The first episode of NAEMT Radio for 2025 ushers in a new era as host Rob Lawrence welcomes Chris Way to the show as the newly appointed President of NAEMT.

Reflecting on the legacy of outgoing President Susan Bailey, Chris expresses his gratitude for her mentorship and leadership, crediting her with leaving the organization stronger than ever. As he begins his two-year term, Chris outlines his vision for the future of NAEMT, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the organization’s membership, enhancing EMS’s presence at all levels of government, and ensuring that the profession is better supported and more widely recognized by the end of his tenure.

A key focus will be strategic planning, with the board set to meet at the NAEMSP Conference in San Diego to set ambitious, long-term goals and establish a roadmap for success. Chris also highlighted plans to celebrate NAEMT’s 50th anniversary in 2025, marking the organization’s rich history while preparing for its next chapter.

Chris underscores the critical role of advocacy in advancing the EMS profession, particularly through events like EMS on the Hill Day, scheduled for April. He stressed the importance of educating newly elected legislators about EMS and building lasting relationships to influence policy effectively. Chris also calls attention to the challenges EMS faces, including outdated reimbursement models that fail to reflect the profession’s evolving practices. Collaboration with leaders from other national EMS organizations, including NAEMSP, IAFC, and IAFF, will be pivotal in driving progress and ensuring a unified approach to the profession’s most pressing issues.

Closing the episode, Rob and Chris reflect on the significance of their discussion as a "time capsule" moment, promising to revisit Chris’s goals at the end of his presidency. With optimism and determination, Chris shares his commitment to leading NAEMT and the EMS profession into a brighter and more sustainable future.

Resources Discussed

EMS on the Hill Day: https://www.naemt.org/events/ems-on-the-hill-day

Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join