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In this special interview episode, Mike and Max sit down with one of the most influential people in their EMS journey: Carter Rowe, EMT, firefighter, EMS lieutenant, and leader of the volunteer program at Chalfont Regional EMS.
Carter shares how he entered EMS as a teenager, progressed from interfacility transport and critical care work into busy 911 systems, and eventually found himself leading and developing new providers. The conversation explores the value of starting in IFT, the differences between Pennsylvania and New Jersey EMS systems, leading paramedics as a BLS provider, and what students should look for when choosing an agency.
They also discuss EMS culture, work ethic, mentorship, mental health, maintaining a life outside emergency services, and why credentials alone do not equal competency. Along the way, Mike and Max finally reveal the identity of the lieutenant they have referenced throughout the show—and celebrate becoming employees at the organization where they began as volunteers.
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Check out Carter!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-rowe-96313334a/
https://www.instagram.com/carestartswithcharacter
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Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Intro and introducing Lieutenant Carter Rowe
02:54 – Mike and Max reveal their EMS service and employment news
05:09 – Leadership, mentorship, and Carter’s surprisingly young age
08:34 – Care Starts with Character
10:07 – Carter’s path into fire and EMS
14:05 – Starting young and learning through interfacility transport
19:04 – Fire versus EMS as a career
20:09 – Working in Trenton and the New Jersey EMS model
25:53 – Moving from provider to EMS leadership
27:50 – Building and managing a volunteer program
34:11 – Leading paramedics as a BLS provider
38:27 – Carter’s future education and career goals
40:06 – What new EMTs should look for in an agency
43:21 – Red flags, equipment, and organizations that invest in their people
48:26 – How students can stand out during clinical time
51:00 – Communication, patient interaction, and work ethic
55:31 – Finding purpose as an EMS provider and leader
58:08 – Motorcycles, risk, and living beyond the job
1:03:02 – Mental health and the cumulative effects of EMS
1:09:27 – Burnout, balance, friendships, and management
1:15:05 – The Great Uncrustables Debate
1:18:25 – Closing advice: Credentials do not equal competency
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.
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🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links
https://www.RideAlongEMTSchool.com
By Mike Fiore | Max Lizana | Jonathon AldridgeIn this special interview episode, Mike and Max sit down with one of the most influential people in their EMS journey: Carter Rowe, EMT, firefighter, EMS lieutenant, and leader of the volunteer program at Chalfont Regional EMS.
Carter shares how he entered EMS as a teenager, progressed from interfacility transport and critical care work into busy 911 systems, and eventually found himself leading and developing new providers. The conversation explores the value of starting in IFT, the differences between Pennsylvania and New Jersey EMS systems, leading paramedics as a BLS provider, and what students should look for when choosing an agency.
They also discuss EMS culture, work ethic, mentorship, mental health, maintaining a life outside emergency services, and why credentials alone do not equal competency. Along the way, Mike and Max finally reveal the identity of the lieutenant they have referenced throughout the show—and celebrate becoming employees at the organization where they began as volunteers.
--------------------------------------
Check out Carter!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-rowe-96313334a/
https://www.instagram.com/carestartswithcharacter
--------------------------------------
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Intro and introducing Lieutenant Carter Rowe
02:54 – Mike and Max reveal their EMS service and employment news
05:09 – Leadership, mentorship, and Carter’s surprisingly young age
08:34 – Care Starts with Character
10:07 – Carter’s path into fire and EMS
14:05 – Starting young and learning through interfacility transport
19:04 – Fire versus EMS as a career
20:09 – Working in Trenton and the New Jersey EMS model
25:53 – Moving from provider to EMS leadership
27:50 – Building and managing a volunteer program
34:11 – Leading paramedics as a BLS provider
38:27 – Carter’s future education and career goals
40:06 – What new EMTs should look for in an agency
43:21 – Red flags, equipment, and organizations that invest in their people
48:26 – How students can stand out during clinical time
51:00 – Communication, patient interaction, and work ethic
55:31 – Finding purpose as an EMS provider and leader
58:08 – Motorcycles, risk, and living beyond the job
1:03:02 – Mental health and the cumulative effects of EMS
1:09:27 – Burnout, balance, friendships, and management
1:15:05 – The Great Uncrustables Debate
1:18:25 – Closing advice: Credentials do not equal competency
--------------------------------------
⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.
--------------------------------------
🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links
https://www.RideAlongEMTSchool.com