Inside EMS

In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into a vital topic: the culture of accountability in EMS. Sparked by FireRescue1’s Chief Marc Bashoor’s thought-provoking article, "Where is our culture of accountability?", the hosts explore why change is so difficult to embrace, how leadership impacts culture and what steps agencies can take to help foster accountability across an organization. From managing expectations to addressing fairness in discipline, our cohosts discuss the challenges of enforcing standards and avoiding the normalization of deviance. Whether it's implementing safety protocols or shifting organizational norms, this episode unpacks how leaders and teams can work together to inspire meaningful change.

Quotable takeaways

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EMS agencies are facing mounting challenges, from staffing shortages and rising operational costs to increasingly complex compliance requirements. However, advanced data systems and integrated technology offer solutions to these persistent issues.

In this episode of Inside EMS, Clinical and Business Consultants Jason Bartholomai and Chuck Sweeney of ZOLL Data Systems discuss how robust EPCR systems and streamlined workflows can reduce inefficiencies, improve patient care and ease the burden on EMS teams.

Here are top takeaways leaders can learn from this episode about overcoming today’s EMS challenges.

Use technology to reduce workload inefficiencies and support field personnel.

Staffing shortages are a top concern for EMS leaders nationwide. Long shifts, redundant documentation and poor integration between field and dispatch operations exacerbate the stress on paramedics. EPCR systems can alleviate some of these pressures by:

Streamlining documentation with intuitive workflows that reduce time spent on reports

Improving coordination between field crews, dispatchers and billing teams through integrated software solutions

Enhancing employee satisfaction by minimizing administrative burdens and allowing more focus on patient care and recovery time

By implementing systems that improve efficiency, EMS agencies can help retain personnel and maximize the output of limited resources.

Holistic software ecosystems can simplify compliance and improve data accuracy.

Compliance with NEMSIS standards and other reporting requirements is growing increasingly complex. Leaders must ensure that their systems capture accurate data to meet clinical, operational and legal standards to:

Prevent incomplete reports from moving forward

Highlight missing critical fields, such as patient signatures or demographic data, which can stall reimbursement

Provide real-time feedback for quality improvement (QA/QI)

Integrating compliance directly into workflows ensures fewer errors and smoother billing cycles, saving agencies time and resources.

Improving cash flow starts with high-quality data entry at the source.

EMS leaders often overlook how documentation practices impact financial performance. Efficient EPCR systems improve clean claim rates by:

Guiding paramedics to include all required information during documentation

Automating processes like importing EKG results and demographic data

Flagging incomplete or incorrect entries before claims are submitted

By speeding up documentation and addressing gaps early, EMS agencies can ensure faster reimbursements and predictable cash flow.

Aligning workflows across departments enhances efficiency and collaboration.

EMS operations are not limited to field crews. Dispatchers, billers and managers play critical roles in delivering care and sustaining operations. Integrated systems ensure that:

Dispatchers, paramedics and billers share a unified platform, fostering communication and reducing friction

Teams are trained holistically to understand each other’s roles and responsibilities

Operational, clinical and financial data flow seamlessly across departments

Such alignment reduces redundancies, boosts productivity and allows agencies to operate more effectively under tight constraints.

Accurate, detailed reports protect EMS providers in legal scenarios.

In EMS, thorough documentation is not just a requirement – it’s a safeguard against legal liability. EPCR systems help paramedics document essential details clearly and accurately, reducing the risk of errors that could be exploited in court. Training crews to use these tools effectively ensures that charts provide a source of truth in any legal or compliance review.

Jason Bartholomew summed it up best: “Doing something is better than doing nothing.” EMS agencies should start small, focusing on one area for improvement, such as data validation or staff training, before expanding into comprehensive ecosystem integration. Chuck Sweeney emphasized the importance of buy-in from all levels, noting that shared understanding and collaboration across departments are critical to long-term success.

By adopting robust technology and fostering teamwork, EMS leaders can tackle the headaches of staffing shortages, compliance demands, and financial uncertainty – all while improving the quality of patient care.

EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.

ZOLL Data Systems’ cloud-based solution suite of EMS and Fire solutions covers the scope of your operations, from dispatch to patient care, to incident and operational reporting, to billing. Learn how ZOLL software can help improve clinical, operational and financial performance of your organization at zolldata.com.

Catch a new episode of the Inside EMS podcast every Friday on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed.

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 let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

This week, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson host a virtual book club as they count down the top 10 essential texts that paramedics should have on their shelves – a mix of useful references, anatomy and physiology deep dives, and heartfelt memoirs that capture the essence of EMS work. From learning resources, to comic relief, there’s something for everyone in this list.

Did our cohosts exclude a favorite EMS-focused book? Send your suggestions to [email protected] for inclusion in a future article.

“I think that a good paramedic is someone who is proficient in their knowledge and their skills, and keeps up to date. That's a good paramedic. A great paramedic adds empathy and compassion to that list. And that's what differentiates the confident ones from the great ones.” — Kelly Grayson

“The central message is that Teddy Roosevelt quote: ‘People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.’” — Kelly Grayson

Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com.

Catch a new episode of the Inside EMS podcast every Friday on Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Spotify, and RSS feed.

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.

How old are you in EMS years? Are you using clinical skills that should be put out to pasture? Listen as cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson debate the effectiveness of “retired” EMS skills, like nasal and digital intubation, and whether the value of those skills has held up over time.

Memorable quotes

• “If you’re not proficient with all the tools in your box, what does that say about your training?”

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Last week, Inside EMS cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson laid out the top 10 indications of a bad EMS supervisor (Did you miss it? Catch it here!). This week they’re tackling the top signs of a bad employee, such as poor attendance, lack of initiative and a bad attitude – that’s not you, right? Listen as our duo reflects on each characteristic and where they have seen (or exhibited!) those traits in their career.

