EMS One-Stop

Sitting for the National Registry exam might rank up there with colonoscopies in terms of excitement, but EMS educator Dan Limmer recently took the test. Why? To stay sharp, to keep his licenses and to see firsthand how the test has evolved. And guess what? He walked out impressed.

In this episode of Inside EMS, Dan sits down with host Chris Cebollero to break down his experience, share study strategies and offer test-taking wisdom for new and seasoned medics alike. He highlights how the test isn’t just a memory game — it’s about judgment, application and truly understanding why you make the decisions you do in the field.

From tackling the anxiety factor to navigating new question formats (hello, multi-response and scenario-based questions), Dan gives practical advice for anyone gearing up for the exam. Whether you’re an EMT candidate or a veteran paramedic thinking about challenging yourself with a retest, this episode is packed with useful takeaways.

Memorable quotes

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In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes back Dr. Alex Isakov, a leading expert in infectious diseases from NETEC and Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Isakov provides valuable updates on current and emerging infectious diseases; their global impact; and the critical role EMS professionals play in identifying, isolating and protecting themselves and their patients.

This discussion highlights key infectious diseases, including H5N1 (avian flu/bird flu), Mpox (previously known as monkeypox), Ebola, Marburg, Lassa fever and seasonal flu, providing EMS personnel with essential knowledge and safety protocols in light of ongoing global health concerns.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Isakov offers insights into the latest outbreaks, the importance of vaccinations, and strategies for responding to potential infectious disease threats. He stresses the necessity of remaining vigilant and prepared for high-consequence diseases while maintaining optimal patient care.

From the evolving threat of H5N1 to the resurgence of seasonal influenza, Dr. Isakov ensures that EMS professionals are equipped with the most relevant and up-to-date information needed to protect both themselves and their communities.

Summary of key infectious diseases covered by Dr. Isakov

H5N1 (avian influenza/bird flu): Dr. Isakov provides an update on the H5N1 outbreak in poultry and dairy herds, stressing the importance of limiting human exposure and watching for potential mutations that could lead to human-to-human transmission.

Mpox (Clade 1B): Dr. Isakov discusses the risk of Mpox, particularly Clade 1B, which remains prevalent in Central Africa but has now spread to other countries, including the United States. He highlights the importance of identifying travel history and unusual rashes, along with strict protective measures for EMS clinicians.

Ebola and Marburg: These diseases continue to present a risk, with smaller outbreaks currently ongoing in Uganda (Ebola) and Tanzania (Marburg). Dr. Isakov notes the importance of being prepared to identify and isolate individuals who may have been exposed during travel to these regions.

Lassa fever: Dr. Isakov points out the ongoing concern of Lassa fever in West Africa and emphasizes that EMS professionals should be on alert for symptoms in travelers who have visited affected regions.

Seasonal influenza: The seasonal flu outbreak is particularly severe this year, and Dr. Isakov underscores the importance of vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations, to reduce serious illness and hospital strain.

Timeline

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and guest, Dr. Alex Isakov

01:33 – Uupdate on Mpox (Clade 1B) and its global spread

05:24 – Ebola and Marburg outbreaks: ongoing concerns in Uganda and Tanzania

08:01 – Lassa Fever in West Africa and its impact on EMS professionals

13:05 – The importance of travel vaccinations for high-risk areas like malaria zones

15:13 – Mystery illness in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the investigation into its cause

17:01 – H5N1 and avian influenza concerns, including potential human transmission risks

22:02 – Severity of the current seasonal flu outbreak and vaccination recommendations

25:24 – EMS community's role in flu and measles vaccination advocacy

29:05 – Discussing surge conditions and excess mortality during pandemics

32:01 – Closing remarks, including updates on new NITEC EMS resources

Additional infectious disease resources

Recruiting and retaining EMS professionals has been an ongoing challenge across the U.S., made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of the EMS One–Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Joe Schmider, Texas State EMS director, to discuss the $21M Texas EMS Workforce Initiative — a data-driven approach to recruiting and retaining EMS providers statewide.

