EMS One-Stop

By emsonestopMedicine Health & Fitness Government

EMS One-Stop episodes

April 12, 2024‘A series of unfortunate events’: The danger of bias cascade in EMS
“Sometimes we make a decision, and it snowballs.” Our cohosts get vulnerable on this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, sharing times in their career when they suffered from cascade bias – using incorrect supplied or assumed information, which led to mistakes that compounded to the detriment of the patient. Have you experienced this in your career?
Plus, we dig into all this:
How to enhance your decision-making skills during times of uncertainty
Which U.S. Air Force acronym can help with bias reassessment
How experience can work against providers when it comes to bias
This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.
23 min
April 05, 2024The Ways and Means to ensure resilient emergency medical care
In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, Dr. Edward Racht and Matt Zavadsky join Rob Lawrence to discuss their recent attendance at the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means hearing on “Access to Health Care in America: Ensuring Resilient Emergency Medical Care,” which took place in an off-site hearing in Denton, Texas, on March 18, 2024.
Dr. Racht, chief medical officer of Global Medical Response; and Zavadsky, chief transformation officer for the Metropolitan Area EMS Authority (MedStar Mobile Healthcare) discuss the evidence and the key issues they conveyed to the committee.
Dr. Racht's testimony included:
The significant advancements made in emergency medicine over the past decades, leading to reduced mortality and disability rates for patients.
The importance of updating Medicare reimbursement rates for ambulance services, which have not been revised for over 20 years.
Advocating for wholesale reform of Medicare's coverage of emergency medical services to align with contemporary practices, such as covering treatment in place and transportation to alternative healthcare sites.
Matt Zavadsky's testimony included:
The impact of CMS payment policies on EMS, which incentivize unnecessary transportation of patients to the emergency room.
Innovative programs initiated by EMS agencies to prevent unnecessary 911 calls and navigate patients to appropriate care settings.
Legislative changes required to provide EMS with flexibility in patient navigation, including treatment in place and transport to alternate destinations.
The challenges faced by ambulance services nationwide, especially in rural areas, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top quotes from this episode
“We are the front of the frontline in medicine.” — Dr. Ed Racht
"Our coordinated and integrated EMS and healthcare system now gives gravely injured patients ... the opportunity for rapid surgical intervention and a chance at full recovery." — Dr. Ed Racht
"Emergency healthcare professionals pride ourselves on our ability to dramatically decrease morbidity and mortality from unexpected and sudden illness and injury." — Dr. Ed Racht
"CMS payment policy is such that we are incentivized to transport every 911 patient to the ER because that is the only time we get paid." — Matt Zavadsky
"Ambulance services are a vital component of our local and national healthcare and emergency response systems." — Matt Zavadsky
"Innovative EMS agencies ... have initiated patient-centric programs designed to prevent 911 calls and navigate patients to the most appropriate care setting." — Matt Zavadsky
"Ambulance services across the nation, especially in rural areas, are facing unprecedented challenges." — Matt Zavadsky
Episode contents
0:05 – Introduction
0:55 – Guest introduction
1:40 – Explaining the Ways and Means Committee
2:30 – We are being noticed!
3:40 – Preparing for a congressional hearing
5:40 – The impact of having a congressional hearing in an EMS location
5:58 – The genuine interest of the committee members
9:00 – Dr. Ed Racht testimony to the Congressional Ways and Means Committee
14:24 – Matt Zavadsky testimony to the Congressional Ways and Means Committee
20:52 – Dr. Racht and Zavadsky’s reactions to the evidence they gave and the feedback
29:00 – Zavadsky’s key points he wished to reinforce during his evidence session
31:45 – Balanced billing, patient protections and removing the patient from the middle of the process
