Explore the intertwining of leadership and spiritual care in this episode featuring Raye Nell Dyer, whose career spans various roles where compassion meets leadership. Raye Nell discusses her evolution from campus ministry through decades of chaplaincy, revealing how her unique experiences have crafted her into a beacon of hope and guidance for many. This episode delves into how personal trials and a commitment to service have shaped her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of personal connection, recognizing individual contributions, and maintaining mental health in high-pressure environments.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding the Role of Spirituality in Leadership: Gain insight into how spiritual care principles can enhance leadership effectiveness, particularly in fields that deal with life’s critical moments.

2. The Impact of Personal Connection: Learn the importance of personal recognition in team dynamics and morale, and how tailored interactions can boost team member engagement and satisfaction.

3. Navigating Personal Challenges While Leading: Explore strategies for managing personal challenges while maintaining effective leadership, including the importance of mental health awareness and resources.

4. Leadership Through Service: Understand how acts of service, such as the “blessing of the hands” ritual, can profoundly affect team cohesion and individual motivation within high-stress professions.

How did you feel the moment you realized you had made a mistake? If you haven’t experienced this yet, ask yourself—what would you do if it happened tomorrow? The reality is, errors happen in EMS, and sometimes, we may not even realize we’ve made one. The question is: will you be prepared to own it, learn from it, and use it to improve patient safety?

In this episode of the Tennessee EMS Education Association Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Autumn Watts, now a seasoned Critical Care Paramedic, to explore her journey of growth and accountability after a medication error early in her career. Autumn shares how this experience reshaped her perspective on leadership, mentorship, and patient safety.

With National Patient Safety Awareness Month as the backdrop, we discuss the critical role of self-leadership, the impact of human and systemic factors on medical errors, and how EMS leaders can foster a culture of transparency and learning. Autumn’s story highlights the importance of psychological safety in error reporting, the power of event analysis over punitive measures, and actionable steps to prevent similar incidents.

Tune in for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about personal accountability, leadership in crisis, and the path to building a safer EMS culture.

Four Main Leadership Applications from This Episode:

1. Self-Leadership and Accountability

True leadership starts with personal accountability. Autumn’s story highlights the importance of owning mistakes, reflecting on them, and using them as catalysts for growth. EMS providers must recognize that the hardest person they will ever lead is themselves—meaning leadership begins with the courage to admit errors, learn from them, and commit to continuous improvement.

2. Fostering a Culture of Psychological Safety

Leaders must create an environment where providers feel safe reporting mistakes and near-misses without fear of punishment. A punitive culture drives errors underground, whereas a psychologically safe culture encourages open dialogue, enabling teams to learn from each other’s experiences and improve patient care.

3. Balancing Systemic Accountability with Personal Responsibility

While individual diligence is crucial, many errors result from systems-level failures rather than personal negligence. Leaders must analyze errors with a systems-thinking approach, identifying process gaps (e.g., medication storage issues) and implementing safeguards like cross-checks, education, and process improvements to prevent recurrence.

4. Mentorship and Teaching Through Experience

Leaders should use past mistakes—both their own and those of their teams—as powerful teaching tools. Autumn leveraged her experience to mentor new medics, helping them navigate the “invincible phase” of their careers. EMS leaders should proactively educate their teams about common pitfalls, reinforcing vigilance, teamwork, and proactive decision-making to minimize preventable errors.

