In this special South Carolina–flavored December edition of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Henry Lewis, one of EMS’s most influential association leaders, to explore how national and state EMS partnerships are evolving in real time.

Broadcast from Washington, D.C., just after the American Ambulance Association board meeting, Rob and Henry dig into how local, state, and national EMS bodies can better align, advocate, and “hunt as a pack” to advance the profession. Henry, who uniquely straddles leadership roles in both NAEMT and the American Ambulance Association, explains why unified messaging across all levels of EMS is now essential—and how state associations are the critical connective tissue.

This episode also includes a holiday message from NAEMT President Chris Way, reflections on the year ahead, and a forward look at the First EMS Association Summit, taking place in February in Kansas City.

Resources

Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join

EMS Association Summit February 17-19 Kansas City: https://attendeas.net/

In this milestone episode of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence welcomes NAEMT President Chris Way for a timely conversation reflecting on the association’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Indianapolis—and looking ahead to the next 50 years. President Way shares highlights from the organization’s new mission, vision, and three strategic pillars—advocacy, membership, and education—designed to shape the future of EMS. He also discusses the inclusive and collaborative process that brought the board, members, and partner organizations together to define a clear path forward. The pair explore NAEMT’s growing global reach, its expanding network of international partners, and the success of programs like the Lighthouse Leadership initiative, which continues to develop the next generation of EMS leaders.

The discussion then turns to federal advocacy and legislative momentum, as President Way provides updates following the government’s reopening and details NAEMT’s push for permanent funding solutions, support for treatment in place (TIP) and mobile integrated healthcare (MIH), and the transition of military medics to civilian EMS roles.

Looking ahead, the conversation previews EMS on the Hill Day 2026 (March 25–26), which promises to be the largest yet, featuring broad participation from NAEMSP, ACEP, ACS, IAFC, SOMA, and other key partners. The episode closes with a preview of NAEMT’s new integrated IT and membership system, a shout-out to upcoming state association collaboration meetings in Kansas City, and a Thanksgiving message from President Way encouraging EMS professionals to pause, reflect, and recharge amid the season.

Resources

Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join

In this second installment of our 2025 NAEMT National Award Winners series, we highlight the physician whose leadership and vision have set a benchmark for EMS nationwide. Dr. Meg Marino, Medical Director of New Orleans EMS, has been named the 2025 NAEMT Medical Director of the Year. From her early career in pediatrics to her current role guiding one of the nation’s most dynamic EMS systems, Dr. Marino has consistently demonstrated what it means to lead with both compassion and clinical excellence. Her dedication to education, protocol innovation, and hands-on mentorship has not only strengthened New Orleans EMS but also influenced best practices across the country.

In this episode, Dr. Marino reflects on her journey, from training EMS providers in pediatric care to leading her department through the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic and mass casualty incidents. She discusses the clinical innovations she’s most proud of, including pioneering work in prehospital blood programs, airway research, and ultrasound. Most importantly, she shares her philosophy of being present—in the streets with her teams—on both their best and hardest days. This conversation captures the spirit of a medical director who is not only advancing EMS medicine but also inspiring the next generation of providers through trust, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.

Memorable Quotes

"I want to be in the streets with my teams on the best days and on the hard days."

"By improving the quality of education that EMS providers receive, I can not only help the patient in front of me, but all of the patients that those EMS providers touch."

"It’s easy to be a progressive medical director and let your team do a whole lot when you’ve got a lot of trust in your team."

Resources

NAEMT Annual Meeting 2025 Schedule: https://naemt.org/events/annual-meeting/2025-schedule

Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join