EMS One-Stop

CAAS GVS 4.0: Building safer, smarter and theft-proof ambulances

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence climbs back onto his soapbox to discuss two topics that directly impact on every EMS agency in America — the CAAS Ground Vehicle Standards (GVS) 4.0 and the simple, inexpensive steps we can take to stop ambulance theft.
Joining Rob is longtime EMS leader and current CAAS GVS Administrator Mark Postma, who walks us through the origins of the standards, their national adoption and what’s new in the latest update.
From ambulance remounting, to structural safety testing, Mark explains how GVS 4.0 has evolved to keep pace with manufacturing realities, supply chain delays and operational needs. The conversation then shifts to a shared passion for protecting fleet assets.
Rob and Mark dissect the shockingly frequent problem of ambulance theft and how a $200 automatic immobilization device can prevent a $250,000 vehicle from disappearing — without relying on crews to remember to lock it.
Additional resources:
CAAS GVS V4.0 – Ground Vehicle Standard
Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) – The New Standard in Mobile Healthcare
Ambulance thefts in the U.S. surge: Over 40 stolen rigs in 18 months
6 ways to safety-proof your EMS fleet
Memorable quotes
"It’s no good going to City Council or to your board of directors on day 365 and saying, ‘I need a new truck for New Year day one’ — that’s not going to happen." — Rob Lawrence
"The ground vehicle standard has become the standard that most vehicles are being built to and that state EMS officials are using." — Mark Postma
"We spend a lot of time thinking about where things go in the box … add one more thing to your checklist: can the vehicle indeed be immobilized?" — Rob Lawrence
"There’s just no reason why ambulances are being stolen with the current technology that’s out there." — Mark Postma
Episode timeline
00:45 – Rob introduces the topic: GVS 4.0 and ambulance theft concerns
01:34 – Mark introduction and CAAS GVS role
04:11 – How the CAAS standards were developed and adopted by 35-plus states
06:09 – Comparing CAAS GVS to NFPA ambulance standards
06:48 – The rise of remounting, especially during COVID supply shortages
10:26 – Discussion of ongoing vehicle delivery delays and need for replacement planning
15:04 – What’s new in GVS 4.0 — major changes and safety structure updates
19:38 – Ambulance theft statistics and the GVS anti-theft requirement
22:28 – Automatic immobilization and why manual systems fail
23:57 – Mark shares success story: zero thefts since installing devices
26:17 – Exceptions in standards and why state inspectors must enforce anti-theft
27:42 – Final thoughts on making anti-theft part of fleet planning
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Public health at the front door: An MIH model to emulate

