One EMS: The Assessment

In this episode, Charles McFall sits down with Neil Schoepp, a former NYPD officer turned FDNY firefighter with 24 years of combined service. Neil shares his journey from law enforcement to the fire service, the mental shift that came with the transition, and how that ultimately led him into real estate, coaching, and mindset training. The conversation digs into the power of visualization, breaking hesitation, and rewiring negative self-talk through Neil’s AIR method—Awareness, Interrupt, Replace. Neil explains how survival-driven thinking shapes our default negativity, why proximity to the right people matters, and how reframing our thoughts can change our lives both in and out of uniform.

• From Police to Fire: Neil’s path from the NYPD to FDNY and how the change shifted both public perception and his personal mindset.

• Mindset as the Master Key: The discovery that mindset—especially interrupting negative thought loops—affects every decision and outcome.

• The AIR Method: Awareness of thoughts, interrupting unhelpful patterns, and replacing them with empowering beliefs.

• Hesitation Kills: A rooftop fire rescue story showing how quick, committed action can be the difference between control and catastrophe.

• Triple F Filter: Focus, Feelings, Facts—a practical tool to challenge limiting beliefs.

• Choosing Response Over Reaction: How reframing events preserves energy and control in daily life.

"Mindset is the one domino that knocks everything else over. Once you control your thinking, you control your life."

Learn more about Neil Schoepp’s coaching, mindset tools, and speaking engagements by following him on Instagram @neilschoepp or visiting his website at neilschoepp.com.
Support EMS advocacy, career development, and the mission to build a stronger profession at oneems.com—because when we change our thinking, we change the future of EMS.

On June 29, a horrific act shook the first responder community: two battalion chiefs were deliberately ambushed and killed in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with a third critically injured. This wasn’t just a tragedy—it was a targeted attack on public safety. In this emotional, urgent conversation, Charles McFall (One EMS) and David Alemian (David Alemian Show) break down what happened, why it matters, and how America must respond.

Topics Covered:

The timeline and tactics of the Coeur d’Alene ambush

Why this marks a disturbing shift in violence against first responders

The emotional and financial devastation facing families left behind

Why medals and half-staff flags aren’t enough

The urgent need for national protections, benefits, and recognition for EMS, fire, and police

Mental health impacts and suicide risks after events like this

What YOU can do to support public safety today

“This was not a freak accident. It was a calculated execution. And we are not doing enough.”

Whether you're a civilian, a first responder, or a policymaker, this discussion will leave you thinking—and hopefully acting.

Search Tags: firefighter ambush 2024, Coeur d’Alene tragedy, first responder attack, EMS podcast, firefighter memorial, David Alemian podcast, One EMS show, public safety reform, firefighter support, EMS crisis, public safety suicide, 988, mental health first responders

Resources Mentioned:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Blue HELP

Code Green Campaign

One EMS Charity

David Alemian's Programs

❤️ If you care about the people who run into danger when others run away, this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode of One EMS, host Charles McFall sits down with David Alemian to explore a revolutionary approach to financial security for EMTs, paramedics, and other public safety professionals. David shares how his 30+ years in the insurance and retirement planning industry led him to develop a sustainable retirement plan tailored specifically for EMS and first responders—one that requires no employee contributions and fully reimburses employers.

Together, they discuss the financial struggles of EMS workers, the impact of lifestyle inflation, and why traditional retirement systems often fail those in public service. From building futures for 17-year-old recruits to protecting veteran paramedics and volunteers, this interview is a must-watch for anyone invested in the future of emergency services.

🔗 Learn more or connect with David at www.davidalemian.com

A One EMS special presentation:

Former Marine and California correctional officer Richard Caruso risked everything to expose corruption, abuse, and brutality inside one of America’s most violent prisons—Corcoran State Prison. His story, which inspired the film Felon, is one of courage, sacrifice, and a deep belief in doing what’s right—even when it means standing alone. In this powerful interview, Caruso shares his harrowing journey from loyal officer to whistleblower, the backlash he faced from the state, and how he’s now using his voice to uplift troubled youth, veterans, and first responders across the country.

Prepare to be moved, challenged, and inspired. This is more than a story of prison reform—it's a story about rediscovering humanity, resilience, and purpose.

👉 Watch until the end to hear how gang members, fellow officers, and complete strangers came to respect the man who defied a system—and lived to make a difference.

#Whistleblower #RichardCaruso #PrisonReform #FelonMovie #Justice #WeServe #BornToServePodcast #Veterans #FirstResponders #Courage #TrueStory

🚑 Changing the Face of EMS: Georgia’s First Business Degree for EMS Leaders | Interview with Dr. Joseph Holloway

Welcome to another episode of One EMS Assessment! Today, we're diving into a groundbreaking initiative with Dr. Joseph Holloway, Chair of the Business Management and Marketing Department at South Georgia State College. We caught up with him at the Georgia EMS Conference to talk about a program that's turning heads across the state — the first Emergency Services Management concentration within a Bachelor of Science in Management degree designed specifically for EMS professionals.

