EMS One-Stop

emsonestop
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Explore the forefront of EMS leadership with Rob Lawrence on the ”EMS One-Stop” Podcast. Tackling critical issues like staffing, service delivery and operational challenges, each episode delves into the latest in patient care enhancement, EMS technology advancements; and emerging trends like AI, telehealth, quality improvement and alternate destinations with industry experts. Rob Lawrence brings to the table his extensive expertise from decades of service spanning the American Ambulance Association, AIMHI, Richmond Ambulance Authority, Pro EMS, Prodigy EMS Education and the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust. Stay informed with the latest EMS industry news, organizational updates and inspiring agency success stories. Tune in to the ”EMS One-Stop” Podcast for a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of EMS leadership in today’s dynamic prehospital care landscape.

  1. 5H AGO

    Dr. Linda Dykes: From toxic culture to safer systems

    In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Dr. Linda Dykes joins Rob Lawrence from the UK for a wide-ranging, transatlantic conversation that starts with workplace culture and ends with a practical look at how health systems can keep patients safely at home. In the first half, Linda breaks down her newly published (open-access) qualitative paper, provocatively titled “It’s not bullying if I do it to everyone,” drawn from UK NHS “Med Twitter” responses: a raw, heartbreaking window into the red flags of toxic workplace culture, how bullying is experienced in the eye of the beholder, and why incivility and silence are not just HR problems — they’re patient safety threats. In the second half, Linda brings listeners into the UK’s evolving admission alternative world: frailty care at home, urgent community response models, and the increasingly important interface between EMS and community-based teams. She explains the UK’s SPOA (single point of access) concept, why she dislikes the term “admission avoidance,” and how ED crowding and access change the risk-benefit equation for hospital vs. home. Rob connects the dots back to the U.S. reality — reimbursement, APOT/wall time, treatment-in-place policy — and why this work is becoming a shared challenge on both sides of the Atlantic. Timeline 00:51 – Rob opens, recaps NAEMSP in Tampa and recent content. 02:25 – Rob introduces Linda as the “triple threat” (emergency medicine, primary care/GP, geriatrics) and tees up two-part discussion. 05:39 – Rob introduces Linda’s paper: “It’s not bullying if I do it to everyone.” 06:13 – Linda explains why toxic culture is increasingly visible and how the tweet prompt became a dataset. 07:33 – “Flash mob research group” forms; Linda explains social-media-to-qualitative methodology and limitations. 10:03 – Rob asks about bias; Linda clarifies purpose: insight, not representativeness. 16:39 – Linda defines gaslighting and why it’s so destabilizing. 18:21 – Reactions to publication; resonance, sharing and uncomfortable self-reflection on learned behaviors. 20:18 – The “16:55 Friday email” as a weapon — and as an accidental harm. 23:29 – Leadership as “the sponge” — absorbing pressure rather than passing it down. 25:27 – “One thing right now”: know the impact your words can have, especially on vulnerable staff. 26:41 – Rob on “pressure bubbles,” micro-movements and atmospherics: how leaders shift climate without realizing it. 30:53 – SPOA explained: single point of access and urgent community response behind it. 33:03 – EMS interface: calling before conveyance to find safe pathways to keep patients at home. 35:47 – Linda on mortality risk of access block/long waits and how that reframes risk decisions. 37:19 – Evolving models: primary care-led response vs. hospital at home approaches. 39:34 – Clinical myths challenged: oral antibiotics sometimes non-inferior to IV in conditions we assumed needed admission. 40:34 – Outcomes: hospital at home trial signals safety and fewer patients in institutional care by 6 months. 42:00 – Telemedicine/telehealth: underutilized but useful; when you still need a senior clinician in person. 44:50 – Closing takeaways: read the paper (with trigger warning); admission alternative work is deeply satisfying. Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode.