In this edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence Zooms (literally) from the U.K. to South Carolina to spotlight one of the nation’s most forward-thinking mobile integrated healthcare programs. Prisma Health’s team has taken community paramedicine beyond buzzwords, designing targeted, evidence-based programs that meet people where they are — both geographically and medically.
| MORE: How North Dakota EMS is confronting rising pediatric mental health crises 
Whether it's addiction medicine, rural HIV/HCV treatment or skilled nursing interventions, this team is shifting paradigms on what EMS can and should be doing.
Rob is joined by four key voices from the Prisma Health MIH program:
Luke Estes, director of MIH
Dr. Mirinda Gormley, epidemiologist and biostatistician
Wes Wampler, community paramedic specializing in addiction and infectious disease
Parker Bailes, community paramedic and research contributor
Together, they unpack how passion meets data to drive change, how to earn trust in communities overlooked by traditional systems, and why this work isn’t just novel — it’s necessary. This is EMS in its truest public health form.
Memorable quotes
“You delivered the goods—data-driven, community-connected care — and that’s what EMS in 2025 needs more of.” — Rob Lawrence
“When you see some of your people who have a passion for a certain pathway in EMS, you try to give them the reins and say, you're gonna do some good.” — Luke Estes
“One of the big things that we learned from his study was that we really needed to go out and make sure everybody was aware that addiction is a disease.” — Mirinda Gormley
“If we can gain their trust, there’s a lot more that we can kind of weasel our way into to help them solve and get them on a healthier trajectory.” — Wes Wampler
“Walking into the (care) facility with the mindset of, ‘I'm going to do everything I can to keep you here,’ was a big shift for me.” — Parker Bailes
“If we can set them up to be successful after they leave the hospital, I think that's the best way to get them reengaged with the hospital.” — Wes Wampler
“As their leader … all I have to say is, what do you need? I'm here to support you.” — Luke Estes
Additional resources
EMS Clinician Perceptions on Prehospital Buprenorphine Administration Programs: Prehospital Emergency Care: Vol 29 , No 4
Implementation Barriers of Prehospital Buprenorphine Administration Programs in the United States: A Scoping Review: Prehospital Emergency Care: Vol 29 , No 4
Using Community Paramedicine to Treat Hepatitis C Virus in Upstate South Carolina - PMC
Luke Estes BA, NRP, CCEMTP, PNCCT, FP-C, CP-C | LinkedIn
Wesley Wampler | LinkedIn
Support for harm reduction by community EMS
How does a community re-imagine compassion to avoid crisis whenever possible?
Breaking barriers: Hennepin EMS leads the way in safely implementing buprenorphine
Episode timeline
00:51 ­– Introduction to Prisma Health MIH & guests
03:00 – Luke Estes overview of MIH models (ETS, SDOH, addiction)
05:00 – Dr. Gormley’s public health journey, data-opioid focus
08:00 – Buprenorphine pilot design and research outcomes
10:15 – Challenges: bias, stigma, barriers to addiction care
13:00 – Funding and sustainability conversation
14:00 – Wes Wampler on daily workflow in addiction medicine and HCV care
17:00 – Building trust with vulnerable populations
18:30 – Parker Bailes discusses traditional CP role and skilled nursing interventions
21:45 – Alternative destinations, lab draws and high-acuity decisions
25:30 – Training: internal education, ultrasound, medication management
28:15 – Prisma’s med school connection and disaster response evolution
30:00 – State-level partnerships: SC EMS Assn, FEMA typing, CP strike teams
31:56 – Academic next steps from Dr. Gormley: scaling, publishing, process evals
35:26 – Final reflections from Luke Estes: passion, team strength and mission
38:00 – Rob’s call to action: “If you want your own Prisma team — start now.”
Enjoying the show? Email editor@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest future guests. 