Schmider details how Texas identified a 40% non-utilization rate among certified EMS professionals, successfully secured state funding, and launched an innovative recruitment and retention campaign. With over 10,915 new personnel added since 2019, this program serves as a model for other states struggling with EMS workforce shortages. This episode is full of actionable insights for EMS leaders, policymakers and recruiters alike.

00:08 – Rob Lawrence introduces guest Joe Schmider, Texas EMS director

00:26 – The EMS staffing crisis and how COVID-19 accelerated workforce shortages

01:36 – How Texas used data to identify a 40% EMS non-utilization rate

02:51 – How Texas EMS leaders secured $21 million in funding

04:31 – Structuring EMS scholarships and training requirements

06:41 – The success of the recruitment campaign: 3,152 scholarships awarded

08:46 – How Texas reached 50 million views in its EMS recruitment campaign

11:16 – EMS workforce retention: The challenges of pay and treatment

13:46 – Addressing rural EMS shortages and workforce gaps

16:01 – How Texas EMS associations helped advocate for change

18:21 – The future of EMS funding and advocacy efforts

21:01 – Lessons from corporate retention strategies: What EMS can learn from HEB grocery stores

24:01 – The importance of EMS provider wellness: Texas’ Wellness Wednesday initiative

26:01 – Final takeaways: Lessons for other states and EMS leaders

28:01 – Closing thoughts and how to access Texas EMS resources

Connect with Joe Schmider: [email protected]/512-484-5470

Texas EMS Careers and Education

In EMS, where the stress is high and space is tight, conflict is bound to happen. Whether it’s a personality clash with your partner, frustration over unclear responsibilities or a disagreement with leadership, knowing how to navigate workplace tension is a crucial skill.  

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson break down conflict resolution strategies. Whether you’re dealing with an overbearing supervisor, a partner who won’t pull their weight or just the everyday stress of the job, this episode will arm you with the tools to handle conflict effectively. 

Memorable quotes:

“My way of dealing with these conflicts is, I try to remind myself that they're not so different from me. They want the same things in life. They just differ in how they want to get there.” — Kelly Grayson 

“We hear all the time that perception is reality, but what does that really mean? It means, if somebody thinks that you've slighted them, you've slighted them.” — Chris Cebollero 

 “Regardless of how good you are at practicing the art and science of leadership, conflict always happens, right?” — Chris Cebollero 

Additional resources:  

Toxic partners: The damage they do in EMS 

EMT partners: ‘The people that really make it happen’ on calls 

The 3-part EMS assessment: Your patient, your partner and yourself 

How to tell if your EMS partner is a jerk 

When crew dynamics disrupt patient care

Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest!

In this special episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes General Robert B. Neller, the 37th commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to discuss leadership, decision-making, team building and the evolving challenges facing public safety professionals.

General Neller shares his perspective on leading under pressure, making critical decisions, and fostering an ethical and resilient organizational culture. With decades of military leadership experience, he provides actionable insights that apply not only to the armed forces but also to EMS, law enforcement, and fire and rescue personnel.

Throughout the episode, General Neller emphasizes the importance of training, adaptability and the role of leadership in guiding organizations through times of uncertainty. He highlights the significance of ethical leadership, followership and how leaders must take responsibility for failures while empowering their teams.

The discussion also explores the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI and body-worn cameras on public safety, and the crucial need for ongoing training despite staffing and funding challenges. This thought-provoking conversation delivers key takeaways for current and aspiring leaders across all branches of public safety.

“Making decisions is part of your training — you’re expected to make them, and you have to do it in critical moments.”

“If I could wave a magic wand, I’d put everyone at 110% staffing so they had the time to train properly.”

“The leader’s job is to set the example — how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and how you communicate matters.”

“Good leaders anticipate. They don’t just react — they look ahead and keep their teams informed.”

“Followership isn’t blind obedience; it’s about understanding the mission, contributing ideas, and executing effectively.”

“Accepting responsibility is a core tenet of leadership — when things go wrong, the leader must own it.”

“Change is inevitable, and good leaders learn to embrace it while preparing their people for what’s ahead.”

“Take care of yourself — physically, mentally and morally — because leadership starts with personal discipline.”