    47 min

  2. JAN 29

    EMS One Stop: Resilience and beyond

    In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes John Sammons, an advanced practice paramedic with Wake County EMS, a peer support team member and a key leader in the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program. John sits at the intersection of system design and human performance, helping build the kind of operational and cultural scaffolding that keeps clinicians effective, healthy and coming back tomorrow. In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes John Sammons, an advanced practice paramedic with Wake County EMS, a peer support team member and a key leader in the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program. John sits at the intersection of system design and human performance, helping build the kind of operational and cultural scaffolding that keeps clinicians effective, healthy and coming back tomorrow. | MORE: Peer support teams: How to build trust and maximize effectiveness This week’s conversation goes beyond “be more resilient” and into the practical realities of burnout, moral injury, mentoring and culture, including the role of frontline and unofficial leaders in shaping what “normal” looks like inside an agency. John also shares the Wake County approach to peer support: presence first, then resources, plus the power of finding your people: your team, your tribe, your board of directors. Memorable quotes from John Sammons “We have folks that don’t stay in the profession. We have folks that leave. We have folks that unfortunately develop substantial mental health crises up to and including, unfortunately, suicide in our profession.” “What an amazing privilege that we’re invited into somebody’s home to take care of them and to figure it out.” “Every one of those people expects to call 911 and have an expert show up and solve the problem.” “I work to live, I don’t live to work. And that’s a great philosophy to have.” “Everybody goes home ... but there should be an addendum on the bottom of it that says, ‘but everybody comes back tomorrow.’” “Nobody gets us like we get us.” “Leadership is action, not a title.” “Everybody has their bucket, and everybody’s bucket can only hold so much.” “Nobody got into this because we wanted to be crusty and angry and miserable and difficult to be around.” Episode timeline 00:40 – Rob opens the episode and introduces John Sammons and the theme: resilience and beyond 02:05 – John’s “Sammons 101” bio: Wake County APP, peer support, Lighthouse Leadership involvement 03:01 – Burnout data and why it matters for retention and wellbeing 04:16 – Wake County’s Advanced Practice Paramedic Program: the “three Rs” 05:03 – John’s post-COVID turning point: “I’m done ... I don’t want to do this anymore” 06:12 – What brings John back to work: purpose, people, privilege, challenge 09:16 – Prevention and balance: identity beyond the job, sleep, nutrition, purpose 12:15 – Peer support in practice: presence, triage, in-house clinician, canines, statewide resources 17:09 – Podcast/vodcast reminder and John’s slides supporting the discussion 18:14 – NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership: why relationships and peers are the real multiplier 20:39 – Mentorship as a resilience strategy: formal programs and informal investment 24:25 – Culture: administration vs frontline leaders vs unofficial leaders 28:06 – Closing reflections: remembering why we got into EMS 30:36 – Final takeaways Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.

    31 min

  3. JAN 22

    ‘We love this job — and it’s hurting us’: Paramedic Sophie on EMS burnout and culture change

    In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Sophie Fuller — better known across social media as Paramedic Sophie — joins host Rob Lawrence for a candid, energizing conversation about what it really feels like to work in EMS right now: pride, the pressure, the burnout, and the culture issues that too many providers have been taught to silently absorb. Sophie is a critical care ground paramedic, flight paramedic, educator and president of the Tennessee Association of EMS Providers (TAEMSP), and she brings a provider-first lens to everything from leadership visibility, to mental health and pay equity. Together, Rob and Sophie dig into why Sophie started creating content in the first place (hint: burnout and the need to connect), how social media can be used as a force for good, and what “healthy” EMS culture should look like in practice. Sophie shares practical advice for crews and leaders alike: Be human Say the uncomfortable thing Stop normalizing harm Build systems that “care back” for the people doing the work Memorable quotes “We're just working in systems that haven't yet learned how to care back for the provider.” — Sophie Fuller “Management by walking about. Don't be stuck in the office. Don't say my door is always open because that relies on people coming in to see you. Get out and go and see them.” — Rob Lawrence “We love this job and that distracts us from the fact that it's also hurting us.” — Sophie Fuller “Just because it's normal doesn't mean it's healthy.” — Sophie Fuller “We confuse trauma with tradition.” — Sophie Fuller Additional resources: Follow Paramedic Sophie on: YouTube Tik Tok “The Next Shift : A mentorship workbook for EMTs and Paramedics” | E-Book, by Sophie Fuller “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System” - PubMed Episode timeline 01:00 – Rob introduces Sophie Fuller (“Paramedic Sophie”) and frames the influencer vs. “effluencer” concept 02:14 – Sophie’s origin story: graphic design → hospital tech → EMT → volunteer fire → paramedic → critical care → flight 06:16 – TAEMSP: why Tennessee needed a provider-level association and the shift toward legislative advocacy 08:05 – Why she started with social media: two full-time 911 jobs, low pay, burnout and the need for an outlet/connection 09:32 – Defining EMS burnout: the “jar on the shelf” and cumulative strain that becomes chronic fatigue 13:26 – Sophie’s guidance to providers: vulnerability, telling the truth and not letting naysayers silence needed conversations 16:00 – Sophie’s message to leadership: don’t be the “Wizard of Oz” — show up, communicate and stay connected to crews 20:26 – EMS culture: self-sacrifice, silence, “earning your place through suffering,” and confusing trauma with tradition 23:10 – Sophie’s book “The Next Shift”: a field guide to “learn, lead and last” in EMS 26:03 – Mistakes and “just culture”: reporting, mentoring, anonymous reporting systems, and learning vs. blame 32:08 – Closing challenge: stop normalizing harm; speak up for culture and patient care 33:14 – Where to find Sophie online and how large her platform has become Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode.