Meet the EMS Avenger: Saving lives with kindness and content

In this high-impact edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with EMS influencer and educator Jimmy Apple, known widely across platforms as The EMS Avenger. With nearly 70,000 followers on TikTok and a growing presence on Instagram and Facebook, Jimmy has mastered the art of compressing complex clinical topics into digestible, engaging content.
| More: What the EMS Counts Act means for dual-role EMS providers 
In this conversation, Rob pulls back the curtain on the man behind the mobile screen — exploring Jimmy's journey from electrician to pediatric critical care paramedic, and now, one of EMS's most watched and listened-to voices.
Listeners will gain deep insight into Jimmy’s origin story, his social media strategies, his refusal to let bad information go unchallenged, and his passionate belief that “Saving lives begins with kindness.” The pair also tackle:
Content creation advice for EMS agencies
The challenges of tone and accuracy in short-form video
How to maintain compassion in the face of a toxic work culture
This episode is part masterclass in communication, part call to action for the future of EMS — and all heart.
Memorable quotes from Jimmy Apple: The EMS Avenger
“Saving lives begins with kindness. That is my motto, it is my philosophy.”
“You have to package something down to its bare essence … there's some nuance lost, but you have seconds to keep people's attention.”
“My goals going forward are to support people who are acting in good faith while correcting the misinformation.”
“Generally speaking, you will draw the engagement that you're looking for. If you're putting out content in good faith, you'll get good faith engagement.”
“We are responsible for ourselves and how we respond … and I believe we need to respond to everything that is happening in the world today with kindness.”
Episode timeline
00:54 – Rob introduces Jimmy Apple, aka the EMS Avenger
01:20 – Jimmy’s background: from electrician to EMS
03:30 – The grandfather conversation that changed his life
04:50 – How pathophysiology sparked a love for learning
05:40 – Birth of the EMS Avenger: from student favorite to TikTok influencer
06:55 – Ginger Locke’s advice that redirected Jimmy’s podcast path
08:04 – Compressing content: "from textbook to bumper sticker"
10:00 – The content hook: “Are we getting rid of normal saline?”
11:00 – How Jimmy selects topics: research, news, curiosity and requests
13:00 – Hot topics in EMS: cricothyrotomy, TXA, ketamine, provider safety
14:40 – Rob discusses EMSIntel.org and ambulance theft data
16:00 – Can EMS agencies do what Jimmy does? The risks and the realities
18:30 – "Stop the finger": creating content that captures attention
20:00 – Rob on the risks of public messaging and backlash
21:00 – Calling out misinformation: the line between education and shame
23:00 – Jimmy’s growing reach across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook
24:45 – Managing Facebook’s deeper comments and nuanced conversations
26:45 – Jimmy’s rule: “Engage only with good faith”
27:50 – Final thought: EMS must rediscover kindness
29:00 – Closing remarks and where to follow Jimmy Apple online
Additional resources
Connect with Jimmy Apple, better known as The EMS Avenger:
TikTok — Jimmy offers short-form, evidence-based EMS content here: @emsavenger
Instagram — Engage with in-depth reels, visuals, and professional updates: @emsavenger
X (formerly Twitter) — Follow EMS commentary, conversation, and boosts: @EMSAvenger
Facebook — Join the group for discussions and shared insights: EMS Avenger community
Apple Podcasts — Listen to “EMS Avenger: 20 Minutes to Save the World”: Weekly podcast series
AAA & AIMHI EMS Media Log: EMS Intel
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Growing the next generation of changemakers in rural EMS

In this special crossover edition of EMS One-Stop and The Bridge Podcast from the Kentucky Office of Rural Health, host Amelia Holliday leads the conversation, joined by Scott Helle, rural project manager at KORH; and Rob Lawrence, host of EMS One-Stop and EMS leader.
Recorded live at the 2025 Kentucky EMS Leadership Academy, this episode explores the evolution, design and impact of the Leadership Academy on Kentucky’s rural EMS landscape. The discussion dives into the Academy’s origins, structure, statewide reach and its mission to prepare the next generation of EMS leaders in some of the most resource-challenged communities in the country.
From the realities of low-volume, underfunded rural services, to the inspiring stories of leadership growth and resilience, this episode offers a thoughtful examination of the challenges facing EMS in Kentucky and beyond. Rob reflects on leadership principles drawn from his military and EMS career, while Scott provides a blueprint for how to build and sustain EMS talent in small communities. Together with Amelia’s thoughtful moderation, this episode highlights how mentorship, structured learning and network-building are transforming rural EMS leadership — one cohort at a time.
Additional resources
The Bridge Podcast (Contains additional discussion)
Center of Excellence in Rural Health: Established to address health disparities in rural Kentucky
Asking the big questions: Industry leaders weigh in on celebrating EMS Week amidst the forces shaping the EMS landscape
Cultivating the next generation of EMS: Leadership development, emotional intelligence and the importance of mentorship
Memorable quotes
“We’re promoting people above their level of competency — not because they’re not good, but because we haven’t prepared them for what’s next.” — Rob Lawrence
“We saw early on that EMS professionals were great at clinical care, but we were missing the leadership piece.” — Scott Helle
“Effective communication is the core of good leadership. You can’t lead without it.” — Amelia Holliday
“My six principles: pride, integrity, learning, humor, service and courage. They guide everything I do.” — Rob Lawrence
“It costs money to build people. That’s why we provide this Academy at no cost to participants.” — Scott Helle
“It’s hard to run EMS in a state where many counties don’t even have a tax base to support it.” — Scott Helle
“You’re always leading. Once you start, it never stops. People are always watching and listening.” — Rob Lawrence
“We’re not just building leaders — we’re building mentors, networks and future change-makers.” — Scott Helle
“Nobody becomes a good leader because they want power. The best leaders are those who understand the responsibility.” — Amelia Holliday
Episode timeline
00:18 – Introduction to the Kentucky Leadership Academy and crossover with The Bridge Podcast
02:29 – How the Academy was formed and why it was needed
05:00 – Structure of the Academy, application process and regional representation
08:11 – EMS 2050, developing next-gen leaders, and avoiding the Peter Principle
11:00 – The importance of non-clinical leadership education
13:36 – Funding challenges in rural EMS, tax base realities and sustainable operations
17:41 – Rural EMS dynamics, local politics and the true cost of readiness
21:25 – Hospital closures and extended transport times — national rural EMS challenges
24:11 – Leadership is constant: visible, energetic and principle-driven
28:14 – Rob’s military leadership values and the weight of being observed
32:35 – Leadership as service and the power of building trust within teams
34:58 – Rob’s group dynamics “icebreaker” exercise and lessons on leadership styles
39:33 – Mentorship benefits both ways: mentees gain confidence, mentors renew purpose
44:49 – Academy success stories and graduates becoming leaders elsewhere in EMS
46:44 – Closing comments and podcast wrap-up with Amelia and Rob
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Enjoying the show? Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback.

