Advancing the EMS profession

MAKE YOUR NOMINATION BY MAY 30

National EMS Awards of Excellence

Submit Your NominationEach year, NAEMT collaborates with EMS World and other national EMS organizations to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions in EMS. By submitting a nomination, you honor our EMS profession's best while recognizing the training, dedication and service of EMS professionals and agencies across the country. Award recipients receive a cash award, travel stipend, registration to EMS World Expo, and national recognition by NAEMT and EMS World. Award categories:

 

 

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NAEMT Radio

Episode 49 | Criminalizing Clinical Judgment: EMS Legal Risks and the Just Culture Response. “This statement was really meant to give prosecutors and judges serious food for thought on whether it’s appropriate to bring criminal charges in cases where standards of care are the issue,” Doug Wolfberg. In this compelling edition, EMS attorney Doug Wolfberg of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth discusses one of the most pressing and controversial issues in EMS today – the criminalization of medical error. Prompted by recent high-profile cases where EMS clinicians have faced charges ranging from negligent homicide to murder for clinical decisions made in the field, the discussion takes a deep dive into the joint position statement on criminal liability for deviations from EMS clinical standards. Drafted by Doug and his team, and endorsed by leading national EMS organizations, the statement provides guiding principles for prosecutors and judges, and advocates for a clearer distinction between human error and intentional misconduct.

Together, they explore the legal, ethical, and operational implications of this trend, and the chilling effect it may have on reporting errors, clinician retention, and fostering a culture of safety. With rich insights into what EMS leaders, field providers, and policymakers can do to protect both patients and professionals, this episode offers critical guidance on maintaining a just culture — where errors are learned from, not punished. Tune in for practical advice, poignant real-world examples, and a discussion that could shape the legal future of EMS care in America.

Related articles by Rob Lawrence and Doug Wolfberg:

Episode 48 | In this episode, our guests highlight the importance of EMS On The Hill Day in bringing together EMS professionals, elected officials, and healthcare leaders to address key industry challenges. NAEMT President Chris Way shares his optimism about the warm reception from lawmakers, emphasizing that this year, the EMS community is not only presenting problems but also offering solutions, particularly in terms of cost savings and efficiency with bills such as the Treatment in Place (TIP) and Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH). Chief Julius Jackson, David Blevins, Elise Mills, Chris Kescoli, and Josh Ellison also offer insights.



Episode 47 | In this episode of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Regina Crawford, Scott Willits, and Justin Duncan as they discuss preparations for their pre-conference session prior to EMS on the Hill 2025. Their pre-conference session, "Empowering EMS with Data: From Insights to Action," will offer practical guidance on how to leverage data for legislative advocacy. Attendees will engage in interactive exercises, including role-playing to practice how to present their data in ways that are impactful for policymakers. The goal is to help EMS professionals craft data-driven stories that effectively highlight the needs of their communities and demonstrate actionable solutions.



Episode 46 | National Associations Collaborate with NAEMT. In this engaging episode, 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) dive 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.

 

Episode 45 | Welcome NAEMT President Chris Way.
Newly elected President Chris Way 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 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.
 


Episode 44 | President Susan Bailey Recaps her Two Years in Office.
Susan discusses the significant milestones of her presidency, including a successful EMS On The Hill Day, pivotal leadership transitions, and stronger collaboration with national and international EMS organizations. Susan shares her proudest moments, from advancing legislative advocacy for EMS to working alongside the dedicated NAEMT staff and board members. She also highlights the global reach of NAEMT’s educational programs and their influence on EMS systems worldwide.

 

 

NAEMT Radio is hosted by NAEMT Member and Lighthouse Leadership Program Mentor – Rob Lawrence. Visit all NAEMT Radio episodes 

HONOR EMTs AND PARAMEDICS

EMS Week 2025

Get Ready for National EMS Week, May 18-24 – We Care. For Everyone. EMS Week 2025 will honor the vital role of EMS professionals in helping cities, towns, and villages across our country. We support EMS Week because we believe in educating the public and stakeholders about prehospital medicine and the services provided by EMS to the community. For inspiration in planning the week’s events, check out our website.

EMS STAFFING WHITE PAPER

EMS Staffing White Paper

To aid EMS agencies in planning for responses and staffing needs for various medical calls, a collaborative of EMS organizations produced national guidelines – Rethinking Emergency Medical Services: Applying Evidence and Data to Redesign Response Models for a Resilient and Sustainable Future. Patient outcome data from peer-reviewed publications helped shaped this guidance document. View White Paper

 

Discounts for NAEMT Members

Recert

Get the CE you need, when you need it, all in one easy to use place. The Recert.com course library offers HUNDREDS of high-quality EMS trauma, medical, and operational online courses, including the best NAEMT education! Most courses take just 1 hour to complete and feature interactive, media-rich, scenario-based learning. View Courses

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