    35 min

  4. JAN 15

    NEMSQA 2025 Report: In trauma care, consistency outperforms heroics

    In this episode of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence is joined by his own Medical Director, Dr. Maia Dorsett, to unpack the 2025 NEMSQA Measures Report — a deep dive into trauma-focused quality measures built largely from NEMSIS data. Dr. Dorsett frames the discussion around the central aim of quality improvement: Are we doing a good job? Are we delivering the best possible care? How do we get better? From pediatric vital signs to traumatic brain injury (TBI) fundamentals, she walks listeners through what the report reveals, what it can’t reliably measure yet, and why some of the “sexy” procedures are too rare to serve as useful system-wide metrics. The conversation highlights a recurring theme: fundamentals matter most. Dr. Dorsett explains how measures like complete vital signs and avoiding secondary brain injury in TBI (hypoxia, hypotension, hyperventilation) can drive meaningful outcomes — even during relatively short prehospital intervals. She also points out where current measurement approaches unintentionally create documentation burden for clinicians, arguing that systems should do more of the “figuring out” (like trauma center designation and prenotification capture) without requiring extra clicks. The episode closes with a call to action: anyone can join NEMSQA, contribute to the work, and help shape what EMS quality measurement becomes next. Memorable quotes from Dr. Maia Dorsett “I think the most fundamental question in quality improvement is, are we doing a good job?” “I think part of the value of this report is specifically looking at those things and saying what should we be measuring using NEMSIS data or how should things be integrated into that database so that the answers are there rather than needing to be documented on each individual case?” “If there's one thing that you're going to take away from this trauma report is that, the sexy stuff is important, but it happens rarely. And if you want to improve care in your system, it's about the fundamentals of good care.” Additional resources NEMSQA 2025 Report Release EMS One-Stop: Leading through momentum: Dr. Douglas Kupas on steering NAEMSP Episode timeline 00:31 – Rob welcomes listeners; introduces the 2025 NEMSQA measures discussion and notes prior episode with Dr. Jeff Jarvis 01:10 – Dr. Dorsett joins; holiday surge discussion and flu impact on EDs and admissions 03:08 – Dr. Dorsett explains her role as co-chair of NEMSQA’s Measure Analysis and Research Committee; trauma focus of the 2025 report; pain measures not included due to active research 05:00 – NEMSIS scale and opportunity: extracting meaningful measures from a massive national dataset 05:35 – Dr. Dorsett on what NEMSIS measures well vs. what it shouldn’t force clinicians to document (system should determine trauma center status) 07:46 – “HALO procedures” table: why rare interventions shouldn’t become national quality measures 10:17 – Trauma 08: complete vital signs; pediatric gap (adults ~93% vs pediatrics ~85% in discussion) 14:22 – TBI measures: preventing secondary brain injury; why fundamentals outperform “sexy” fixes; correction rates for hypotension/hypoxia discussed 21:39 – Trauma 04: trauma triage criteria and transport to trauma centers; why national measure looks low; documentation field limitations 24:17 – State collaboration comparison: using state trauma center designation data shifts performance dramatically (often 75–90%+ in examples) 26:55 – Trauma 14: hospital prenotification; importance and measurement challenges (multiple modalities, inconsistent capture) 30:01 – Rob raises operational/policy concerns about trauma alerts and incentives; Dr. Dorsett adds nuance about local criteria variation 33:22 – Closing: Dr. Dorsett’s “fundamentals matter” takeaway; impact at scale 34:44 – Dr. Dorsett plugs joining NEMSQA as an individual/agency; committees are open 35:31 – NAEMSP Tampa preview; Dr. Dorsett: “The people” are why she goes — leaves energized with new ideas Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode.