From info overload to instant clarity: Lifeline EMS puts AI to work

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Danielle Thomas, chief operating officer, Lifeline EMS of Los Angeles, to explore how her team is harnessing “actual intelligence” — through a proprietary, closed-source AI platform called InCheck — to solve a perennial EMS headache: information overload. Thomas explains how embedding agency-specific protocols, an 800-page policy manual and multi-language translation into a single voice-activated app gives every crew member a “mentor in their pocket,” shrinking cognitive load, sharpening clinical decision-making and smoothing onboarding during the critical first 80 hours of employment.
| More: From 73 to 33 minutes: How Sacramento reinvented patient offload times 
The conversation ranges from her move from Boston to California and the regulatory culture shock that followed, to Lifeline’s recent CAAS accreditation push and the wider potential of AI-driven tools to boost recruitment, retention, compliance and patient safety.
In the second half, Rob and Danielle expanded the conversation from tools to leadership strategy, focusing on how EMS agencies can better support staff in high-pressure, multi-jurisdictional environments.
Thomas shares how her team tackled issues like protocol confusion, inconsistent policy knowledge and language barriers — not by adding more training sessions, but by rethinking how information is delivered, accessed and retained on the front lines. She emphasizes the importance of aligning education with the way today’s workforce learns, communicates and engages — especially during the critical first days of employment.
The episode closes with a preview of Danielle’s upcoming AAA conference presentation with Carly Strong, which challenges perceptions of gender in EMS leadership and spotlights the untapped potential of inclusive, thoughtful organizational development.
Memorable quotes
“If you can, as the leader in an EMS organization, figure out how to enhance not only that first 80 hours, but that team member experience.” — Danielle Thomas
“As everybody listening knows, I'm sure that every new policy probably has somebody's secret name attached to it because of what happened.” — Rob Lawrence
“It honestly solves our recruitment and retention issues because they want to come to work.” — Danielle Thomas
“I happen to believe that [AI is] an on-the-train or under at the moment kind of thing … we now have to move forward. It's part of our life. We have to embrace it and we have to employ it.” — Rob Lawrence
“The left coast is more highly regulated and so I was not used to the labor laws in California and I was not used to the way that the local EMS authorities work.” — Danielle Thomas
“I think every company I've worked at that that was a thing and so we had to create a solution to the problem we had, which was information overload.” — Danielle Thomas
Episode timeline
01:25 – Welcome to Danielle Thomas
02:56 – East-to-West move and California’s regulatory maze
4:12 – Lifeline EMS footprint across Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties
6:27 – The policy-overload dilemma in multi-county operations
10:01 – InCheck: turning 800 pages into actionable intel
14:53 – From AI skeptic to evangelist — programming county-specific protocols
18:30 – Five operating modes explained (Rampart, Angel, Nova, L-Chat Narrative)
28:00 – 100-language instant translation with Nova
34:51 – Building the tool in-house; cost and compliance advantages
38:43 – Preview of AAA Conference session, “Just one of the guys”
41:33 – Final takeaways: enhancing the first 80 hours and keeping crews engaged
42:44 – Closing remarks
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Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Contact the EMS One-Stop team at editor@EMS1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify and RSS feed.

