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
When intentions don’t match actions, trust and morale suffer. Learn how to lead with purpose, awareness and genuine presence
For first responders, good nutrition isn’t a luxury — it’s a performance tool. But cutting through trends and keeping it simple is the real key to long-term success
Leadership is about serving others, not feeding your ego
Leading through crisis without losing hope — the Stockdale Paradox in EMS
Cold showers offer a powerful and accessible tool for medics to combat stress, boost resilience and cultivate mental clarity
Transitioning to a healthcare system that embraces and reimburses community-based EMS care
Colorado Springs, Sacramento and Richmond: Integrating analytics into decision-making to enhance patient outcomes, personnel support and sustainable operations
Takeaways from the First CMS Data Collection Report on Ambulance Services to enhance service levels and reduce costs of service delivery
Community collaboration, harm reduction models and policy changes can ease the burden on EMS workers and improve patient outcomes
The EMS Leadership Academy highlights the urgent need to address funding, career pathways and wellness support
An explainer and action plan based on the Consensus Statement of NAEMSP, IAFF and IACP
What CoAEMSP has learned about EMS student attrition and retention
Wellness programs and sleep interventions can ease burnout and improve job satisfaction
Fitch & Associates and EMS1 break down trends in staffing, operations and career longevity
Adapting to growth and changing demands with innovative community partnerships
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
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
“Most likely, you know at least one caregiver who is struggling, but you’re reluctant to act”
Prioritize your wellbeing to pave the way for sustained healthy living
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
EMS leaders gather on our Congressional leaders’ turf to advocate for 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
5 questions to ask to create an employer value proposition that will solve your staffing woes
Our co-hosts discuss the week’s top stories and how providers can positively impact the EMS industry during their career
Be more proactive in your processes and maintain high-level standards of care
Is addressing provider frustration the key to reducing turnover?
Both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation are critical for keeping team members involved and prepared for the challenges they face
“It’s not that kindness and altruism in our profession – and the world in general – is becoming rarer, it’s that it happens so often that it’s not news”
Join Fitch & Associates, EMS1 and EMS Survey Team to examine the perceptions and experiences of EMS providers across the country
6 helpful tips from the Seminole County (Fla.) Fire Department
Judgment is sometimes a matter of life or death, but it is also a matter of professional credibility
We may be humble public servants, but that doesn’t mean we can’t spotlight our impact, particularly when the public is paying attention
One-third of EMS1 poll respondents picked up 16 or more overtime shifts in the last three months
Learn how agencies have overcome obstacles to innovate and improve clinical, financial and operational elements in their systems
A more diverse EMS workforce provides more equitable care
Every leader’s to-do list should feature things they know they don’t have to do but do anyway
AMR’s award-winning earn-while-you-learn programs allow previously untrained candidates to became certified as EMTs in 12 weeks
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
From skipped meals to nonstop radios, you can’t control the clock. What you can control is how you recover, reset and protect yourself for a career that lasts.
I believe that managing micro-stressors will prepare me for when I am confronted with a large, high-stress incident at work or home
A firsthand look at how Pro EMS turned candor, humility and field-tested leadership into a scalable, mission-first organization
Wake County EMS’s John Sammons explores the human side of system design — and why “everyone comes back tomorrow” should be the new goal
TEMS medics need to be in top physical condition to respond with and care for SWAT officers
From mental health to pay equity, influencer and flight medic Sophie Fuller opens up about the pressures of working in EMS and why it’s time to stop normalizing harm
Insufficient sleep impacts decision-making, wellness and risk-taking, putting providers and patients at risk
EMS World panelists shared their expertise in working with exceptional patients and discussed strategies and procedures that aid in creating a successful interaction for all involved
Financial collapse, market churn and rising risks define today’s EMS landscape
Communities are rethinking who delivers care — and how to protect against the next sudden shutdown
EMS funding is broken — and communities are done pretending it’s not
Closing out the year with a rapid-fire look at what frontline providers are really saying — from spinal immobilization, to swiping through microlearning
Understand the difference between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation
To lead and inspire an EMS team, motivation must first come from within
It’s time to match praise with policy for those on the front lines
“The work you do is sacred. Daily, hourly you give the gift of presence; a beacon in the night, even when you don’t get ROSC.”
What DSM-5 recognition of moral injury means for EMS
Reading these EMS1 articles, like watching Rudolph and singing Jingle Bells, is a holiday tradition for EMTs and paramedics everywhere
Professionally trained chaplains are building sustainable systems — and freely sharing tools and education with volunteer peers across the country
The short answer: Yes. And Dr. Jaime Brower offers the tools to make it happen.
LEADERSHIP
If you’re tired of a toxic culture, this episode lays out a blueprint for EMS agency growth
Naperville’s CART program showcases savings and patient-centered care, diverts hundreds from ED
Explore the latest Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System findings and what they mean for EMS funding, reimbursement rates, and advocacy in 2025
Union pressures mayor as investment in equipment outpaces investment in people
Your pay, your role and your resources are on the line; here’s what EMS leaders are fighting for now
If you’ve ever worked tired, driven drowsy, or taken one shift too many, this one’s for you
These sources of start-up and long-term funding can help launch and provide economic sustainability for mobile integrated health care
State EMS Director Joe Schmider on how Texas’ data-driven plan brought in 10,915 new providers
A unified effort among EMS agencies, hospitals and aviation units ensures faster, lifesaving treatment
Lee County EMS Division Chief Adam Thompson shares insights on Just Culture and the importance of investing in people to create a thriving workforce
“You can’t oversee EMS medicine from behind a desk.” With a full-time medical director, providers gain a mentor, coach and advocate.
With call volumes up 55%, Walla Walla shifts to local funding to add EMTs and paramedics
From jumping in the field to empowering crews in decision-making, Chief Nicholas Oleck fosters accountability and camaraderie in his department
Vague definitions and enforcement challenges raise concerns about how a new law will function in real-world emergencies, leaving providers to navigate gray areas under pressure
Know the newest fire- and EMS-related laws
Opportunities for OSHA’s proposed Emergency Response Standard to improve EMS safety
Alan Cowen, fire deputy chief (ret.) Los Angeles City Fire Department, reflects on leadership lessons
From avoiding critical errors to fostering trust, discover 5 actionable strategies to master active listening to deliver better care
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