inside EMS podcast is a regular expert discussion of hot topics, clinical issues, operational and leadership lessons for EMTs, paramedics and chiefs