NAEMT Radio

Ep 46. NAEMT Radio – National Associations Collaborate with NAEMT President Chris Way and IAFC EMS Section Chair Kevin Joles

In this engaging episode of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence welcomes back NAEMT President Chris Way and special guest Kevin Joles, Division Chief of EMS at Olathe FD and Chair of the EMS Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Recorded live from the NAEMSP Conference in San Diego, the conversation dives into the value of collaboration across EMS organizations and the importance of strategic planning to shape the future of prehospital care. With a focus on the LA wildfires, Chris and Kevin reflect on how EMS continues to adapt and respond to challenges such as wildfires and disasters, emphasizing the role of advocacy, innovation, and education in strengthening the profession.
Key Takeaways:
Collaboration in EMS: Chris Way highlights the increasing collaboration among national EMS organizations to address shared challenges and legislative priorities. Kevin Joles underscores the importance of conferences like NAEMSP in fostering connections, sharing expertise, and advancing EMS practices.
Advocacy Priorities: With a unique two-year window of political alignment between Whitehouse, House and Senate, the leaders stress the need for cohesive advocacy efforts to secure funding, address reimbursement issues, and enhance support for EMS systems.
Focus on Resilience: From wildfire responses to disaster recovery, the discussion highlights the critical role EMS plays as the safety net for communities, with a call to prioritize provider well-being and preparedness.
Don’t miss this insightful episode featuring two passionate EMS leaders driving innovation and collaboration in the field. Subscribe to NAEMT Radio for more episodes dropping on the 1st and 15th of each month!
Resources Discussed:
EMS on the Hill Day: https://www.naemt.org/events/ems-on-the-hill-day
IAFC: https://www.iafc.org/
Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join

Ep 45. NAEMT Radio – Welcome NAEMT President Chris Way

The first episode of NAEMT Radio for 2025 ushers in a new era as host Rob Lawrence welcomes Chris Way to the show as the newly appointed President of NAEMT.
Reflecting on the legacy of outgoing President Susan Bailey, Chris expresses his gratitude for her mentorship and leadership, crediting her with leaving the organization stronger than ever. As he begins his two-year term, Chris outlines his vision for the future of NAEMT, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the organization’s membership, enhancing EMS’s presence at all levels of government, and ensuring that the profession is better supported and more widely recognized by the end of his tenure.
A key focus will be strategic planning, with the board set to meet at the NAEMSP Conference in San Diego to set ambitious, long-term goals and establish a roadmap for success. Chris also highlighted plans to celebrate NAEMT’s 50th anniversary in 2025, marking the organization’s rich history while preparing for its next chapter.
 
Chris underscores the critical role of advocacy in advancing the EMS profession, particularly through events like EMS on the Hill Day, scheduled for April. He stressed the importance of educating newly elected legislators about EMS and building lasting relationships to influence policy effectively. Chris also calls attention to the challenges EMS faces, including outdated reimbursement models that fail to reflect the profession’s evolving practices. Collaboration with leaders from other national EMS organizations, including NAEMSP, IAFC, and IAFF, will be pivotal in driving progress and ensuring a unified approach to the profession’s most pressing issues.
Closing the episode, Rob and Chris reflect on the significance of their discussion as a "time capsule" moment, promising to revisit Chris’s goals at the end of his presidency. With optimism and determination, Chris shares his commitment to leading NAEMT and the EMS profession into a brighter and more sustainable future.
 
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

Ep 44. NAEMT Radio – President Susan Bailey Discusses on her Two Years in Office.

Welcome to the final episode of NAEMT Radio for 2024, where we mark the end of an era with outgoing President Susan Bailey. Rob Lawrence reflects on Susan's impactful two-year tenure, which saw significant milestones including successful EMS on the Hill Days, pivotal leadership transitions, and strengthened collaboration with national and international EMS organizations. Susan shares her proudest moments, from advancing legislative advocacy for EMS to working alongside the dedicated NAEMT staff and board members. She also highlights the global reach of NAEMT’s educational programs and their influence on EMS systems worldwide.
In this special episode, Susan candidly discusses the challenges and triumphs of her presidency, including the unexpected search for a new Executive Director and the seamless transition of leadership. With heartfelt gratitude, she applauds the board, staff, and members who have supported her throughout. Susan also looks ahead with excitement to the association's 50th anniversary celebrations and shares her hope for continued progress under the leadership of incoming President Chris Way. Rob and Susan reflect on the power of collaboration across EMS organizations, paving the way for a unified and strengthened EMS voice.
As we close the year, Susan offers a warm holiday message to the EMS community, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and her admiration for the unwavering dedication of NAEMT members. Stay tuned for 2025, as NAEMT Radio returns with President Chris Way, kicking off the association's golden anniversary and exploring the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and join us on this journey. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from NAEMT Radio!
Don’t forget to subscribe to NAEMT Radio for updates on the 1st and 15th of every month! Visit NAEMT.org for resources and additional information about the topics covered. Until next time, stay connected and committed to advancing the EMS profession!
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

Ep 43. NAEMT Radio – New Roles, Proven Leaders: Introducing NAEMT's 2025 Board Members