32:50 – Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) and its challenges.
38:29 – Questions for Secretary Becerra on Capitol Hill
44:00 – Final thoughts
45:00 – A call to action to become one and present a united front “When we unify, we are unstoppable.”
48:00 – You the listener are the great politician
50 min
March 29, 2024‘Sell the sizzle, not the steak’: How to engage and captivate EMS audiences
This week our cohosts are talking about everyone’s favorite activity: public speaking. While you may not love talking to a crowd, knowing how to effectively deliver a presentation is not just for leaders. Providers at all levels should know how to communicate on a complex topic to a group of people. And who knows more about expounding on complex EMS topics than Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson?
The pair highlight their extensive experience as educators and industry speakers, discussing:
The key components of effective public speaking
How to make presentations more dynamic
Why you should be intimately familiar with your material
Tips and tricks for new public speakers
This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.
28 min
March 22, 2024‘We have to battle hard’: EMS pain points and what it will take to fix them
In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast, host Chris Cebollero and guest host Rob Lawrence delve into the dynamics of EMS leadership, legislative challenges and the pursuit of better reimbursement practices for EMS services. The conversation also digs into EMS on the Hill Day and how providers can impact legislation through advocacy.
Memorable quotes
"We say, 'When is someone going to do something?' And really, the charge is, 'When is everyone going to step up and do something?'" — Chris Cebollero
"We have to battle hard to increase our reimbursement, which therefore equates to income, which therefore equates to wages. It's not a case about we all want to go home in a Rolls-Royce.” — Rob Lawrence
"To get things done in EMS, we actually have to be good at convincing our locally elected officials." — Rob Lawrence
"The power of the folk out there, when they put their uniform on, when they get in front of these elected officials, is absolute." — Rob Lawrence
This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.
32 min
March 15, 2024Credibility code: Building trust beyond the call
Chris Cebollero is flying solo on this episode of Inside EMS as he details the impact of authenticity and integrity in EMS. Through anecdotes and insights, he illustrates how credibility influences leadership effectiveness, team trust and the reputation of the EMS profession.
Memorable quotes
“EMS is a very egotistical business; it’s the egotism that keeps us from asking ‘why?’”
“Experiences come from mistakes and mistakes come from a lack of experience.”
“Never allow your emotions to dictate your actions.”
About the sponsor
This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.
31 min
February 23, 2024EMS and the art of situational awareness
In this week’s episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into situational awareness, and the complexities and challenges faced every day by EMS professionals. The discussion emphasizes the importance of staying alert and prepared in emergency situations, following Cooper's Colors – a model illustrating different states of awareness from "tuned out" to "comatose."
This week’s conversation touches on:
The significance of situational awareness in EMS and how it can be the difference between life and death in emergency scenarios.
Strategies for maintaining and improving situational awareness on the job, including practical applications of Cooper's Colors and mental preparation techniques.
The psychological and emotional challenges of EMS work, offering insights into how EMS professionals navigate stress, uncertainty and the complexities of emergency response.
Memorable quotes
"I think that paramedics are great at ensuring the scene is safe. I think paramedics and EMTs are poor once we say the scene is safe ... we forget about what's going on." — Chris Cebollero
"’Safe scenes’ are what get EMTs killed because we don't go into unsafe scenes. It's the scene that we initially deemed safe that gets you killed because you don't see it coming." — Kelly Grayson
About the sponsor
This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.