In this episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Clauss speaks with Briana Browne, a suicide survivor who has turned her experience into a life-saving mission. Briana shares her emotional recollection of waking up in the hospital, her road to mental health recovery, and the moment she realized she had survived a nearly impossible fall. She discusses the stigma around suicide, the importance of proper language (saying “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide”), and how emergency responders and healthcare professionals can better support individuals in crisis. Briana also details her advocacy with the Bridge Barrier Coalition, which successfully implemented a temporary barrier and secured plans for a permanent suicide prevention structure at the Natchez Trace Bridge. Now working with the Trauma Survivors Network at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, she shares how faith, therapy, music, and a strong support system have played a role in her healing. Briana offers powerful words of encouragement for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, reminding listeners that hope and help are always available. Understanding the warning signs of mental distress and offering compassionate intervention can make a critical difference, especially for first responders, emergency nurses, and healthcare professionals who often encounter individuals at their lowest moments. Encouraging peer support programs and a culture of mental health openness within emergency services can prevent tragedies and help providers care for themselves as well. Applications for Leaders & Healthcare Professionals: Language Matters: Leaders in EMS, healthcare, and emergency response must use proper terminology—phrases like “died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide” help remove the stigma. Suicide Prevention in Leadership: EMS professionals, hospital staff, and first responders are often the first points of contact for individuals in crisis. Briana’s story highlights the importance of trauma-informed care, compassionate response, and proactive mental health initiatives within emergency and healthcare settings. Advocacy & Policy Change: Leaders can use their voices to advocate for safety measures, like bridging barriers, crisis response teams, and mental health access, to prevent future tragedies. The Power of Survivor Stories: Briana’s work with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Trauma Survivors Network shows how lived experiences can educate and inspire change—an essential lesson for leaders looking to engage survivors in policy and training discussions. Supporting Mental Health in Teams: EMS and healthcare professionals face high-stress environments. This episode reinforces the importance of peer support programs, open conversations about mental health, and suicide prevention resources for those in service. Recognizing Warning Signs & Peer Support in EMS: Emergency responders often witness signs of mental distress in colleagues and patients. Encouraging mental health check-ins, peer support programs, and open discussions can help prevent burnout and crisis escalation. First responders are trained to save lives—that includes their own and those of their peers. Leaders must foster a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness. This episode is more than just a story of survival—it’s a call to action for leaders, first responders, and healthcare professionals to challenge the stigma around suicide, implement meaningful prevention strategies, and provide compassionate care to those in crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Thank you, Briana, for all the hope you are bringing to our profession and individuals! You can reach out to Briana at [email protected]

Join us for a powerful conversation on how to navigate challenges, embrace growth, and lead with purpose.

Key Leadership Applications from the Episode:

        1.      Problem-Solving is Core to Leadership

One of the greatest lessons shared by these leaders is the ability to solve problems effectively. In EMS, where unexpected challenges arise daily, leaders must learn to think critically and adapt swiftly. Developing problem-solving skills early is essential for navigating crises and making sound decisions.

        2.      Continuous Learning is a Lifelong Practice

The leaders agreed they would have prioritized intentional learning earlier in their careers. Their advice? Start reading leadership books and listening to podcasts as soon as possible. Leadership isn’t something you master once; it’s a lifelong commitment to growth and improvement.

        3.      Listening is More Powerful Than Speaking

Aspiring leaders should focus on listening more than talking. Great leaders learn from others by asking thoughtful questions and listening to advice from those with more experience. Building relationships and learning from others’ successes and failures can fast-track leadership growth.

        4.      Be Intentional in Building Your Leadership Skills

Leadership doesn’t happen by accident. Aspiring EMS leaders should actively seek out mentorship, engage in self-improvement, and take every opportunity to learn from others. Leadership is about making purposeful efforts to grow both personally and professionally.

This episode opens with a powerful quote from Jocko Willink, setting the tone for a conversation about discipline, ownership, and the hard work that defines great leadership. Brian McNeely, Assistant Chief of Montgomery County EMS, shares his journey from military service to becoming a leader in emergency medical services. He reflects on how resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning have shaped his career.

Brian’s passion for education shines through as he discusses his unconventional teaching techniques, including a memorable childbirth simulation that left a lasting impact on his students. His innovative methods highlight the importance of engaging learners in meaningful and hands-on ways.