    37 min

  5. JAN 8

    Leading through momentum: Dr. Douglas Kupas on steering NAEMSP

    Dr. Douglas Kupas joins Rob Lawrence to kick off EMS One-Stop in 2026, reflecting on his first year as President of NAEMSP — a year he describes as fast-moving, complex and occasionally “whack-a-mole,” with emerging issues demanding real-time leadership while long-term priorities still had to move forward. He shares what he’s learned about the presidency, the value of NAEMSP’s leadership “bench strength,” and why advocacy and coalition-building across national EMS organizations has become more coordinated, more strategic and more essential. The conversation then turns to what’s immediately ahead: the NAEMSP Annual Meeting in Tampa (late January), including pre-conference courses, the flagship Medical Director’s Course, and a packed scientific program. Kupas highlights a keynote focused on transforming battlefield trauma care; major research programming through oral abstracts and hundreds of posters; and high-impact sessions spanning clinical care, operations, legal issues, and international perspectives — reinforcing why the Tampa meeting remains a must-attend event for anyone serious about the science and future of EMS. Episode timeline 00:00 – Rob tees up NAEMSP Annual Meeting growth as a “good problem to have” 00:50 – Welcome/Happy New Year 2026; Dr. Kupas introduced as first guest of the year 01:45 – Year one as NAEMSP president: what’s surprised Dr. Kupas, pace of work, governance “bench strength” 04:26 – NEMSAC termination: what happened, what NAEMSP hopes comes next 07:02 – Building the pipeline: medical student/resident interest group, travel support ideas 08:47 – “Hot off the press:” NAEMSP accepted into WHO Acute Care Action Network 10:08 – Advocacy “hunting as a pack:” overlapping national orgs, EMS on the Hill coordination 12:40 – Why Hill visits work: stories, staffers and why first-timers matter 16:48 – “White hat” advocacy and patient-centered priorities; ED wall time as a key issue 20:07 – Tampa preview: “It’s not just for docs,” NAEMSP membership structure 22:11 – Pre-cons overview: Medical Director’s Course, QI workshop, MIH, ventilation, blood, TECC 23:55 – Keynote: Dr. Frank Butler and special intro by Dr. Bob Mabry; Grand Rounds obstetric focus 27:45 – Major legal session format and why legal content draws a crowd 29:28 – Space constraints and future planning: small convention centers; San Diego “buyout” scale 31:49 – Research explosion: oral abstracts, posters, receptions; better ways to access abstracts 34:39 – “Meat of the conference:” operations, clinical topics, international speakers/learning 36:49 – Closing question: Bill details Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode.

    39 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    The EMS Avenger returns: Jimmy Apple’s no-holds-barred take on tech, burnout and backboards

