Podcast
Inside EMS
Hosted by EMS1 Podcasts · EN
For 14 years, the Inside EMS podcast helped drive conversations shaping the profession. Across nearly 900 episodes, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson examined hot topics affecting providers and leaders, from field operations and clinical decision-making to technology adoption, workforce challenges and agency leadership. With more than 2.3 million downloads and listeners in 51 countries, the podcast built a lasting archive of practical insight, debate and perspective for every stage of an EMS career.
While new episodes have concluded, the Inside EMS archive (and the Inside EMS YouTube playlist) remains a valuable educational resource. Listeners can revisit discussions on clinical care, leadership, workforce challenges, professional development and the evolving role of EMS in public safety and healthcare.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AI, body cams and bills on the Hill
Feb 1600:31:59Tap to summarizeThis episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by ZOLL software and data solutions. Optimize EMS performance and outcomes at every stage of operations with interoperable solutions from dispatch, to patient care, QA/QI, billing and beyond. Visit zolldata.com to learn about the complete solution suite. NAEMSP is officially a “big little conference” — and it’s only getting bigger. In this crossover episode, Rob Lawrence and Chris Cebollero unpack the momentum: tighter collaboration, a unified push toward EMS on the Hill Day, and the growing realization that if we want change, we need boots (and uniforms) on Capitol Hill. But the real buzz? AI. From autonomous ambulances to narrative-writing software, the conversation gets real about the promise — and the potholes — of artificial intelligence in EMS. Charting shortcuts? Maybe. Courtroom landmines? Definitely possible. Add in body-worn camera debates, budget crises and a push for legislative support at the federal level, and it’s clear the profession is standing at a pivot point. Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.
Transcribe →A paramedic-school survival guide to autonomic chaos
Feb 600:20:18Tap to summarizeThis episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by ZOLL software and data solutions. Optimize EMS performance and outcomes at every stage of operations with interoperable solutions from dispatch, to patient care, QA/QI, billing and beyond. Visit zolldata.com to learn about the complete solution suite. This week on Inside EMS, Chris Cebollero takes on one of the most anxiety-inducing topics in paramedic education: alpha and beta receptors. Sparked by a question from paramedic student April McKenzie, a.k.a., “April Anonymous,” this episode strips away rote memorization and replaces it with something far more useful in the field — understanding the why behind the medicine. There’s no fluff here; no cheesy memory tricks that fall apart under stress. Just physiology, practical mental models and a challenge to start practicing medicine with intention. If pharmacology has ever felt random, this episode connects the dots in a way that finally clicks. Quotable takeaways “Every medication you give in EMS is doing one of two things: It's either pushing the gas pedal or it's releasing the brake — that's it. If you don't understand which one you're doing, you're guessing, even if the protocol says you're right.” “We really have to become the ultimate detective of the body.” “Every patient is somewhere between gas and brake at all times. Those systems are constantly working, they're not off. It's just a dimmer switch. Every medication pushes one system or pulls the other system back into play.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode.
Transcribe →Oh, baby: Birth, breakthroughs and the Broselow tape blunder
Jan 3000:28:16Tap to summarizeDr. Peter Antevy returns to the Inside EMS co-host seat this week, filling in for Kelly Grayson and bringing some serious pediatric firepower to the conversation. Host Chris Cebollero dives right into the latest buzz around the Broselow tape recall — yes, again — as Dr. Antevy unpacks what went wrong, why it matters and what EMS agencies should be doing about it now. He also shares exciting details on his brand-new, field-focused Newborn Resuscitation & Obstetrics course (NROC), built by EMS for EMS. Designed with two hours of online content (zero PowerPoints!) and a short, in-house skills lab, this course aims to tackle one of the most nerve-wracking call types. No more dragging medics to the hospital for NRP classes that don’t translate to street-level care. Also on deck: OB deserts, delayed cord clamping, why you might need to Saran-wrap a newborn (seriously), and what AI can — and can’t — do for EMS. This one’s packed with practical pearls, myth-busting insights and a whole lot of passion for pediatric education. Quotable takeaways from Dr. Peter Antevy “EMS is one specialty that AI will never take away, as far as like the human-to-human contact. We resuscitate people, we treat people who are seizing. AI will never do that. That's a good thing.” “Academics and the hospital folks don't recognize the value that EMS brings to the table. They think we're ambulance drivers. It's time for them to wake up and recognize that we are the people who deliver babies. We are the people who resuscitate grandma, grandpa and the little kid.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.
