Strategies to elevate paramedic safety, wellness, career development and operations
The state of the industry EMS Trend Survey explores issues tied to provider recruitment and retention; safety, health and wellness support; technology adoption; and career development, produced in partnership with Fitch & Associates and the National EMS Management Association.
EMS TREND REPORT
ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY
Highlighting a joint statement from EMS associations, Chief Brian Schaeffer argues for a shift towards broader, evidence-based performance metrics to enhance EMS quality and effectiveness
When employees are happy, engaged and productive, and the organization is meeting their individual needs, they are more likely to meet their full potential
“Most likely, you know at least one caregiver who is struggling, but you’re reluctant to act”
Identify and aid team members facing depression, burnout or compassion fatigue to foster an emotionally safe organizational environment
Prioritize your wellbeing to pave the way for sustained healthy living
Achieve peak performance through foam-rolling, active warm-ups, deadlifts, functional dumbbell exercises, and high-intensity interval training
Taking the concept of the right care, to the right person at the right resource to a new level
Engaging payers, the medical director, administrators and field providers was key to MedStar’s successful telehealth implementation
“There is no substitute for experience. Yet, regardless of experience level, it is important to consider how EMS education can teach situational awareness”
The whole-system approach to protecting your personnel from violence
How a hybrid paid/volunteer emergency service model can provide the best care
AI has huge potential to improve care and EMS; but we must remain cognizant of potential biases
Five ways to shape policies that enhance patient care, streamline operations and provide a safer working environment
A 13-step action plan to provide compassionate and effective care while navigating the evolving legal landscape
Four steps to stopping the stress cycle
Join Fitch & Associates and EMS1 to examine solutions to the stressors of EMS providers across the country
3 steps to stop staffing problem solving and start reinventing your agency
Results from the 2023 EMS Trend Survey identify an urgent need for increased mental health support
EMS leaders gather on our Congressional leaders’ turf to advocate for EMS
Be more proactive in your processes and maintain high-level standards of care
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
Stay interviews help employees feel valued, respected and supported, improving their engagement and motivation
Fitch & Associates and EMS1 break down trends in staffing, operations and career longevity
Early career exposure can make or break future career choices; here’s how one agency is fostering school-age children’s interest in an emergency services career
Paramedic chiefs and EMS leaders need to set shift length based on call demand, available personnel, equipment supply and time on task
Six different career ladders with compensation and rank based on experience, higher education and specialized training improves retention
Avoid these mistakes to onboard EMTs who will thrive in EMS, and give their all to your agency
EMS Chief Peggy Fonseca was fired due to budget overages and personally responding to calls
There is no substitute for high-context communications and training that occurs between two people, engaging privately, face-to-face
Is building a new kind of clinician merely a Herculean task or a fully Sisyphean one?
Creating a mindset to achieve diverse, equitable and inclusive hiring practices
Industry leaders weigh in on celebrating EMS Week amidst the forces shaping the EMS landscape
Agencies and government officials must evaluate performance expectations and funding to determine appropriate EMS delivery models
Dispelling generational myths and clarifying the root of workforce personnel differences
The EMS industry research has spoken: tradition and old cultural norms and beliefs don’t apply to the evolution of EMS today
A national survey reveals EMS economic and operations redesigns that would have been considered heresy just years ago
A state grant will fully fund training for 10 licensed paramedics for Rapid Response EMS
While the concept has been around for decades, it’s the buzzy term that’s prompted the recent focus on this approach to work
As an employer, the pressure is on to captivate the workforce and stand out in a competitive job market
“What we have is a shortage of people who are willing to work under horrible conditions for chump change and be unappreciated”
The pros and cons of growing the talent pool
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
A sober reminder that wellness isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a lifestyle
“Fatigue isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s a physiological and cognitive state that directly impacts decision-making, reaction times and the ability to perform under pressure.”
Building mental and physical resilience isn’t just important — it’s essential for EMS professionals. If your program isn’t gaining traction, these 5 roadblocks could be to blame.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing focuses on reducing the vividness and emotion associated with the traumatic memories
Following up after a traumatic incident can make all the difference. These practical conversation starters help you show empathy and provide support without making it awkward.
