Pecha Kucha

Beyond the Band-Aid: Leading the Transformation Mandate in EMS with Marshall Woodmansee

The next wave of young leaders demands wholesale transformation, rejecting the incrementalism that has failed to solve global crises. This session explores the mindset of these emerging figures, from Zohran Mamdani to Greta Thunberg, and connects their winning messaging to EMS leadership. Attendees will learn how to shift from managing decline to actively supporting, attracting, and leading the necessary changes to ensure the industry’s sustainability.

Human First, Hero Second: Rethinking EMS Leadership with Amanda McQuistian

In this fast-paced session, a seasoned director of operations and part of the EMSNext Program come from a leading ambulance service shares field-tested strategies for building stronger, more resilient teams. Participants will leave with actionable tools to enhance psychological safety during daily operations, implement brief but effective crew check-ins, and use empathy-based communication to reduce conflict and improve team performance—immediately strengthening their agency’s culture and outcomes.

Igniting Joy: A Leader’s Guide to EMS Wellness with Marc Kilman-Burnham

In the high-stakes world of EMS, is joy an elusive dream or a powerful tool for wellness? This Pecha Kucha for leaders asserts it’s the latter. We’ll dive headfirst into the “how”: understanding the critical need to ask the right questions, fostering realistic and empathetic relationships with our providers, and consciously embracing moments of joy to build a foundation of sustainable well-being. In 20 slides, we’ll demonstrate that a joyful, well-supported EMS team isn’t just possible, it’s essential – and entirely within your leadership’s grasp.

The Day the Sirens Came for Us with Nick Romenesko

My presentation shares the personal story of June 4, 2022—the day our family’s life changed forever. My daughter was struck and run over by a pickup truck just after learning to ride her bike. I responded as both her father and the senior paramedic on scene. This presentation examines the emotional challenges of that day, the personal impact of each call, and the significance of mental health in emergency services.

The Courage to Ask for Help – What to do When Saying, ‘I Got This’ Fails  with Elisabeth Handgraaf

In this presentation, Elisabeth “Lis” Handgraaf shares her journey from isolation to collaboration as a new leader, learning that strength comes from connection, not perfection. Attendees will learn to: (1) ask for help early and often, (2) lean on mentors and team support, and (3) embrace imperfection as a path to authentic, effective leadership.

Can Community Building Fix the Workforce Shortage with Michael Kaduce

Today, we delve into how community building can play a role in addressing the workforce shortage in Emergency Medical Services. Research has demonstrated that fostering a strong sense of belonging among team members enhances engagement, collaboration, and overall job satisfaction, and that those in high-reliance occupations stay longer when they feel part of a team. However, little real-world application has been observed in initial EMS education.

The Falck Health Institute has focused on incorporating effective strategies to create a welcoming environment that encourages open communication, critical thinking, and dialogue among their initial education EMT students and new hire orientation. These tactics emphasize the importance of structured collaboration and group work, enabling participants to engage in meaningful interactions that strengthen team dynamics. Additionally, mentorship and peer support methods will be highlighted as essential tools for cultivating relationships and fostering a culture of success.