Transcribe →This isn’t your Facebook group’s EMS debate
Jan 2300:33:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Inside EMS, host Chris Cebollero sits down with Mic Gunderson, CEO of the Center for Systems Improvement and EMS Quality Academy; and editor‑in‑chief of the new peer-reviewed International Journal of Paramedicine, which launched in January 2023. Gunderson explains how the publication provides a forum for thoughtful debate around complex topics to be examined and analyzed. A recent issue, for example, touched on degree requirements for entry-level medics using the Socratic method to frame and manage the debate — a far cry from the horrors of a social post’s comment section. Sprinkled with wit, respect and real curiosity, this episode is a masterclass in how EMS can grow — not just louder, but smarter. Whether you drive an ambulance, manage a system, or just care about the future of prehospital care, this conversation is worth your seat time. Additional resources: The International Journal of Paramedicine Degrees, debate and direction: Why this debate deserves our attention Top quotes from Mic Gunderson “Allow us to have enough maturity in our dialogue to say, ‘what's your logic or reasoning behind your opinion?’ instead of just saying, ‘I think the sky is blue.’ Tell me why you think the sky is blue and why it isn't red.” “With the Socratic debate format, because we're not trying to pick a loser or a winner, it allows us to really focus on the issues and the merits of the different perspectives.” Enjoying the show? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.
Transcribe →The buffer system decoded: Mastering CO2, pH and patient care
Jan 1600:41:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, Chris and Kelly are joined by paramedic student April McKenzie — aka “April Anonymous” — for a deep dive into the buffer system and CO2 mapping. April’s in the thick of paramedic school and like every good learner, she’s asking “why?” — so the guys break down the physiology behind capnography, acid-base balance and the lungs-vs.-kidneys showdown that keeps our patients alive. Plus, they throw in old-school war stories, rant about naloxone misuse and admit that bicarb is no longer the go-to cardiac arrest drug. If you've ever tried to explain respiratory vs. metabolic acidosis in under 10 minutes, this episode is your cheat sheet. April will be back throughout the year with more student questions, so buckle up for the ongoing EMS education you didn’t know you needed. Quotable takeaways “Just because you see somebody with signs and symptoms and the protocol says, do this; that's OK, but that just makes you a protocol paramedic.” “My friend Romy Duckworth calls [capnography] the MVP of vital signs, and that's a good way to remember it — MVP: Metabolism, Ventilation and Profusion. And it will tell you derangement about all three of those things very well once you're proficient at interpreting the waveforms.” “Basically, the buffer system is the body's way of keeping the pH stable. So, if we're blowing out, if we're having problems with respiratory acidosis — and let's talk about CDKA, where they're trying to blow off — it's the respiratory systems’ way of making sure that we have homeostasis.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for an upcoming episode.
Transcribe →EMS on the Hill: Why advocacy matters now more than ever
Apr 11, 202500:28:36Tap to summarizeGuest host Rob Lawrence joins Kelly Grayson to reflect on the recent EMS on the Hill Day. Rob offers a behind-the-scenes look at his experience leading the California delegation and provides insights into how EMS professionals can influence policy on issues like Medicare reimbursement, community paramedicine and workforce development. Kelly questions whether EMS on the Hill Day efforts actually drive change, while Rob defends the impact of consistent grassroots advocacy. The episode highlights key legislation, including expanded telemedicine and veteran recruitment into EMS, and makes the case for staying politically engaged to secure the future of the profession. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting to engage in the political side of EMS, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of the stakes — and the power of your voice. Key quotes "Our national associations are now hunting as a pack, which is a good thing." — Rob Lawrence "You can be at the mercy of EMS politics, or you can learn to play EMS politics and affect the outcome." — Kelly Grayson "All politics is local, and we all have a voice. More importantly, we all have a story." — Rob Lawrence "Politics is made of people who show up." — Kelly Grayson Timeline 01:02 – Rob discusses his recent travels and involvement in EMS on the Hill 01:45 – Rob explains what EMS on the Hill is and how it works 03:11 – Rob shares his thoughts on the bipartisan support for EMS legislation 06:05 – Kelly asks about the amount of time spent with legislators 09:02 – Rob highlights his meeting with Representative Eric Swalwell 10:28 – Kelly expresses skepticism about EMS Week and EMS on the Hill 12:10 – Rob responds to Kelly’s skepticism about EMS advocacy 14:00 – Rob discusses key bills on Medicare reimbursement and community paramedicine 16:06 – Rob shares details about the bills being presented this year 20:01 – Rob talks about workforce development and veteran recruitment initiatives 22:01 – Rob and Kelly discuss EMS advocacy and the importance of grassroots involvement 25:36 – Rob explains the EMS caucus and invites listeners to get involved 28:20 – Rob concludes the podcast, urging listeners to advocate for EMS and engage in political processes Enjoying the show? Email the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.
