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Callouts, chaos and career killers: The biggest EMS stories of the year

A no-holds-barred breakdown of the headlines you couldn’t ignore

In this special Christmas edition of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson unwrap five of the biggest EMS stories of 2025 — and it’s not all eggnog and cheer. This year delivered more than its fair share of gut punches to the profession, from a paramedic who was charged with manslaughter, to footage of a fire chief yelling at a 10-year-old patient (yeah, that happened).

Next week’s show will break down the final five EMS stories of the year, but in 2026, we’re flipping the spotlight. Chris and Kelly are calling on you to step up and share your real EMS stories — the funny, the frustrating, the calls that changed you. Got a moment that shaped your career? Our cohosts want to hear it, and you might even get an invite to appear on the podcast. ‘Tis the season to be heard; email theshow@ems1.com to share your story!

Quotable takeaways

  • “You’re the grownup. You can’t pitch a fit. You gotta be the grownup in the situation and diffuse it.”
  • “If your only incentive for doing the right thing is that somebody might catch you being a jerk on video, then it’s time for you to get out of the profession.”
  • “The cost of readiness is hugely expensive.”
EMS1 invites you to share your voice — calls that changed you, personal stories of challenges and perseverance, and unique reflections on the EMS life

Rate & review Inside EMS

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.

Previously on Inside EMS:
With a focus on scene safety, the discussion delves into the complicated dynamics of emergency response and the importance of staying vigilant

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