Paramedics without borders: Celebrating global unity on International Paramedic Day

In this international edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence welcomes Lewis Andrews, the chief operating officer of the United Kingdom’s College of Paramedics, for an insightful discussion on two major topics shaping global paramedicine.
First up is International Paramedic Day, taking place on July 8, 2025. Now in its third year, the day honors the contribution of paramedics across the world and draws its inspiration from the birthday of Dominique-Jean Larrey, the father of battlefield ambulance care. Lewis explains how the day has grown from 50 initial partners to over 150 global organizations, with this year’s theme being “Unity and community.” The day aims to raise awareness of the profession, share innovations and bring together the global paramedic community.
MORE | How community paramedicine is thriving in the UK: Dr. Linda Dykes and Rom Duckworth discuss trans-Atlantic lessons in emergency management
In the second half of the show, Lewis delves into the structure and significance of the College of Paramedics, which represents nearly half of the UK’s registered paramedics. He describes how the UK paramedic profession is regulated and protected by law, with a rigorous educational pathway that now includes the potential for prescribing paramedics and direct-to-primary-care tracks.
Rob and Lewis explore how paramedics in the UK are increasingly working beyond emergency ambulances — in GP surgeries, urgent care centers and academic roles. Their conversation offers a rich comparison point for U.S. EMS leaders seeking to elevate paramedicine through autonomy, education and broader clinical roles.
Memorable quotes
“This is not a commercial platform — this is about us celebrating us.” — Lewis Andrews, on the ethos of International Paramedic Day
“Let’s not reinvent the wheel, but let’s look at what the wheel is for the environment that it’s required to roll in.” — Lewis Andrews, on global EMS collaboration
“The title ‘paramedic’ is protected by law in the UK — you can’t simply do a first aid course and call yourself one.” — Rob Lawrence
“Autonomy — in a word — that’s what makes a prescribing paramedic.” — Lewis Andrews, on expanding paramedic roles
“We’re also promoting the profession to those who don’t yet know they want to be in the profession.” — Lewis Andrews, on recruitment and professional identity
“We have a career framework … that actually shows that you can develop from that day one newly qualified right through to a consultant paramedic, chief paramedic, director, professor.” — Lewis Andrews
Episode timeline
00:55 – Introduction to International Paramedic Day (IPD) and its origins
02:17 – Why July 8 was chosen: Dominique-Jean Larrey’s birthday
03:02 – Growth of IPD from 50 to over 150 partners
05:06 – 2025 theme: “Unity and community” and sub-objectives
06:45 – How to participate: share stories, use hashtags (#UnityAndCommunity and #IPD2025), connect globally
08:58 – The global nature of IPD and U.S. partners’ involvement
11:25 – Promoting awareness and the importance of celebrating paramedics
12:50 – Part 2 — The role of the College of Paramedics
14:09 – Overview of College functions: CPD, representation, research, advocacy
18:15 – Registration with HCPC, protected title and the regulator’s role
21:12 – Paramedic education in the UK: degree pathways, demand and cost
23:46 – Discussion on streaming directly into primary care roles
27:09 – Career framework: from graduate paramedic to chief paramedic/professor
30:16 – Prescribing paramedics: autonomy and improved patient experience
33:08 – Recap and call to action: visit www.internationalparamedicsday.com
34:17 – Like, subscribe and engage
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
International Paramedics Day Resources
UK College of Paramedics
The standards of proficiency for paramedics
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How ‘One big beautiful bill’ could break EMS