Transcribe →Exhausted and overworked: The fatigue crisis in EMS
Apr 4, 202500:22:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, co-host Kelly Grayson is joined by international guest host Rob Lawrence for a candid and timely conversation on one of the most pressing issues in EMS today: fatigue and its impact on provider safety and wellness. The discussion begins with a heartbreaking story out of Georgia, where a nurse, after working consecutive night shifts, fell asleep at the wheel, leading to a fatal crash. It’s a tragic reminder of the very real risks that come with long hours, disrupted sleep and chronic fatigue in healthcare—and EMS is no exception. Kelly and Rob reflect on their own experiences with sleep deprivation, shift work and the toll it takes on performance, decision-making and personal safety. They dive into the need for fatigue management policies, smarter shift scheduling, and how EMS leaders can — and must — prioritize provider health. Timeline 00:00 - 00:05: Rob introduces himself as the international correspondent for Inside EMS, stepping in for Chris Cebollero. 00:05 - 00:33: Kelly and Rob discuss the swap between Chris and Rob, along with their roles in the EMS community, providing context for the conversation. 00:33 - 03:10: Rob and Kelly discuss the tragic accident in Forsyth County, Georgia, where a nurse fell asleep behind the wheel after a night shift. They reflect on the broader issue of fatigue in healthcare professions. 03:10 - 07:01: Kelly shares his personal experience with fatigue, recounting instances of feeling like a "zombie" after long shifts and the dangers of working extended hours. 07:01 - 10:35: Rob and Kelly dive into the challenges of managing fatigue in EMS, the ongoing debate about shift lengths, and the need for policies to improve rest and working conditions. 10:35 - 12:23: The hosts discuss the importance of leadership in managing fatigue, with Rob emphasizing the need for downtime between shifts. 12:23 - 15:02: Kelly talks about his previous employer's fatigue mitigation policies and how they ensured safety through workload monitoring, proper shift lengths, and adequate pay. 15:02 - 18:00: Rob reflects on his work in California, including meetings with lawmakers to address EMS workforce issues during EMS Week. 18:00 - 23:07: The hosts discuss the systemic issues that contribute to fatigue, including poor wages, long shifts, and the overall working conditions in EMS. They conclude with a call to action for better policies and leadership to ensure the well-being of EMS professionals. Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.
Transcribe →Future-proofing EMS: How a new course is building results-driven problem solvers
Apr 1, 202501:01:48Tap to summarizeNote: Thanks for following the Inside EMS podcast! Enjoy this special EMS One-Stop crossover episode with host Rob Lawrence, who will also join Kelly Grayson as a guest cohost during the month of April. In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, Dr. Dave Williams discusses an exciting new master's-level course designed for EMS and fire leaders, focused on advanced improvement science. Along with Mike Taigman, Dr. Williams is leading this program, which aims to equip leaders with the tools and methods necessary to achieve results-driven improvement in their EMS systems. Over the course of 12 months, attendees will work on real-world projects, gaining the skills needed to make data-driven decisions and improve patient care outcomes within their organizations. Dr. Williams also dives into the core concepts of improvement science, including understanding of variation and the importance of creating organizational systems that support sustainable improvements. He shares insights into the curriculum, the significance of benchmarking and how the course will help EMS leaders tackle systemic challenges by applying proven improvement methodologies. This conversation also touches on the future of EMS leadership and how innovation in data management, process design and leadership will shape the profession moving forward. Timeline 02:22 – Dr. Williams explains the background of the course, highlighting how it builds on improvement science to drive better results in EMS systems. He and Mike Taigman aim to teach EMS leaders to use data and evidence to improve patient care outcomes. 06:16 – Quality improvement: Dr. Williams discusses the gap in EMS leadership regarding quality improvement, emphasizing that quality needs to be integrated into the leadership team’s responsibilities, not treated as a separate function. 11:01 – Why data matters: The conversation shifts to the importance of data in EMS improvement efforts. Dr. Williams highlights how collecting and analyzing data helps organizations understand system performance and drive change. 15:43 – The fleet management example: Rob shares a fleet management story where data was used to improve vehicle downtime, highlighting the real-world impact of using improvement science to solve practical challenges. 