    As the year wraps, Rob Lawrence welcomes back the “EMS Avenger” Jimmy Apple for a fast-moving, end-of-year pulse check on the EMS universe — through the lens of social media, research and what frontline clinicians are actually saying when the mic is on and the comments are open. Building on last week’s data-and-trends conversation , this episode pivots into “the world according to Jimmy Apple” and his alter ego, the EMS Avenger, exploring what’s made providers lean in, push back or flat-out declare “enough is enough.” | SHARE YOUR STORY: A call for real stories from the EMS field, station and beyond  From burnout and workforce conditions to AI-assisted ECG interpretation and the rise of microlearning, the conversation lands on a central theme: the future of EMS isn’t just protocols — it’s people, technology and how we choose to learn, adapt and debate. Jimmy also names his “paper of the year” on spinal immobilization, explains how he handles disagreement without falling into “quicksand arguments,” and previews a packed 2026 speaking calendar — plus a relaunch of his podcast. Memorable quotes “If we can just verify that you’re retaining the information, that’s much more important than the veracity of how long it took you to get that information.” — Jimmy Apple “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.” — Jimmy Apple “That’s the future; is that literally, we’re going to swipe it, absorb it and swipe away again.” — Rob Lawrence “My paper of the year is the paper that was published on spinal mobilization … It does not support the use of backboards as anything other than an extrication tool.” — Jimmy Apple “I think that a big push that I’m making this year is to really start talking about the EMS provider as the person.” — Jimmy Apple Episode timeline 00:56 — Rob welcomes listeners, references year-in-review data and notes ambulance thefts continue to trend. 01:38 — Rob brings Jimmy back and asks for a quick summary of Jimmy’s year and growing reach, and the top themes Jimmy has seen. 04:12 — Jimmy identifies provider conditions and mindset as the dominant theme and describes discussion of collapse/collapsing systems. 06:12 — Jimmy explains social media as the pulse point and highlights burnout, anger and provider frustration. 06:52 — Jimmy pivots to technology’s growing role and EMS resistance to tech encroachment in practice. 07:23 — Rob connects the tech thread to conference observations (Axon, AI). Jimmy gives examples (AI 12-lead, apps) and argues tech advancement shouldn’t be rejected due to “skill deterioration” fears. 09:34 — Rob asks Jimmy’s “how do you explain complex concepts quickly?” Jimmy uses the Michelangelo anecdote to describe stripping concepts to essentials; critiques padded, time-gated education. 12:29 — Jimmy argues for education credit models that recognize microlearning and self-directed learning if retention can be verified. 14:04 — Rob asks for standout research; Jimmy discusses RSI/induction agent considerations, pressors debate and prehospital antibiotics. 16:47 — Rob and Jimmy preview NAEMSP’s annual meeting (“research Disney”), value of posters, networking and clinical depth. 18:26 — Jimmy names spinal immobilization evidence review as his “paper of the year” and explains its conclusions. 21:36 — Rob asks how Jimmy handles disagreement/detractors with a larger platform — Jimmy describes disagreement as healthy, focuses on respectful pushback and staying anchored in data. 29:00 — Final question: Jimmy emphasizes “provider as person,” healing the clinician and a sponsored podcast relaunch in January. Additional resources Meet the EMS Avenger: Saving lives with kindness and content. TikTok sensation and pediatric critical care paramedic Jimmy Apple shares his rise in EMS education, battling misinformation with heart and hustle Jimmy Apple’s “paper of the year:” Millin MG, Innes JC, King GD, Abo BN, et al. “Prehospital Trauma Compendium: Prehospital Management of Spinal Cord Injuries — A NAEMSP Comprehensive Review and Analysis of the Literature.” Prehosp Emerg Care. 2025 Aug. Connect with Jimmy Apple, better known as The EMS Avenger: TikTok — Jimmy offers short-form, evidence-based EMS content here: @emsavenger Instagram — Engage with in-depth reels, visuals, and professional updates: @emsavenger X (formerly Twitter) — Follow EMS commentary, conversation, and boosts: @EMSAvenger Facebook — Join the group for discussions and shared insights: EMS Avenger community Apple Podcasts — Listen to “EMS Avenger: 20 Minutes to Save the World”: Weekly podcast series AAA & AIMHI EMS Media Log: EMS Intel Enjoying the show? Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