At the heart of his leadership philosophy is the emphasis on building relationships and trust within his team. Brian shares how understanding the unique personalities of those he leads has helped him navigate challenges and foster collaboration. He also discusses the importance of mentoring the next generation of leaders, stressing the need to train replacements and create a legacy of excellence within the organization.

Throughout the episode, Brian underscores the value of vulnerability, emotional regulation, and lifelong growth. He offers practical insights into managing stress, embracing flexibility, and maintaining professionalism in the face of challenges. This inspiring conversation is packed with actionable wisdom for leaders at every stage of their journey.

Leadership Applications for the Toolbox:

                  1. Build Relationships First: Effective leadership starts with knowing your people. Understanding their motivations and personalities fosters trust and eases communication.

                  2. Be a Sponge: Absorb the good and bad from every experience. Retain the valuable lessons and discard what doesn’t serve your growth.

                  3. Train for Tomorrow: Identify and mentor individuals with potential. Share knowledge to ensure organizational success beyond your tenure.

                  4. Practice Emotional Regulation: Avoid reacting in the heat of the moment. Take time to reflect and respond thoughtfully to challenging situations.

In this insightful episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, Marilyn Dubree, a former executive chief nursing officer at Vanderbilt, shares her remarkable leadership journey.. Eric and Marilyn discuss the challenges of managing large teams, financial responsibilities, and workforce issues while fostering a supportive organizational culture. Learn how Marilyn balanced her personal life with her demanding role, navigated leadership transitions, and sustained progress in key initiatives. This conversation is packed with practical advice and reflections for both current and aspiring leaders. Don’t miss these valuable insights into healthcare leadership! Leadership Applications: 1. Workforce Empowerment 2. Navigating Burnout 3. Transition Management 4. Continuous Monitoring of Initiatives ...and more!

In this episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Claus sits down with two remarkable leaders from the Nashville Fire Department—Director Chief Swann and Deputy Director of EMS Fred Smith. Together, they recount the harrowing experience of responding to the Covenant School shooting on March 27, 2023, an event that forever changed many lives. Chief Swann and Deputy Director Smith reflect on the importance of leadership, preparation, and the power of teamwork in times of crisis.

Fred Smith provides a deeply personal account of how receiving a thank-you card from a six-year-old girl named Kaylee, who included a Bible verse from Esther 4:14, gave him a renewed sense of purpose after the tragic event. The card reminded him and his team that perhaps they were meant to be there in that moment to make a difference, even when faced with unimaginable heartbreak. This reflection underscores the profound ‘why’ behind their service, offering a powerful reminder to all leaders about the deeper purpose that calls them to act, especially in the darkest moments.

Both Chief Swann and Deputy Director Smith emphasize the value of training, trust, and community relationships. Their leadership lessons remind us that continuous preparation and building strong connections with partners are crucial to effective crisis response. Equally important is the emotional resilience required to lead teams through difficult times, ensuring that both leaders and frontline responders have the support they need to recover from traumatic events.

As the episode closes, Eric Claus highlights how the purpose-driven leadership exemplified by Chief Swann and Deputy Director Smith can inspire others in emergency services to find strength and meaning in their work, even during moments of tragedy. This powerful episode is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of first responders who serve their communities every day.

Leadership Applications:

1. Purpose in Crisis: Remember your deeper ‘why’ during tragic events—your role may be the difference in that critical moment.

2. Trust Your Team: Empower your team to lead and rely on their training during moments of crisis.

3. Emotional Support: Leadership requires not just operational strength but also supporting your team through the emotional toll of traumatic events.

4. Community Relationships: Build strong relationships with partners before a crisis strikes to ensure smooth collaboration during critical incidents.