Forget protein bars — the best “exercise snack” happens in the patrol car, between calls or while restocking the rig
Savor the victories and find humor in the routine to carry the emotional load
Save up to 40% off on Nest, Coleman, DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN, Contigo, Ninja, Cuisinart & more
Tired of aching feet? Check out these expert-backed solutions to keep you moving, stay pain-free and perform at your best
Cold showers offer a powerful and accessible tool for medics to combat stress, boost resilience and cultivate mental clarity
Who could use a little more sleep?
Learn the difference between the two, the effect on the human body, and how to protect your health during a storm
Insufficient sleep impacts decision-making, wellness and risk-taking, putting providers and patients at risk
EMS providers are more susceptible to sleep disorders and their inherent dangers and health implications
Personal reactions to trauma take many forms, but some offer important clues that you may be experiencing PTSD
When free of shift schedules, try these tips to get to sleep faster and achieve quality sleep
How one fire department added a shift to improve its members’ work-life balance
Short on time and space? Check out these products to help get a workout in no matter where you are in your day
By incorporating these snacks into their daily routine, EMS providers can better manage their energy levels and focus
The COVID-19 RAPID Mental Health Assessment highlights key concerns related to first responder stress, general wellbeing, and work-life balance
LEADERSHIP
Discover practical strategies for public safety leaders to stay grounded, manage stress and inspire their teams during life’s toughest challenges
Here are books for grant writers looking to hone their craft
Assistant Chief Joel Koehn on servant leadership, empowering his team and focusing on organizational culture
If we want to keep up, it’s time we change gears and evolve from a traditional recruitment strategy
Upcoming changes to TPS and DACA programs could impact EMS professionals across the U.S.
Colorado’s community naloxone distribution program faces a financial shortfall as state funding dwindles, raising concerns for overdose prevention efforts
These are challenging times to be a first responder; your support is welcome and appreciated
Communicating with law enforcement and following these clinical guidelines will help to keep patient safety first and foremost
It is time for an honest conversation about response times, reimbursement and funding solutions for the future of EMS
Navigating the shift in financial responsibility and the impact rural EMS practices and policies
It’s a two-way street; HR professionals should do more to understand the industry and fire/EMS leaders should better explain the needs of members
Ambulance services cannot afford to feed the billing department incomplete, inaccurate or misrepresented information
Retired firefighters, EMS and police officers may reduce their taxable earnings by up to $3,000 for medical insurance premiums paid during a calendar year
Laurie Thiel shares strategies for addressing unproductive meetings and boosting productivity in EMS workplaces
Carly Strong, COO, SEMSA/Riggs Ambulance: “Take every opportunity’
Practice self-care and do the work on the front end so you have more to give on the back end
Chapter 4 of this comprehensive desk reference about EMS in the U.S. untangles the origin and history of the EMS Star of Life
Offering educational options versus punitive responses can make all the difference
Division Chief David Munoz on guiding members in the same direction with clarity and meaningful purpose
Identify and conquer the fight-or-flight response with these four simple steps
Understand the distinction and implication of Congressionally Directed Spending and Community Project Funding
New labor regulations will increase the salary threshold for overtime exemptions – Steve Wirth shares how this impacts EMS roles
Sacramento City FD Battalion Chief Erik Saari on creating positive pathways for all members to contribute to the department
Emergency care representatives testify about reimbursement, access challenges
ABOUT THE SPONSOR: PULSARA
The Pulsara platform empowers responders to triage and track patients while managing any incident – from mass casualty incidents to hurricane evacuations, MVAs with multiple patients or special events – and assist in evacuation and reunification efforts as the incident unfolds. Pulsara’s powerful scanning technology allows responders to instantly scan patient wristbands to create or join existing patient channels, making continuity of care and interoperability between organizations seamless. No matter who you need to connect with in a crisis, Pulsara can help connect you to the right resources at the right time.
How a state’s wristband system and Pulsara redefined safety at the Texas Renaissance Festival
Assistance is available from the U.S. government, but local systems have important responsibilities
Pioneering patient management and communication tools may be the answer to enhancing provider job satisfaction and combating EMS retention problems
Once you’ve determined what it will do, you face some more practical questions
It’s not as hard to get started as you might think – follow these initial steps