EMS1 uses generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
24 min
February 16, 2024Engaging frontline providers with quality improvement
The latest episode of the Inside EMS podcast features a conversation with Mic Gunderson, president of the EMS Quality Academy and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Paramedicine.
The discussion offers insights into the evolution of EMS publications and the importance of quality and research in advancing the field.
Memorable quotes
"The people that most need to read current EMS research are the people most or least likely to read it." — Kelly Grayson
“It isn't really the people that were sitting in the cubicle with the red pen, marking up, you know, paper charts you know, and playing quality cop in the corner that were going to change process and system design and fundamentally improve the quality of what we do. It's really about the whole way the organization is managed.” — Mic Gunderson
Key takeaways
The evolution of EMS publications. Gunderson detailed the journey from the inception of the National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA) to the creation of the International Journal of Paramedicine. Highlighting the shift from a quality manager's focus to a broader management perspective, the conversation underscored the journal's role in elevating EMS discussions through scholarly discourse.
A platform for diverse discourse. The International Journal of Paramedicine aims to expand beyond clinical topics to include operations, administration and science, offering a wide lens on EMS practices.
The challenge of engaging the frontline. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around engaging EMS practitioners in research and quality improvement. The podcast highlighted the need for accessible and relevant research to inform practice and encourage progressive changes in prehospital care.
Community and collaboration. The podcast underscored the importance of community involvement in advancing EMS research and quality. Gunderson's call for volunteers and contributors to the journal reflects a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration within the EMS field.
The episode serves as a reminder of the vital role of research, quality improvement and community collaboration in advancing EMS practices.
About the sponsor
This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.
EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
31 min
February 07, 2024Next-gen emergency response: How live streaming can transform 911 dispatch
In this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss Orange County, Florida's adoption of live stream technology for 911 calls, a move that promises to enhance the quality of emergency response through better triage and patient care.
This episode of Inside EMS Podcast exemplifies the ongoing evolution of emergency medical services, marked by technological innovation, educational advancements, and the importance of leadership and community engagement in shaping the future of EMS.
Learn more: Fla. county launches livestream option for 911 calls
Cebollero and Grayson discussed how integrating video technology into 911 dispatch can improve EMS response in the following ways:
Enhanced triage accuracy. Live streaming allows dispatchers to visually assess the situation, leading to more accurate triage and resource allocation. This visual context can be crucial in determining the urgency and nature of the response needed. By providing dispatchers with a live visual feed, EMS teams can be better prepared upon arrival, knowing what to expect and potentially improving patient outcomes.
Supporting scene safety. Live streaming video in 911 dispatch can significantly improve scene safety for emergency medical personnel by providing real-time visuals of the incident site before their arrival. This advanced insight allows paramedics and EMTs to assess potential hazards, understand the severity of the situation, and prepare appropriate safety measures in advance. This technology empowers responders with crucial information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their approach and ensuring they can protect themselves effectively while delivering critical care.
Improved dispatcher-patient interaction: The ability to see the caller and the scene in real-time enhances communication between dispatchers and those in need, fostering a more empathetic and effective exchange of information.
Efficiency in emergency response. Visual cues obtained through live streaming can help in quickly identifying the nature of the emergency, potentially reducing response times and increasing the chances of a positive outcome.
Enhanced training opportunities. Recorded live streams can serve as valuable training tools, offering real-life scenarios for emergency responders and dispatchers to learn from and improve their skills.
Cross-agency collaboration. The integration of live streaming technology encourages collaboration between EMS, fire departments, police and other emergency services, enabling a more coordinated response to incidents.
While enthusiastic about the potential of new technologies, Cebollero and Grayson also discussed the need for caution and the anticipation of unforeseen challenges, particularly concerning the privacy and security of live streamed 911 calls.
Also in this episode
Innovations in EMS. Chris Cebollero shared his new role with QuickMedic and their innovative approach to utilizing paramedics for urgent care in collaboration with healthcare partners, indicating a shift towards more versatile roles for EMS professionals. He emphasized the importance of leadership and vision in developing effective teams across multiple states.
Education and training. Kelly Grayson shared experiences from teaching a new accelerated paramedic program, stressing the importance of rigorous standards and personalized feedback to ensure student success, highlighting the evolving educational methodologies in EMS training.
About the sponsor
This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.
EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
21 min
January 31, 2024Unraveling the complexities of heart blocks
Heart blocks present a significant challenge to EMTs and paramedics, demanding a high level of expertise and precision in both diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the nuances of different types of heart blocks is crucial for effective patient management. The ability to accurately recognize and differentiate between various heart blocks, such as bifascicular, trifascicular and other types, is not just a matter of academic understanding but a vital skill in the fast-paced environment of EMS.