In this episode of the Tennessee EMS Education Association Leadership Podcast, recorded during the 2024 TEMSEA Conference, we sit down with two prominent figures in the EMS industry—Chris Kelly, a seasoned healthcare attorney specializing in EMS-related law, and Matt Zavadsky, a leading expert in mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) and EMS system transformation. Chris Kelly shares his insights on the critical importance of thorough documentation, informed consent, and the potential legal pitfalls that EMS providers must navigate. Matt Zavadsky discusses the evolving role of EMS as a comprehensive healthcare provider, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding models and evidence-based system redesign.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how to protect themselves legally while also exploring innovative approaches to improving EMS services for the communities they serve. Don’t miss this engaging and informative discussion that addresses both the challenges and opportunities facing the EMS industry today.

EMS leaders listening to this podcast will take away several practical applications, including:

Enhanced Documentation Practices:

Leaders will understand the critical importance of thorough documentation in EMS reports. They’ll learn to emphasize the need for complete narratives, proper patient signatures, and the documentation of pertinent negatives to protect their services from legal and financial repercussions.

Informed Consent Processes:

Leaders will gain insights into the importance of obtaining informed consent from patients who refuse treatment or transport. They’ll be better equipped to train their teams on how to clearly communicate risks, care options, and ensure patients fully understand the implications of their decisions.

Implementing Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH):

The podcast will provide leaders with a clear understanding of how MIH can be integrated into their EMS services. They’ll learn how to address challenges like hospital overcrowding and emergency service misuse by offering alternative care pathways through MIH programs.

Advocacy for System Redesign:

Leaders will be encouraged to advocate for the transformation of EMS from a traditional transport service to a comprehensive healthcare provider. This includes pushing for sustainable funding models, exploring alternative response options, and redesigning EMS systems based on evidence to improve service delivery.

Risk Management and Legal Compliance:

The conversation with Chris Kelly will highlight key areas where EMS providers are legally vulnerable, encouraging leaders to implement policies and training that minimize these risks. This includes regular audits of refusals and ensuring all EMS staff are well-versed in legal requirements.

Strategic Communication with Stakeholders:

Leaders will be inspired to engage with local and national stakeholders, including government officials, to push for necessary changes in EMS funding and policies. The podcast will emphasize the importance of communication in ensuring EMS services are recognized and reimbursed as essential healthcare services.

In this inspiring episode, Eric Clauss shares his personal journey from experiencing severe stress, depression, and PTSD to transforming his life and becoming a source of hope for others. He discusses the significant challenges he faced, including a near-death experience, and how these events impacted his career, health, and relationships. Eric provides an in-depth look at his book, "On the Other Side of Post Traumatic Stress," which includes new material beyond his original work, “Stressed: It Changed Everything.” Through his story, Eric offers practical advice on leadership, personal development, and stress management, emphasizing the importance of resilience and personal growth. Chris Clauss guides the conversation, delving into the invaluable lessons Eric learned and the steps he took to overcome his struggles. The episode concludes with a Q&A session, where Eric provides further insights and guidance for those facing similar challenges. Listeners are encouraged to purchase Eric's book for a deeper understanding of his journey and to subscribe to the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast for more inspiring episodes.

In this special episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, join us for an inspiring conversation as host Eric Clauss is interviewed by his son, Chris Clauss, about his latest book, "On the Other Side of Post-Traumatic Stress." Discover how Eric went from a near-death experience and severe PTSD to transforming his life and becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. In this episode, Eric shares his personal journey from experiencing severe stress, depression, and PTSD to transforming his life and becoming a source of hope for others. He discusses the significant challenges he faced, including a near-death experience, and how these events impacted his career, health, and relationships. Eric provides an in-depth look at his book, "On the Other Side of Post Traumatic Stress," which includes new material beyond his original work, “Stressed: It Changed Everything.” Through his story, Eric offers practical advice on leadership, personal development, and stress management, emphasizing the importance of resilience and personal growth. Chris Clauss guides the conversation, delving into the invaluable lessons Eric learned and the steps he took to overcome his struggles. The episode concludes with a Q&A session, where Eric provides further insights and guidance for those facing similar challenges. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content. Share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Eric's incredible story of overcoming trauma and finding strength. To find out more about Eric's book or to purchase a copy, visit: ericclauss.com