In this engaging episode of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence welcomes back NAEMT President Chris Way and special guest Kevin Joles, Division Chief of EMS at Olathe FD and Chair of the EMS Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Recorded live from the NAEMSP Conference in San Diego, the conversation dives into the value of collaboration across EMS organizations and the importance of strategic planning to shape the future of prehospital care. With a focus on the LA wildfires, Chris and Kevin reflect on how EMS continues to adapt and respond to challenges such as wildfires and disasters, emphasizing the role of advocacy, innovation, and education in strengthening the profession.

Key Takeaways:

Collaboration in EMS: Chris Way highlights the increasing collaboration among national EMS organizations to address shared challenges and legislative priorities. Kevin Joles underscores the importance of conferences like NAEMSP in fostering connections, sharing expertise, and advancing EMS practices.

Advocacy Priorities: With a unique two-year window of political alignment between Whitehouse, House and Senate, the leaders stress the need for cohesive advocacy efforts to secure funding, address reimbursement issues, and enhance support for EMS systems.

Focus on Resilience: From wildfire responses to disaster recovery, the discussion highlights the critical role EMS plays as the safety net for communities, with a call to prioritize provider well-being and preparedness.

Don’t miss this insightful episode featuring two passionate EMS leaders driving innovation and collaboration in the field. Subscribe to NAEMT Radio for more episodes dropping on the 1st and 15th of each month!

Resources Discussed:

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

IAFC: https://www.iafc.org/

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