Memorable quotes

"If you’re emotionally intelligent and honest with yourself, you probably see yourself in some of these things."  

"It’s not over until the paperwork – or the ambulance – is ready for the next day."  

"Being disengaged shows up in things you don’t think matter, like documentation and keeping the ambulance stocked." 

ABOUT THE SPONSOR

Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com.

RATE & REVIEW

Enjoying the show? Send an email to 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.

The What Paramedics Want in 2024 report, produced by EMS1 and Fitch & Associates, found respondents to the 2024 EMS Trend Survey ranked leadership No. 4 in the critical issues facing EMS today (behind only retention, funding & reimbursement, and career development).

In this episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson expose the unpleasant side of EMS leadership by naming the top 10 signs of a bad manager. From communication breakdowns to micromanagement nightmares, they explore what makes some managers, well … not so great, while dishing out hard truths about inconsistent leadership, the dangers of favoritism, and the importance of empathy.

Want to know if your manager is part of the problem – or if you're on your way to becoming one? Check it out!

TOP QUOTES

• "Communication is the language of leadership."

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Welcome to this special crossover edition of EMS One Stop and Inside EMS, recorded live at the EMS World Expo 2024 in Las Vegas. Hosted by Rob Lawrence and Chris Cebollero, this episode features insightful discussions with Dr. Ray Barashansky and Tracy Loscar, EMS Deputy Director at Matanuska-Susitna (MatSu) Borough Department of Emergency Services, Alaska.

The episode covers key themes such as leadership development, emotional intelligence in EMS, and the importance of mentorship programs like "Stand and Deliver," aimed at cultivating the next generation of EMS speakers.

“The next generation of EMS leaders is here, and it's our responsibility to pass the torch with the lessons we've learned." — Rob Lawrence

“We need to stop staying siloed. Growth happens when we learn from each other’s experiences and different perspectives.” — Chris Cebollero

“Designating EMS as an essential service is critical, but without form, function, and funding, it's just words on a page.” — Dr. Ray Barashansky

“Stand and Deliver is about giving everyone a chance to step up, present their ideas, and get real-time feedback from experienced national speakers." — Tracy Loscar

Leadership Transition in EMS. The influx of new attendees at the Expo reflects the need to develop the next generation of EMS leaders. Rob and Chris highlight the importance of passing the torch to younger EMS professionals.

Emotional intelligence in EMS. Dr. Ray Barashansky emphasizes how emotional intelligence impacts supervisors and leaders in EMS. He discusses his presentation on this topic, sharing insights on how emotional intelligence can shape better leaders.

Stand and Deliver Program. Tracy Loscar introduces the "Stand and Deliver" initiative, a program that identifies and mentors emerging EMS speakers, offering real-time feedback from national experts.

EMS as an essential service. Dr. Barashansky discusses his recent editorial about EMS being recognized as an essential service and the need for formal structure, funding and legislative support to ensure its sustainability.

Mentorship and learning from each other. The hosts and guests stress the importance of learning from one another, breaking silos within EMS, and continuously evolving as professionals through shared experiences.

ABOUT THE SPONSOR

Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. Pulsara scales to meet your dynamic communication needs. From routine patient alerts to managing large-scale emergencies, every responder and clinician connects seamlessly. Familiar yet powerful, Pulsara streamlines your response, from routine transfers to regional disasters. One tool. Every day. Regardless of event. Discover more at Pulsara.com.

This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first responders. To learn more, visit verizon.com/frontline.

The 2024 anniversary of 9/11 marks 23 years since the tragic events that forever altered the course of history and the landscape of public safety.

As we move further from that fateful day, the significance of remembering and learning from 9/11 grows even more critical. For many, especially younger generations, 9/11 is transitioning from a lived experience to a historical event, making it essential for public safety professionals to ensure that the lessons identified are not only remembered, but actively applied in today's ever-evolving emergency response environment.

In this special crossover episode of the Policing Matters, Better Every Shift and Inside EMS podcasts, Co-hosts Jim Dudley, Aaron Zamzow and Rob Lawrence highlight the importance of remembering 9/11 not just as a historical event but as a continuing influence on how public safety agencies operate today.

This week on Inside EMS, our cohosts discuss a recent study out of UC Davis Health that highlights the benefits of using naloxone in opioid-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest response. Chris and Kelly discuss the results and debate how this knowledge could impact OHCA protocols.

Top quotes

“If you look at the … survival of hospital discharge, the number needed to treat was 26. So 1 in 26 patients you would do this to has a chance of surviving the hospital discharge. That's pretty compelling. It's going to change my practice.” — Kelly Grayson

“It's obviously needed information considering how bad the opioid overdose epidemic is in the United States. The numbers are compelling – the fact that this affects so many of our out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and that this actually shows pretty strong evidence of improved outcome.” — Kelly Grayson

“We think about over the past 20 years, and now with fentanyl being part of that process, we're starting to see a lot more [drug-related cardiac arrests] and there's an urgent need for this evidence that allows us to now figure out if Narcan can make a difference in OHCAs.” — Chris Cebollero

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.

This week on the Inside EMS podcast, our hosts delve into a heated discussion on the topic of time requirements and response times in EMS – are they necessary or a nuisance? Listen and watch as Kelly Grayson and Chris Cebollero go back and forth on the history, the reliance and the continued use of response times as a standard metric in EMS.  

Top quotes

"We are in a mess and a corner we painted ourselves into with response time standards." – Kelly Grayson

"The dislike of response times really has to be respectful of how the response times came about. We were trying to develop a system and show that we can make a difference." – Chris Cebollero

"We created this expectation and no one is going to change this expectation if not us." – Kelly Grayson

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.