19:29 – Project-based learning in the course: Dr. Williams elaborates on the project-based nature of the course, explaining how each participant will bring a real-world project that directly impacts their organization and use improvement science to solve it. 23:09 – Practical applications: Dr. Williams talks about how the course will blend online learning with in-person workshops, providing practical tools and methods that participants can apply to their projects throughout the year. 31:08 – Course logistics: Dr. Williams discusses course deadlines and important dates, including the application deadline of April 18, 2025; and the course's first workshop in September 2025. 54:05 – ROI and the course's value: Dr. Williams emphasizes the return on investment for attending the course, explaining that solving organizational problems through improvement science will ultimately save money and improve results for EMS services. 1:00 – Final thoughts: Rob and Dr. Williams close the conversation by reiterating the uniqueness of the course and its potential to reshape EMS leadership through the application of improvement science. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Next-level improvement science: New master-level course equips EMS and fire leaders with advanced improvement science skills Course application deadline: April 18, 2025 Course start date: July 22, 2025 Workshop dates: September 2025; February 2026 Mastering data and EMS performance metrics with Mike Taigman: Exploring how data informs change, improves clinical outcomes and drives leadership decisions Improve EMS quality with a model that works: The simple yet powerful Model for Improvement holds the key to making real changes to an EMS organization
Transcribe →‘Death was staring me in the face’: Kelly Grayson’s no-BS guide to getting healthy
Mar 28, 202500:28:16Tap to summarizeIn honor of First Responder Wellness Week, Inside EMS hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson go beyond the surface-level tips and dig into what true wellness looks like in this profession. Spoiler: it’s messy, personal and sometimes terrifying. Kelly shares his deeply personal journey from a spinal surgery and a near-fatal pulmonary embolism to dropping over 140 pounds and reclaiming his life. At his heaviest, he was 410 pounds. Today? He’s neck-and-neck with Chris on the scale, rocking a 40-inch waist after shedding a whole foot from his midsection. But this episode isn’t about bragging — it’s about honesty. Kelly gets vulnerable about depression, self-doubt and EMS culture’s toxic relationship with self-care. He also drops hard-earned advice on meal prepping, smarter snacking and how to make real progress without crash diets or guilt trips. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and not liked what you saw — or felt the creeping realization that this job might just break you — this one’s for you. Kelly’s story isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about survival, resilience and building a new life, one lap at a time. Memorable quotes "EMS is not an active profession. It’s 23 hours of boredom and an hour of blind panic." "It’s not simply a matter of willpower, but support, attainable goals, and short increments add up over the years." "You have to get serious about what you want to feel like, what you want to look like." "I said, 'What are you doing this for? Are you doing this to die, knowing what killed you?'" Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.
Transcribe →Show me the money: How EMS can tap into opioid funding
Mar 21, 202500:23:47Tap to summarizeBillions of dollars from opioid settlements are flowing into communities, but how does EMS get a slice of the pie? In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, host Chris Cebollero is joined by Corey Carlson, EMS segment lead at Lexipol, to break it all down. Carlson simplifies the complex world of opioid settlement funding, sharing exactly where the money is, who controls it and how EMS agencies — both public and private — can apply. From funding for training, mental health support, AEDs, cardiac monitors, ambulances and even K-9 units, there are countless ways EMS can use these funds. The key? Knowing who to ask and how to frame the request. If your EMS agency could use a financial boost (and let’s be real — whose couldn’t?), this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you claim your share of the $56 billion (and counting) in opioid settlement funds. Additional grant-funding resources: EMS grants: 5 steps to success Debunking the top 5 EMS grant myths: Insights for success 10 books every EMS grant writer needs Guide to securing Congressionally directed funds This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by ZOLL Medical. Learn more about ZOLL’s products for EMS at zoll.com/solutions/ems-and-fire. Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at theshow@ems1.com to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.
Transcribe →