“As a leader, you have to accept that sometimes you’ll make the right call, and things still won’t go your way — that’s part of the job.”

“You have to train and rehearse because time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted.”

“The worst thing you can hear as a leader is that ‘you don’t care’ — your people need to know that you do.”

“To build culture and cohesion, you set the example — you take the physical fitness test, you wear the uniform properly, and you carry yourself the right way.”

“Good leadership is not about the complete suppression of ideas — if you have time, get input, because someone might have a better idea than you.”

“If you have good followers, being a leader is significantly easier — if you don’t, it’s a challenge every day.”

“Change is inevitable — if you’re not evolving, you’re not making progress, and that’s a problem.”

New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans are always a spectacle, but this year, tragedy struck at 3:15 a.m. A truck barreled into the crowds, triggering what first responders feared was a vehicle-ramming attack. Within moments, New Orleans EMS was in full mass casualty mode — triaging, treating and coordinating with law enforcement amid the unfolding chaos. But things quickly escalated. As Chief Bill Salmeron recounts, responders soon discovered not only multiple critical patients, but also a shootout, a downed suspect and the chilling realization that explosive devices had been planted nearby. 

In this gripping episode, Chief Salmeron shares the inside story of how his team handled one of the most intense incidents in recent New Orleans history. He walks through the initial response, communication challenges and how well-drilled interagency coordination played a pivotal role. But beyond the logistics, he also speaks to the emotional toll — how EMS crews handled the psychological weight of triaging patients, working alongside grieving families and processing the magnitude of the event in the days after. 

Top quotes

“You don’t see that many fatalities in one place with possible explosives, an active shooter — or at least you shouldn’t in a civilian EMS world — but we do.” — Chief Bill Salmeron

"Anybody can command a scene. You don't have to be a paramedic. You don't have to be a chief or a doctor or whatever it is." — Chief Bill Salmeron

Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at [email protected] to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Nick Maltby, chief of service for New Hartford Volunteer Ambulance Service, and a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and PTSD. Nick brings a unique perspective, blending frontline EMS experience with mental health expertise to tackle one of the biggest issues in EMS today — mental health support that actually works.

“Depression is a voice that whispers to you that you can't do all the things that bring you joy.” — Kelly Grayson

“The first step to a problem getting worse is thinking, ‘I can't tell anybody, because if I did, they would ostracize me, they would fire me, they wouldn't be my friend,’ but it’s all in your head.” — Nick Maltby

Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at [email protected] to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Shana Beggan, Esq.; and Mike Pellow, Esq., defense attorneys representing one of the firefighters involved in the tragic Elijah McClain case.

Beggan and Pellow discuss the complex legal and systemic issues surrounding the incident, including communication breakdowns, inadequate training, and the challenges faced by EMS and fire personnel when operating in chaotic environments. They also address the broader implications for EMS professionals, highlighting the importance of proper documentation, the use of body-worn cameras, and the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration between police and EMS teams.

This interview provides invaluable insights into the case and the steps necessary to improve EMS practices moving forward.

Beggan and Pellow share their experiences navigating the criminal and civil aspects of the case, emphasizing the importance of understanding the limitations and constraints that EMS providers face in high-pressure situations. They also advocate policy changes, such as enhanced training, better resource allocation and the introduction of body-worn cameras to protect both first responders and the patients they serve.

Their passionate discussion sheds light on the need for reform within EMS, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own practices and consider how they can contribute to a safer and more effective emergency response system.

"First responders are people who run towards difficulties and trauma when many run away, and to see somebody be charged in this situation and the fallout from it ... has become a very strong passion for myself and for Mike." — Shana Beggan

"You take somebody – basically the bottom of an entire healthcare system – and say, let's blame this person, let's criminalize this. That is the wrong thing to do." — Mike Pellow

"I think that we need to allow for honest conversations in a safe way, not a blame-the-finger approach." — Shana Beggan

"We need to be better at helping first responders, not making them look over their shoulders and thinking, ‘Where am I going to get whacked in the back of the head if something goes wrong?’" — Mike Pellow

"We perform the way we train, and here the training was poor. We condone or even promote what we fail to address." — Shana Beggan

Improve documentation practices. Ensure that EMS providers document not only their actions, but also their thought processes. This can help prevent misinterpretation of their actions in high-stress situations and provide valuable context in legal proceedings.