In this vital episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Matt Zavadsky and attorney Doug Wolfberg of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth for a deep-dive into three financial flashpoints currently impacting EMS.
First, the trio unpack the launch of the new PWW|AG/EMS|MC EMS Financial Index, a quarterly report leveraging billing and revenue cycle data from over 1,500 agencies nationwide. This unprecedented benchmarking tool allows EMS leaders to measure performance against regional and national trends, uncovering actionable insights into billing strategies, reimbursement rates, payer mixes and the economics of service delivery. It’s a critical step in helping agencies justify their value and improve their financial sustainability.
Next, the discussion turns to MedPAC — the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission — and its controversial response to cost data submitted by ambulance services under the CMS Ground Ambulance Data Collection System. Doug Wolfberg explains how MedPAC discarded over half of the data, labeling higher-cost services — often rural or government-run — as outliers. This move could justify lower or stagnant Medicare fee increases, potentially devastating many providers.
Finally, attention shifts to the “One Big Beautiful Bill” moving through Congress and now on its way to the Senate that would eliminate or severely restrict enhanced Medicaid funding mechanisms, such as supplemental payments and provider taxes. If passed, this legislation would reduce reimbursement for millions of transports, triggering funding crises across EMS systems — particularly in states like California and Illinois. The episode delivers a clear message: EMS leaders must prepare, advocate and act now.
Episode timeline
00:41 – Rob introduces the three main topics: the PWW|AG/EMS|MC EMS Financial Index, MedPAC’s response to ambulance data and a major federal bill impacting Medicaid
01:59 – Part 1 — PWW|AG/EMS|MC Financial Index
03:37 – Matt explains that the index is built using data from over 1,500 EMS agencies via EMS|MC
05:43 – The importance of regional benchmarking
08:22 – First major finding: dramatic variation in ALS billing rates across regions
09:30 – Key insight: agencies that bill more tend to collect more revenue — agencies are encouraged to determine their true cost of service and align billing accordingly
12:37 – Collection percentage is debunked as a misleading metric; focus should be on dollars collected
15:36 – ALS vs. BLS billing levels explained, with a look ahead to Q2’s emergency-only data set
18:48 – How EMS agencies can better engage with insurers to cover non-transport and MIH services
20:46 – Part 2 — MedPAC
22:24 – Doug outlines how MedPAC discarded over half of the reported ambulance cost data
25:00 – Explanation of which data was discarded and why — primarily high-cost, rural and government-based services
28:22 – Doug asserts MedPAC is using cherry-picked data to suppress reimbursement increases
30:10 – Rob and Doug emphasize that EMS gave MedPAC quality input, but MedPAC is producing garbage output
32:08 – Doug outlines what MedPAC will do next and what EMS leaders must do in response
34:40 – Strong call to action: educate Congress, use real CMS data and don’t accept MedPAC’s narrative
36:59 – Doug emphasizes the importance of evidence-based deployment strategies for financial sustainability
37:31 – Part 3 — “One Big Beautiful Bill”
38:19 – Matt outlines how the bill would drastically limit Medicaid supplemental payments
39:43 – Federal/state Medicaid match rates explained with California as an example
42:51 – The looming reckoning: local governments may have to pay to maintain current EMS service levels
46:02 – Matt warns that the bill could trigger PAYGO cuts to Medicare as well
47:16 – Agencies are urged to plan now, talk to their communities and adjust operations
48:06 – Doug adds that pressure on U.S. senators, especially in red states, could still influence the bill
51:26 – Close and call to action
Final takeaway
This episode underscores that EMS cannot remain reactive — leaders must proactively use data, engage legislators and educate their communities on the true cost of care. The EMS Financial Index, the MedPAC dismissal, and the pending bill all point to a critical need for informed, strategic advocacy.

