This week the EMS Staffing and Support Act (S. 3910) was proposed in the US Senate which clearly outlines the crisis EMS systems face and recognizes the support providers need to sustain themselves. This legislation would establish a Federal funding mechanism of $500M through HRSA (Health Resource and Services Administration). It would create an exclusive funding […]
Why Retention is the Key to Recruitment
Recruitment and retention are by far the topics we get asked about most often at EMS Leadership Academy. It is understandable because it is a pervasive issue that is threatening the viability and stability of EMS organizations around the world. Recruitment and retention are usually talked about in one breath as if they are one […]
How do I deal with conflict & reduce controversy in EMS?
LISTEN to learn vs. listening to respond — listen from a quiet mind vs from your opinions/right-wrong mentality. Neutral listening is key and your listening can influence people’s ability to speakAn Appreciative Inquiry approach: Focus on what you want vs. what you don’t want. British Airways example of avoiding lost luggage vs. creating an exceptional […]
How can we get healthcare providers to take care of their own health?
Increase pay equality. Low income wage earners usually correlates with poor healthEnsure your healthcare providers have affordable access to health insurance.Find like minded people – you are the sum of the five people you surround yourself the most with.People who feel valued and cared for tend to take better care of themselves. Often eating poorly […]
Incivility in EMS Research
Here’s an opportunity to support and contribute to a body of research that will lead to more evidence in the EMS industry. Patricia Overman, is a paramedic and graduate student at Western Carolina University conducting a research project titled “The prevalence of workplace incivility in Emergency Medical Services and the effects on EMS providers.” The purpose […]
What’s a good way to create a recognition program?
An effective recognition program needs to be a result of a great culture not an initiative to create one, otherwise it occurs for people like a band aid on a hemorrhage or as manipulative. Acknowledging people is not about their ego or getting accolades. It is about acknowledging the positive DIFFERENCE/IMPACT someone made in the world.Do […]
How does EMS get seen as more professional?
Are you treating yourself and other EMS personnel as professionals? This is a very important aspect of this question. Too often people see themselves as “just EMS” or compare EMS to others in the medical profession rather than see themselves and the industry as a crucial aspect of healthcare. It starts with how you see […]
How do I strengthen my weaknesses?
There’s two ways of looking at this. The traditional way of thinking about this is in order to improve myself I have to fix my weaknesses. That’s like deciding to become left handed when you are right handed. It’s a lot of energy and effort for very little improvement. Another way of looking at it […]
How do we have less drama, improve communication and have more cooperation?
Having less drama, improving communication, and having more cooperation are the results of a culture which is either there by default or by design.What (or who) are you focusing on? The 20% who are highly engaged or the 10- 20% who are actively disengaged (drama, poor listeners, uncooperative)Shift to a coaching mindset to bring out […]
How can I be less reactive when I get negative feedback?
Be sure that when you are getting feedback that you are in a calm/peaceful state of mind. If your mind is revved up (lots of insecure or worried thinking) any feedback will seem negative or offensiveTake some time to think about a time when you received feedback that was helpful / constructive or didn’t occur […]
