Ep 47. NAEMT Radio – Empowering EMS with Data: From Insights to Action – Looking Forward to NAEMTs Pre EMSOTH Educational Workshop

In this episode of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Regina Crawford, Scott Willits, and Justin Duncan as they discuss preparations for their pre-conference session prior to EMS on the Hill 2025.

Their pre-conference session, "Empowering EMS with Data: From Insights to Action," will offer practical guidance on how to leverage data for legislative advocacy. Attendees will engage in interactive exercises, including role-playing to practice how to present their data in ways that are impactful for policymakers. The goal is to help EMS professionals craft data-driven stories that effectively highlight the needs of their communities and demonstrate actionable solutions.

As the countdown to EMS on the Hill approaches, Regina, a seasoned EMS advocate, explains how to turn daily operational data into compelling stories that resonate with legislators, emphasizing the need for EMS leaders to be prepared to tell their stories at any time. Scott and Justin share insights on the value of building relationships with congressional staffers and preparing well-crafted "leave-behinds" to strengthen the case for EMS. The session promises to be an essential resource for those looking to improve their advocacy skills, enhance their understanding of data collection, and make a lasting impact on EMS policy. Join them on April 2nd, 2025, for an educational and interactive experience at the Hilton Arlington National Landing in Arlington, VA.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – 9 am–12 pm, Hilton Arlington National Landing in Arlington, VA (3.0 hours of CAPCE-accredited CE credit available)

Empowering EMS with Data: From Insights to Action 

Join us for an interactive conversation on how to build your agency’s EMS story with evidence-based data that can be presented to elected officials. This is not a sit-and-listen lecture; it’s planned to be interactive with an active, engaging discussion between attendees. Bring your local data, your findings, and your challenges to the table, share with others and combine into a systems-wide data package for presentation to elected officials and other EMS decision makers. We need a united front as an industry to drive change.   

This workshop will provide EMS leaders and stakeholders with the essential strategies and tools to effectively collect, analyze, and report operational data and quality metrics. Participants will learn how to leverage data to demonstrate the value and impact of their services to local, regional, state, and national stakeholders—including elected officials, funders, payers, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The session will cover strategies for aligning your data collection efforts with the services your agency currently provides, as well as the services you aim to expand or improve. We’ll explore how to craft compelling stories supported by clear, validated data that resonates with decision-makers. Whether you’re advocating for grant funding, enhancing clinical outcomes, or meeting quality benchmarks, the key to success is in presenting data that is not only insightful but also independently validated.  

Join us to turn your data into a powerful narrative that drives funding, improves clinical quality, and supports long-term EMS sustainability. Come prepared to role play and practice how to interact with elected officials and their staff.  At the conclusion of the workshop attendees will be able to:

• Describe the importance of data collection and analysis for EMS operations and quality improvement. 
• Identify strategies for aligning data collection efforts with agency goals and stakeholder expectations. 
• Develop actionable plans using SWOT analysis and gap identification to enhance service delivery and reimbursement advocacy. 
• Apply storytelling techniques to present data in a compelling manner to funders, payers, and policymakers. 
• Build professional connections and engage stakeholders to support EMS initiatives. 

“Let us help you understand what you know and how to you use it to tell your EMS story from the local level to DC.” – Regina

“Do you feel like talking to politicians is like talking to a brick wall? Join the conversation and learn how to take down that wall by having a humanistic conversation on the evidence-based value of EMS.” – Scott

“We all collect data, but let’s discuss how to package it to work in favor of your EMS agency when in conversation with elected officials from your own back yard to the Ways & Means Committee in DC.” – Justin

Resources Discussed

EMS on the Hill Day: https://www.naemt.org/events/ems-on-the-hill-day

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

Educational Workshop: https://naemt.org/events/ems-on-the-hill-day/educational-workshop

About our Guests / Workshop Faculty

Justin P. Duncan, BS, NRP, CCEMT-P, FP-C,

Justin Duncan is the President of the Missouri EMS Association, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing mobile healthcare across the state. In addition, Chief Duncan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Washington County Ambulance District, a regional mobile healthcare provider in rural Missouri. His work as a leader in both state and national EMS initiatives extends to his roles as Chair of the Missouri State Advisory Council's EMS Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) Sub-Committee and Chair of the Economics Committee of the National Association of EMTs. Chief Duncan is also a Subject Matter Expert for the National Rural Healthcare Association’s Government Affairs Committee. Known for his reputation as a “disruptor” in EMS and healthcare, he is dedicated to pushing for change and innovation within the industry. Above all, Chief Duncan is a servant leader, fiercely committed to supporting those on the front lines who care for the ill and injured.

Scott Willits

Scott Willits is a seasoned healthcare leader with a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of emergency medical services (EMS). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Western Oregon University and an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Paramedicine from Chemeketa Community College. These qualifications have equipped Willits with the scientific knowledge and clinical expertise necessary to excel in the EMS field.  Currently, Willits is pursuing a Master of Public Health, which he expects to complete in December 2024. This advanced degree is a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and his dedication to understanding the broader public health implications of EMS and healthcare delivery. His educational background not only reinforces his clinical capabilities but also provides him with a strategic understanding of public health, which is crucial for shaping future EMS policies and practices. In addition to his academic achievements, Willits holds several professional certifications that demonstrate his dedication to maintaining high standards in EMS. These certifications highlight Willits’s commitment to providing high-quality care and ensuring that he remains at the forefront of clinical excellence.

Regina Godette-Crawford

Regina Godette-Crawford joined EMS|MC in January 2016, bringing over 33 years of experience in EMS regulatory oversight and administration. Regina worked for the Office of EMS for over 22 years before retiring. Most recently, Regina sits on the Biden Harris Administration Senate Advisory Committee for Ground Ambulance & Patient Billing. She held the position of Regional Specialist, which included inspections, regional exams and technical assistance to EMS providers. Regina served as an advocate for EMS providers in the General Assembly to include grant funding for community paramedicine programs and other important legislative issues affecting EMS. At EMS|MC, Regina continues to serve as a strong advocate for EMS agencies across the nation, working in conjunction with other state EMS agencies on reimbursement matters and related topics. Regina holds a Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University as well as Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.