Safe streets for all: MVC care funding in action

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with returning guest Chief Robbie MacCue of Colonie EMS (New York) to explore the transformative potential of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) federal grant program.
Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, SS4A aims to prevent roadway fatalities and enhance post-crash care. With $5 billion available nationwide and $900 million still on the table for FY25, this conversation is a call to action for EMS agencies across the country.
Chief MacCue shares the story of how his department, in collaboration with neighboring EMS and police agencies, secured $2.4 million in SS4A funding for a project focused on innovative vehicle alert systems, prehospital health information exchange and groundwork for whole blood deployment.
From demystifying the grant application to defining success metrics and compliance reporting, this episode breaks it all down — turning policy into practice, and complexity into impact.
Memorable quotes
“I was pretty taken back by the statistic that 40% of these patients were alive when EMS arrived and later died. Those are patients that are talking to us that are no longer living after a crash.” — Robbie MacCue
“This isn’t free money. It comes with reporting requirements, match funding and responsibility — but there’s help out there, and it’s absolutely worth it.” — Robbie MacCue
“Our goal is to go upstream to the source of the problem. How do we stop the bleeding? How do we stop some of these accidents from actually happening?” — Robbie MacCue
“We put a two-page narrative together that generated a $3,000,000 regional application … based on simple principles about statistics.” — Robbie MacCue
“Post-crash care is definitely a missing element in the Safe System Approach … and EMS needs to be part of the solution, not just the response.” — Robbie MacCue
“You don’t have to have all the solutions right away. You just have to have the initiative to get with other like-minded people.” — Robbie MacCue
“This project isn’t just for crashes. It will also help us with high-utilizer patients and improve reimbursement accuracy by connecting data silos.” — Robbie MacCue
“Somebody emailed me in the week to say that the EMS One-Stop podcast is the podcast that’s able to turn a very complex EMS topic into a car bumper sticker. So there you go. If we’re doing that and we can achieve that, then we’re getting somewhere.” — Rob Lawrence
Episode timeline
00:00-02:00 – Intro to SS4A and the scale of available funding ($5B)
02:00-04:00 – Why post-crash care matters: 42% of patients alive at EMS arrival die later
04:00-07:00 – How Colonie EMS discovered and approached the SS4A opportunity
07:00-10:00 – Building a regional grant application and tripling the funding
10:00-13:30 – Overview of the proposed project – transponder tech, health information exchange and whole blood
13:30-17:00 – Specific technology being explored and integration challenges
17:00-20:00 – Working with MPOs, consultants and navigating acronyms
20:00-25:00 – Finding the 20% match, leveraging in-kind contributions and funding timelines
25:00-30:00 – Federal reporting requirements and budgeting with SF-424A
30:00-35:00 – The big goal: Closing the outcome data loop and EMS-hospital data sharing
35:00-40:00 – Measuring success, from whole blood to vehicle alerts
40:00-42:30 – Robbie’s final advice: “Don’t be intimidated — reach out and apply.”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
SS4A Application Portal & Resources: Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program | US Department of Transportation
NHTSA’s Office of Emergency Medical Services | EMS.gov
Lexipol Grants Support
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) database

Inside the EMS Compact: How REPLICA transforms disaster response, licensing & leadership