Advocate for body-worn cameras. Implement body-worn cameras for EMS teams to improve transparency, protect first responders, and provide better evidence for both patient care and legal purposes. However, ensure that funding for such programs comes from appropriate sources, rather than placing additional strain on already underfunded EMS budgets.

Enhance training and protocols. EMS and police departments should collaborate on joint training sessions, focusing on clear communication, proper patient handoffs, and how to handle complex situations, like excited delirium. Ensure that protocols are updated regularly and that training is implemented in real-world scenarios.

01:48 – Introduction: Rob Lawrence introduces the episode and guests Shana Beggan, Esq.; and Mike Pellow, Esq.

04:21 – Case background: Pellow provides a brief overview of the Elijah McClain case, the charges against the paramedics, and the current status of the case.

07:10 – Communication breakdowns: Beggan discusses the major issues surrounding communication between police and EMS, particularly the lack of information shared between the different teams at the scene.

10:35 – Documentation and reporting: Beggan and Pellow emphasize the importance of documentation in EMS, especially in legal situations, and discuss how inadequate reporting and the failure to document actions and decisions contributed to the case.

12:01 – Body-worn cameras: Pellow advocates for the use of body-worn cameras in EMS to provide better documentation and protect both patients and responders.

19:25 – Police and EMS collaboration: Beggan and Pellow discuss the importance of training police and EMS teams together to improve coordination and response.

28:00 – Legal implications and criminalization of EMS: Beggan and Pellow discuss the growing trend of criminalizing medical practice in EMS and the need to protect providers from unjust legal consequences.

46:11 – Support from fire leadership: Beggan shares the support from the Aurora fire chief, who highlighted systemic failures and underscored the importance of better training and protocols.

50:57 – Closing remarks: Rob thanks Beggan and Pellow for sharing their insights and the discussion closes with a focus on the need for systemic change within EMS and emergency response. 

In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss some of the biggest news stories in EMS from the month.

First up: A fire chief in Colorado is under investigation for running nearly 300 medical calls on an expired paramedic certification from 2019. What happens when leadership sets a bad example for their crews?

The pair also discuss several mental health initiatives, including the University of Washington’s new first responder training program and the mental health teams supporting evacuees of California’s wildfires.

Plus, Chris reacts to an idea floated by the new White House administration to reduce FEMA’s role, and Kelly gives his take on why the agency – despite its flaws – is a necessity.

Have an EMS-related news story you want Chris and Kelly to analyze? Send an email to [email protected].

 “If you don't want to pay for it, then, then don't gripe about poor response times ... or inadequate care, because you wouldn't pay for it.” — Kelly Grayson

“ You know, during COVID, we were heroes.  And we squandered that goodwill and let ourselves be pushed onto the back burner until something horrific happens to California. And then firefighting leaps into the breach again. Then, those citizens are incredibly grateful, but when this is all over, they'll fade back into obscurity again.” — Kelly Grayson

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by Philips. Time to take pre-hospital emergency care to the next level. Time for Tempus.

Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at [email protected] to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest. 

In this sobering episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Chief Bill Salmeron of New Orleans EMS to discuss the tragic events that unfolded on New Year’s Day 2025, when a vehicle plowed through crowds in the French Quarter, resulting in 15 fatalities and 57 injuries, including two police officers.

Chief Salmeron provides a detailed account of the incident, the immediate EMS response, and the coordinated efforts with law enforcement and hospitals to manage the mass casualty incident.

The conversation also delves into the psychological impact on EMS personnel, the value of training and preparedness, and lessons learned from handling such a large-scale event.

Chief Salmeron emphasizes the importance of communication, mutual aid and the mental wellbeing of first responders, offering insights into how New Orleans EMS plans to support its teams in the long recovery process ahead.

00:21 – Introduction to the episode and overview of 2025’s challenging start, including the New Year’s Day tragedy in New Orleans

Additional resources