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Episode 46 | National Associations Collaborate with NAEMT. In this engaging episode, NAEMT President Chris Way and special guest Kevin Joles, Division Chief of EMS at Olathe FD and Chair of the EMS Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) dive into the value of collaboration across EMS organizations and the importance of strategic planning to shape the future of prehospital care. With a focus on the LA wildfires, Chris and Kevin reflect on how EMS continues to adapt and respond to challenges such as wildfires and disasters, emphasizing the role of advocacy, innovation, and education in strengthening the profession.
Episode 45 | Welcome NAEMT President Chris Way.
Newly elected President Chris Way outlines his vision for the future of NAEMT, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the organization’s membership, enhancing EMS’s presence at all levels of government, and ensuring that the profession is better supported and more widely recognized by the end of his tenure. A key focus will be strategic planning to set ambitious, long-term goals and establish a roadmap for success. Chris also highlighted plans to celebrate NAEMT’s 50th anniversary in 2025, marking the organization’s rich history while preparing for its next chapter.
Episode 44 | President Susan Bailey Recaps her Two Years in Office.
Susan discusses the significant milestones of her presidency, including a successful EMS On The Hill Day, pivotal leadership transitions, and stronger collaboration with national and international EMS organizations. Susan shares her proudest moments, from advancing legislative advocacy for EMS to working alongside the dedicated NAEMT staff and board members. She also highlights the global reach of NAEMT’s educational programs and their influence on EMS systems worldwide.
Episode 43 | NAEMT's 2025 Newly Elected Officers. Meet the leaders who will bring their wealth of experience and passion to continue the momentum of NAEMT’s next chapter. In this episode, Macara Trusty shares the origins and successes of the Lighthouse Leadership Program, a cornerstone for developing future EMS leaders. Chris Cebollero emphasizes the importance of professional organizations in driving change and empowering EMS professionals to take charge of their industry. Bruce Evans, as Treasurer, outlines his vision for NAEMT’s financial stewardship and organizational modernization. Finally, Rob Luckritz, President-elect, reflects on his career in EMS and advocacy while discussing his goals for the association’s future.
Episode 42 | Importance of Sustained Advocacy Efforts
Chris Way, NAEMT President-elect, and Kim Krenik, NAEMT Director of Federal Relations, emphasize the narrow legislative window to
secure critical funding and policy support before Congress recesses on Dec. 31. Chris and Kim discuss the importance of sustained advocacy efforts to push essential EMS bills across the finish line. Key priorities, such as the TIP Act and Medicare extenders, face tight deadlines and will need swift, unified action from EMS professionals across the country.
Episode 41 | Mentees, Mentors and the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program
Listen to Dave Edgar, Rom Duckworth, Tiara Green, and Tony Bixbyas they discuss the critical role of mentorship in EMS leadership development, focusing on the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program. They delve into the program’s origins, inspired by EMS pioneer Jim Page, and how it provides tailored mentorship to EMS professionals. Our guests reflect on their experiences as both mentors and mentees, emphasizing the value of personal and professional growth while highlighting key program features, such as the Journal Club, and the importance of real-world problem-solving, along with the powerful support system that the mentorship fosters. Tiara and Tony recently completed the program and share how it has shaped their leadership approach and how they are now paying it forward by mentoring others.
Episode 40 | Pan American Trauma Society
The Pan American Trauma Society (PTS) is an organization that connects trauma experts across North, Central, and South America to improve patient outcomes. In this episode, Dr. Paula Ferrada, system and division chief for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Services, Inova Healthcare system, and Juan Cardona, NAEMT’s representative to the PTS, discuss the impactful work of PTS. Dr. Ferrada shares her early experiences in Colombia to becoming a leader in U.S. trauma care and President of PTS, highlighting the evolving practices in trauma management and the shift to prioritizing bleeding control in the "X-ABCs" of trauma care. Juan recounts his work supporting emergency systems throughout Latin America, emphasizing the importance of resourcefulness in prehospital care and the need for proactive, cross-border collaboration in trauma response.