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence kicks off a special series spotlighting national EMS associations, beginning with a deep dive into the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate CompAct (REPLICA). His guest, Donnie Woodyard Jr., executive director, Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice, brings decades of EMS experience and leadership to the table to demystify what the EMS Compact is, how it operates, and why it matters to the profession today. From improving workforce mobility to protecting public safety during disasters, Woodyard Jr. provides clarity on this critical multi-state agreement.
The conversation covers everything from how EMS Compact came to be, to the significance of national registry standards, disaster response logistics, interstate licensure, and even leadership lessons from Woodyard Jr.’s latest book project, “Leadership in action: The Wisdom and stories of EMS innovators”. Whether you're a field provider or policymaker, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how collaborative legislation can shape the future of EMS.
In the episode, Woodyard Jr. candidly addresses the ongoing debate in North Carolina over transitioning from a state-only EMS certification exam to exclusive use of the National Registry. Woodyard Jr., while respectful of North Carolina’s long-standing EMS tradition, emphasizes the importance of national consistency. He acknowledged that the proposed legislation needed amendments, particularly around grandfathering existing providers, but stood firm in his belief that a single, legally defensible national standard is essential for provider mobility and professional integrity. Drawing on real-world examples, Woodyard Jr. described how providers are often caught off guard when relocating — only to discover their credentials aren't accepted elsewhere. “Maintaining a state-only exam is harmful to individuals,” he said, calling for unified testing standards that support workforce movement and strengthens the profession nationwide.
Memorable quotes from Donnie Woodyard Jr
“Every EMT and paramedic in the United States should go through a fingerprint background check. You know, babysitters have to do it. Teachers have to do it. EMS personnel absolutely should do it.”
“Maintaining a state-only exam is harmful to individuals. It limits their mobility.”
“When you waive that requirement for licensure, you actually are removing essential elements of public protection and accountability.”
Timeline
00:21 – Rob introduces the series on national EMS associations and welcomes Donnie Woodyard, Jr.
01:55 – Woodyard, Jr.shares his EMS journey from volunteer in Virginia to international disaster medicine and state leadership
03:41 – What is the EMS Compact and how does it work?
06:38 – Challenges of multistate EMS licensing pre-Compact
08:00 – Explaining the driver’s license analogy and compact accountability
11:17 – EMAC vs. EMS Compact for disaster response and liability concerns
15:31 – National Registry and grandfathering provisions
17:30 – Arkansas joins as the 25th compact state
18:56 – Model legislation and how states join the compact
21:22 – What REPLICA stands for and its legislative origin
22:20 – What California (and other non-compact states) should consider
24:33 – National Registry debate: North Carolina’s challenges and Woodyard, Jr.’s response
27:52 – Mobility, workforce attrition and job-sharing innovation
30:11 – The Commission and national EMS-coordinated database
35:17 – Final thoughts on fragmentation, collaboration and EMS unity
36:41 – Woodyard, Jr.’s leadership book, EMS charity support and Secretary Panetta’s forward
41:08 – Closing remarks and contact information
Additional resources
Learn more about the EMS Compact
“Leadership in action: The Wisdom and stories of EMS innovators”, by Donnie Woodyard Jr.
“The future of emergency medical services: Artificial intelligence, technology & innovation”, by Donnie Woodyard Jr.

Insights, actions and the future of EMS: The 2025 ESO EMS Index

In this special data-driven edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Dr. Brent Myers, chief medical officer, ESO, and Dr. Remle Crowe, ESO’s director of clinical and operational research, to unpack the newly released 2025 ESO EMS Index.
This annual report provides a powerful, real-world snapshot of national EMS trends — drawing on more than 14 million anonymized records to surface opportunities for clinical and operational improvement.
The conversation dives into key metrics that move beyond response times and into areas like pain management, opioid overdoses, airway confirmation, obstetric emergencies, whole blood use, pediatric behavioral health and high-utilization patient populations.
Throughout the episode, Drs. Myers and Crowe share the motivation behind each metric, explain how the data was gathered and analyzed, and reflect on how EMS agencies can use these insights to guide better care delivery and system design. From confronting equity in pain management, to pushing forward innovations like buprenorphine administration and whole blood programs, this is a compelling call to turn data into meaningful change.
Timeline
01:08 – Overview of the ESO EMS Index and its intent
02:59 – Origins of the report and data methodology
05:46 – Database scale: 14M+ records, 3,000+ agencies
07:14 – Metric 1: Pain management for long bone fractures
10:53 – Documentation, AI in EMS, and future documentation tools
14:30 – Metric 2: Suspected opioid overdose and buprenorphine use
18:51 – Best practices, COWS scoring, and naloxone delivery strategy
21:31 – Metric 3: Invasive airway confirmation using waveform capnography
28:06 – Metric 4: Obstetric emergencies (postpartum hemorrhage & hypertension)
34:34 – Metric 5: Prehospital whole blood surveillance
40:22 – Metric 6: Pediatric behavioral health and substance use disorder cases
44:54 – Metric 7: High utilization patient group (HUG)
52:48 – Final thoughts, calls to action, and Rob’s reflections
55:47 – Episode wrap-up and subscription reminder