In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss how to train EMTs and paramedics to recognize, differentiate and treat heart blocks.
Memorable quotes
"Some of the drugs that we give are sometimes cause many problems as they solve." — Kelly Grayson
"The best way to make an arrhythmia go away is to be prepared for the arrhythmia." — Kelly Grayson
“One of the things that we're talking about here is pacing. And I don't think that that's two things that we do very well in EMS. Paramedics don't pace and paramedics don't cardiovert. And one of the things that you've got to be able to remember is when those patients need both.” — Chris Cebollero
Key takeaways
Understanding heart blocks, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve deep into the recognition and differentiation of heart blocks. Grayson emphasizes the challenge EMTs face in distinguishing between various heart blocks, such as bifascicular and trifascicular blocks, highlighting the need for thorough training and understanding.
Treatment approaches. The podcast hosts discuss the traditional and contemporary treatment approaches to heart blocks, focusing on medications like atropine, lidocaine and procainamide. Grayson points out the delicate balance between treating the arrhythmia and avoiding exacerbating the patient's condition.
Electrical therapy preference. Both hosts advocate for the use of electrical therapy ("the Edison medicine") in critical cases of arrhythmias. They stress the importance of pacing in cases of bradycardia and cardioversion in tachycardia, especially when the patient is hemodynamically unstable.
Patient-centric care. A recurring theme is the importance of treating the patient, not just the monitor readings. This includes understanding when to apply treatments and recognizing when a wait-and-see approach might be more beneficial.
Educational insights. Grayson shares his teaching methods, including the use of analogies and the "AV block cheat sheet" to simplify complex concepts for EMTs and paramedics in training.
This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by LogRx. Learn a better way to track your narcotics at LogRx.com.
EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
27 min
January 25, 2024Emphasizing patient advocacy in EMS education
Critical insights into the implications of recent court rulings on EMS practice and patient care
This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.
In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into the complex and ever-evolving legal and ethical dimensions EMS. This episode comes in the wake of a significant court ruling in which two paramedics were found guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the Elijah McClain case. The hosts discuss this judgment's far-reaching implications for EMS professionals, emphasizing the heightened legal scrutiny and accountability now present in the field.
Memorable quotes
"More and more, we are starting to see prosecutors making examples of paramedics, EMTs, who are not doing the right thing, or them thinking they're not doing the right thing, and our peers are now starting to get connected with murder and manslaughter charges, and it's something that we have to be very, very cognizant of." — Chris Cebollero
"I think that where this case went off the rails is that both paramedics involved forgot that they were first and foremost patient advocates and were acting as law enforcement." — Kelly Grayson
"We're doing our job with ego and this isn't about you. This is about the people that call for our help, and we've got to break that habit, because our poor interactions with people are leading to those national calls when these folks die." — Chris Cebollero
"What could be the worst day of somebody's life ... that's powerful, right? People forget what a privilege that is. But we have to be able to remember that our ego is not good for medicine." — Chris Cebollero
"You should train and educate yourself enough that you're not in doubt very often, but you should be conservative and call someone for, for consultation. That's what medical control is for." — Kelly Grayson
Key takeaways
Cebollero and Grayson discussed the growing legal scrutiny faced by EMS professionals, with the following takeaways:
Importance of accurate medication dosage. The conversation emphasized the criticality of correctly estimating a patient’s weight for administering weight-based medications. Misjudgment in dosage, as seen in the McClain case, can lead to severe consequences.
EMS education and training needs. The podcast underscored the need for continuous education and situational awareness among EMS practitioners. The hosts debated how such high-profile cases could influence EMS practices and potentially lead to overly cautious behavior, which might not always be in the patient's best interest. Cebollero and Grayson stress the necessity for precise patient assessment, a skill that goes beyond technical expertise to encompass a deep understanding of the patient's condition and needs. Their discussion points to a growing need for EMS education and training to adapt and address these challenges, ensuring that EMS practitioners are equipped to make informed decisions in high-stakes situations.
Patient advocacy and interaction. Another key aspect of the conversation is the role of paramedics as patient advocates. The hosts argue that EMS professionals should prioritize their medical responsibilities over any perceived obligation to law enforcement. This episode critically examines the ethical considerations in EMS, particularly in scenarios involving mental health or police involvement. By sharing personal experiences and insights, Cebollero and Grayson highlight the delicate balance EMS providers must maintain between following protocol, ensuring patient safety and navigating complex legal landscapes.
Read for more: The EMS system failed McClain and the justice system failed the paramedics]
Rate and review the Inside EMS podcast
Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the Inside EMS team at [email protected] to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or if you’d like to join us as a guest.
Catch a new episode every Friday on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, PodBean, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed.
EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
29 min

About EMS One-Stop

From the publisher's feed

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…

Share EMS One-Stop

Sign up to save your podcasts

EMS One-Stop

EMS One-Stop episodes

About EMS One-Stop

More shows like EMS One-Stop

The Daily