    31 min

  7. 12/26/2025

    EMS at the edge: Inside a year of reckoning and redesign

    As EMS closes out 2025, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Matt Zavadsky (PWWAG) and Rodney Dyche (Patient Care EMS Solutions) for their second annual EMSIntel.org “year in review” conversation — a fast-moving tour through the biggest stories shaping the EMS profession. Drawing from the EMSIntel news log (now 3,849 stories as of the morning of recording), the trio connects what’s making headlines to what EMS leaders are experiencing on the ground: unstable economics, governance pressure, system redesign and rising operational risk. The discussion lands on several recurring themes: economic sustainability as the dominant issue; the real-world politics of tax levies and “essential service” designations; the ongoing obsession with response times (and what they cost); preventable ambulance thefts escalating in severity; and the importance of measuring and publishing clinical outcomes and meaningful performance metrics. The through-line: communities are being forced into more honest conversations about what they can afford — and what EMS should look like going into 2026. | SHARE YOUR STORY: A call for real stories from the EMS field, station and beyond Memorable quotes “Having a thoughtful conversation about what your system needs to look like on the go forward is paramount.” — Rodney Dyche “If you don’t talk about yourself, somebody else will, and then you don’t control the narrative.” — Rob Lawrence “Our No. 1 focus really needs to be on the economic sustainability of these systems because we are past the breaking point.” — Matt Zavadsky “Response times equals speed; speed equals crashes.” — Rob Lawrence “These theft incidents are … in almost all cases, 100% preventable by an aftermarket device … probably for 100 or $150.” — Rodney Dyche “Response times are expensive. The shorter that you want your response times, the more money it’s going to take.” — Matt Zavadsky “Across every provider type … the fee-for-service revenue is 50% to 60% below the cost of providing service. So when somebody says to you, ‘I can do this for free,’ ask more questions.” — Matt Zavadsky “Response times are used as a cudgel.” — Rodney Dyche Episode timeline 01:11 – Rob introduces the end of 2025 reflection and 2026 look-ahead; welcomes Matt Zavadsky and Rodney Dyche for the second annual EMSIntel year-in-review. 02:26 – Rodney reports the EMSIntel log count (“3,849 as of this morning”); Rob explains EMSIntel’s purpose: curating national EMS stories to identify themes and brief stakeholders. 04:13 – Matt names the year’s biggest issue: economic sustainability; the fiscal model is broken and impacts everything else. 06:32 – Matt walks through the “AnyTown EMS” trajectory: communities can’t sustain old models, must define service levels, use system intelligence, and redesign for a modern “2028 model.” 09:06 – Matt cites the Medicare/RAND cost collection findings and warns that fee-for-service revenue sits far below actual costs; “ask more questions” when someone promises “free.” 10:12 – The group discusses communities pursuing tax levies and essential-service framing; Rodney contrasts places that pass funding measures with places that don’t, and highlights local politics and competing priorities. 11:52 – Matt clarifies that “essential service” means different things to the public versus statute; agencies need trust, transparency and real community education to succeed at the ballot box. 13:50 – Rodney describes the “cost of readiness” misunderstanding (public sees mileage, not readiness); Matt pushes proactive reporting (monthly/quarterly/annual) to build credibility. 15:35 – Matt pivots to response times: they’re expensive, clinically relevant in a small fraction of cases, and should be approached with evidence-based expectations and better triage/EMD practices. 18:14 – Rodney connects hot responses to preventable intersection crashes and modern driver realities; the discussion frames safety risk as a growing operational storyline. 20:21 – Matt adds an editorial caution that crashes are not confined to any one sector; points to recent examples including serious injuries during responses. 22:37 – Rob returns to ambulance thefts; Rodney calls most thefts preventable; Matt argues the basic lock discipline exists already and presses for stronger accountability and accreditation-style best practice. 26:11 – Rob flags downstream legal and regulatory risk (litigation exposure after stolen-unit crashes; DEA-controlled substances security implications). 26:52 – Rodney raises staffing; notes fewer staffing stories than 2024 but questions whether the situation is truly better; mentions earn-to-learn pipeline concerns. 28:13 – Matt describes the shift toward tiered deployment and greater EMT utilization, reducing pressure to staff large numbers of paramedics for calls that don’t require that level. 30:17 – Matt emphasizes outcomes and meaningful performance metrics; argues many systems still report the wrong measures and should lead with clinical metrics, patient experience, and quality indicators. 31:08 – Rodney reinforces that response times get weaponized in governance decisions; notes boards can be swayed by “advanced skills” narratives rather than outcome data. 33:25 – Forward-looking wrap: Matt highlights daily calls from communities that “can’t afford this anymore” and urges leaders to seize the redesign opportunity; Rodney echoes the need for planning and honest community conversations. Additional resources: AAA & AIMHI EMS Media Log: EMS Intel Fast & spurious: America keeps losing ambulances and the fix is cheap Callouts, chaos and career killers: The biggest EMS stories of the year Enjoying EMS One-Stop? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.

    36 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    We deserve this: The Journey to a National EMS Memorial in D.C.