🎓 This is NOT your average degree. It's built by EMS professionals, for EMS professionals — designed for EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics looking to move into leadership and administrative roles. Whether you're running a county service, hospital unit, or dreaming of launching your own EMS-related business, this program teaches the real-world management, leadership, and communication skills needed to succeed beyond the truck.

🔥 In this conversation, we cover:

• The inspiration and need for this degree

• Course structure, curriculum, and hands-on leadership focus

• Online access across Georgia and bordering states

• Cost breakdown (spoiler: it's incredibly affordable)

• The power of community-driven curriculum development

• The importance of preparing EMS professionals for burnout and career transitions

📍 Tuition: Around $15,000 total
🌐 100% Online for flexibility
🤝 In-state tuition available for GA, FL, AL, TN, SC, NC
📅 Start dates: Fall & Spring Cohorts

🧠 Dr. Holloway brings decades of experience in leadership, counseling, and public administration — and his passion for creating real change in EMS shines through.

👉 Learn More & Apply:
https://www.sgsc.edu/academics/bsm-options.cms
📧 Questions? Email: [email protected]
📞 Call Dr. Holloway: (912) 449-7587

💬 Let us know in the comments — what would you want from an EMS leadership program?

🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more EMS leadership conversations and industry insights.

#EMSLeadership #EMSManagement #EMS2025 #GeorgiaEMS #SouthGeorgiaStateCollege #OneEMS #EmergencyServices #ParamedicLeadership #FirstResponders #BSinManagement #ChangeTheFaceOfEMS

🚁 Elevating EMS: Leadership, Standards & Mental Health with Heath Williams 🚑In this episode, I sit down with Heath Williams, Program Director at Air Evac Lifeteam, to discuss the future of EMS and how we can transform the industry from the ground up. With his extensive leadership experience, Heath shares insights on:✅ Running EMS like a business while prioritizing patient care✅ Raising the standards in pre-hospital care✅ Transforming mental health support in the fire service✅ The leadership mindset needed for lasting changeIf you're in EMS, fire, or healthcare leadership, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and big-picture thinking that can reshape the way we approach emergency services.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more first responder insights!#EMSLeadership #FlightMedic #FireService #PreHospitalCare #MentalHealthInEMS #AirEvac #FirstResponderWellness

Join me as I sit down with Frank Palumbo, a seasoned first responder who has navigated an incredible career from the fire department to EMS and now as a flight medic. With 15 years in leadership, Frank shares invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of his journey.In this interview, we discuss:✅ His transition from firefighter to flight medic✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome in high-pressure roles✅ Balancing accountability without burnout✅ Lessons in leadership from 15+ years in EMSFrank’s experience is a must-hear for aspiring medics, firefighters, and leaders in emergency services. If you've ever questioned your abilities or struggled with leadership challenges, this conversation will inspire you!👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more first responder stories!#EMS #Firefighter #FlightMedic #Leadership #ImposterSyndrome #Accountability #FirstResponderLife #ParamedicJourney

First responders face immense challenges daily, but what about their mental health? In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Chaplain Dale from Chaplains 1033 to discuss the emotional and psychological toll of working in EMS.We explore:✅ The unique mental health struggles of EMTs & paramedics✅ How Chaplain Dale supports first responders in crisis✅ Practical strategies for coping with trauma & stress✅ The importance of peer support & faith in healingIf you're in EMS, know someone who is, or simply want to learn more about the unseen burdens our heroes carry, this conversation is for you!🔗 Learn more about Chaplain Dale's mission: https://chaplains1033.com/about👍 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE for more important discussions!#EMS #FirstResponders #MentalHealth #ChaplainDale #EMTLife #PTSD #FirstResponderWellnessLinktr.ee/oneems

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Megan Kamplain from the Georgia Institute of EMS. We explored her unique heritage growing up immersed in the world of emergency medical services and how that shaped her passion for EMS.

As a young professional in the field, Megan shares her fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities that come with working in EMS today. We also dive into her vision for the future of the industry, discussing where she thinks EMS is headed and how it can evolve to better serve communities.

Whether you're an EMS veteran, a newcomer, or simply curious about the field, this conversation offers insightful reflections and inspiring thoughts on the state and future of EMS. Don’t miss it!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging discussions in the EMS world!

Linktr.ee/oneems

Adam, a trailblazer in EMS and a newly promoted leader within his fire department, brings a unique and inspiring perspective to his role. As a deaf individual, Adam has faced and overcome numerous challenges in his EMS journey, turning obstacles into opportunities and emerging stronger with each step.

At the Georgia EMS Association Educators and Providers Conference, Adam joins Charles for a candid conversation about the highs and hurdles of his first month in leadership. Together, they explore powerful themes like transforming perceived weaknesses into strengths, understanding why confidence must be grounded in gratitude, and the profound impact that a single call can have on a responder's career and outlook.

Don't miss out on Adam’s incredible story and the many insights that Charles and he share—head over to linktr.ee/oneems⁠ to subscribe, like, and follow on all your favorite platforms. Stay connected and inspired!