    In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence revisits an issue close to the heart of every EMS professional: creating a permanent National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C. Rob is joined by Tony O’Brien and James Robinson from the National EMS Memorial Foundation to provide a clear, candid update on where the project stands, why it matters, and what still needs to be done. From the Weekend of Remembrance to the dream of a year-round place of solace and reverence in the nation’s capital, this conversation lays out the long road from idea to reality — and why EMS, as James puts it, truly deserves this. Tony and James walk listeners through the 24-step federal Commemorative Works Act process, the hard work of narrowing 312 potential sites down to three, and the current push to reauthorize the Foundation’s federal authority through House Resolution 2196 and Senate Bill 2546. They explain the preferred site in front of the Hubert H. Humphrey Building (HHS), the partnership with MIT’s School of Architecture and Urban Risk Lab on a powerful design, and the practical realities of funding, sponsorship and bureaucracy. Most importantly, they end with a clear call to action for the EMS community: contact your elected officials, donate what you can, and help spread the word so that a permanent memorial to EMS can finally take its place in Washington, D.C. Additional resources EMS Memorial EMS Memorial Bills: HR 2196  S2546  2025 National EMS Weekend of Honor recognizes 29 fallen EMS workers ‘Never forgotten’: 2025 Moving Honors procession honors 29 EMS providers lost in the line of duty Episode timeline 00:44 – Rob introduces the episode, sets the scene for a revisit of the National EMS Memorial effort, and welcomes guests Tony O’Brien and James Robinson. 01:30 – Tony and James share their backstories. 03:53 – Tony explains the origins of the Foundation at the Weekend of Remembrance/Weekend of Honor and the realization that EMS needs a permanent memorial people can visit year-round. 06:54 – James outlines the Commemorative Works Act, the 24-step process, and how the Foundation has reached step 15-16 over roughly 15 years. 07:54 – Tony details the grueling site-selection work: visiting 312 sites, environmental and noise studies, traffic and solitude considerations, and narrowing to three candidate locations. 10:48 – James describes the need for an Act of Congress to begin, Congressman Stephen Lynch’s early sponsorship, and the 2018 authorization that started a 7-year clock — complicated by the pandemic and federal shutdowns. 13:12 – Tony explains how the initial authorization expired, the need for reauthorization and the most recent Senate subcommittee hearing on federal lands where James testified. 16:41 – James and Tony frame the new bills: Senate Bill 2546 and House Resolution 2196, their bipartisan sponsors and the push for more co-sponsors. 19:49 – Tony lays out the three-point call to action: contact Congress, donate via EMSMemorial.org, and follow/share @EMSMemorial on social media. 23:06 – Tony describes the three remaining sites and why Independence Ave. & 3rd St SW, in front of HHS, is the preferred location. 24:42 – Tony highlights the pro-bono design work by MIT’s School of Architecture and Urban Risk Lab, and the deep engagement with providers, families and survivors. 26:32 – James explains the historical nexus of EMS with HEW/HHS and why the Humphrey Building plaza offers the right reverence, proximity to the Capitol and connection to EMS history. 29:01 – Tony and James discuss next steps: reauthorization first, then finalizing site and design to approach major sponsors with clear answers on location, look and cost — while acknowledging the project has been bootstrapped so far. 32:03 – Tony reassures donors: the Foundation is a 501(c)(3), the board are all volunteers with only necessary professional services paid from donations. 33:13 – Tony gives shout-outs to the National EMS Memorial Service and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, and explains how the three organizations’ missions align. 37:12 – Rob recaps the journey, reinforces the call to action, and closes the show with thanks to Tony and James and a reminder to visit EMSMemorial.org and like/subscribe to EMS One-Stop. Rate & review the EMS One-Stop podcast Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify and RSS feed.

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Explore the forefront of EMS leadership with Rob Lawrence on the ”EMS One-Stop” Podcast. Tackling critical issues like staffing, service delivery and operational challenges, each episode delves into the latest in patient care enhancement, EMS technology advancements; and emerging trends like AI, telehealth, quality improvement and alternate destinations with industry experts. Rob Lawrence brings to the table his extensive expertise from decades of service spanning the American Ambulance Association, AIMHI, Richmond Ambulance Authority, Pro EMS, Prodigy EMS Education and the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust. Stay informed with the latest EMS industry news, organizational updates and inspiring agency success stories. Tune in to the ”EMS One-Stop” Podcast for a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of EMS leadership in today’s dynamic prehospital care landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    emsonestop
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    EMS One-Stop