Welcome back to NAEMT Radio! In this election-themed episode, host Rob Lawrence spotlights the newly elected officers and directors of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), set to begin their terms on January 1. Following recent conversations with President-Elect Chris Way about legislative priorities on Capitol Hill, this episode introduces the leaders shaping NAEMT’s next chapter. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and passion to the table, ready to strengthen EMS advocacy, enhance leadership, and advance the profession.
Key moments in this episode include Macara Trusty sharing the origins and successes of the Lighthouse Leadership Program, a cornerstone for developing future EMS leaders. Chris Cebollero emphasizes the importance of professional organizations in driving change and empowering EMS professionals to take charge of their industry. Bruce Evans, now stepping into the role of Treasurer, outlines his vision for NAEMT’s financial stewardship and organizational modernization. Finally, Rob Luckritz, President-Elect, reflects on his career in EMS and advocacy while discussing his goals for the association’s future. Whether you're a seasoned member or considering joining, this episode provides an inspiring glimpse into the leadership shaping EMS today.
In an edition of NAEMT Radio devoted to getting to know our 2025 board members each speaker had the opportunity to highlight their qualities and great reason to service NAEMT and its members:
Macara Trusty: With 30 years in EMS, Macara brings a passion for leadership development and frontline provider advocacy. Her work on NAEMT’s Lighthouse Leadership Program demonstrates her commitment to elevating first-line leaders and enhancing the EMS profession.
Chris Cebollero: Chris’s extensive experience in EMS leadership and advocacy makes him a powerful voice on the board. His emphasis on collaboration and his passion for empowering field providers ensure NAEMT’s continued focus on frontline workers.
Bruce Evans: Bruce’s decades of service in fire, EMS, and association leadership provide a solid foundation for his new role as Treasurer. His historical knowledge of NAEMT and vision for its modernization make him invaluable as the organization evolves.
Rob Luckritz: As President-Elect, Rob’s unique background in EMS, healthcare administration, and advocacy positions him to lead with innovation and strategic focus. His commitment to advancing the profession ensures NAEMT’s continued impact at both national and local levels.
Don’t forget to subscribe to NAEMT Radio for updates on the 1st and 15th of every month! Visit NAEMT.org for resources and additional information about the topics covered. Until next time, stay connected and committed to advancing the EMS profession!
Resources Discussed
Full Board Member Bios: https://naemt.org/about-naemt/board-of-directors
EMS on the Hill Day: https://www.naemt.org/events/ems-on-the-hill-day
Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join

Ep 42. NAEMT Radio – Post Election Special - The Latest from Capitol Hill with Chris Way and Kim Krenik

In Episode 42 of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence records ‘live’ from Capitol Hill, Washington DC, with guests NAEMT President Elect, Chris Way, and Kim Krenik, NAEMT’s Director of Federal Relations, for a timely conversation on EMS advocacy following the recent election, with a narrow legislative window to secure critical funding and policy support before Congress recesses on December 31st. Chris and Kim emphasize the importance of sustained advocacy efforts to push essential EMS bills across the finish line. Key priorities, such as the TIP Act and Medicare extenders, face tight deadlines and will need swift, unified action from EMS professionals across the country.
With new faces set to take office in Congress, the team discusses the necessity to actively engage with incoming legislators, many of whom may be unfamiliar with the challenges and complexities of EMS. Krenik, a seasoned lobbyist, explains her role in bridging the gap between Congress and EMS, highlighting the importance of educating lawmakers on issues critical to the EMS community. The guests urge local EMS providers to connect with their representatives, particularly freshmen legislators, and invite them for ride-alongs or site visits to better understand EMS’s role. This connection is crucial, as the EMS profession continues to advocate for reliable funding and recognition within both the healthcare and public safety sectors.
Looking ahead, EMS on the Hill Day, scheduled for April 2-3, 2025, will offer an unparalleled opportunity for EMS professionals nationwide to advocate directly with Congress in Washington, D.C. Way and Krenik share their vision of a record-breaking turnout for the event, hoping for representatives from all 50 states to showcase the strength and unity of the EMS field. With plans to reintroduce robust training on effective advocacy strategies and legislation, the event aims to empower attendees to advocate with impact. The conversation closes with an inspiring reminder of the essential role EMS plays in public safety and healthcare, reinforcing the need for continued legislative progress to secure the profession’s future.
 
About Chris Way: Christopher Way has been an emergency service professional for 28 years. Chief Way transitioned to Kootenai County Fire and Rescue as the Fire Chief in May of 2020 after serving as the Chief Officer for the Kootenai Count EMS System for the previous seven years.
Chief Way came to Idaho from Kansas where he served in Fire and EMS roles in urban, suburban and rural settings. He was an EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and now has been a licensed paramedic since 1994 as well as a certified Firefighter. Throughout his career he has held different ranks culminating most recently in his promotion to Fire Chief.  He also has significant experience in disaster management at the local, state and national level.
In addition to his full-time role as Fire Chief he is involved at the local, regional, state and national level in advocacy and leadership for emergency services.  He is the Treasurer for the National EMT Association and has served on their board and committees for several years.  He is a regular speaker at national conferences and in his spare time Chief Way and two partners own an Emergency Medicine education and consulting company. 
Passionate about emergency medical care, Governor Brad Little selected Chief Way to be the Chairman of the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency Council in May of 2019. He has a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Relations and maintains all of his Fire and EMS licenses/certifications.  He regularly donates time to his community, serves local non-profit organizations and is involved in his children’s many activities. Christopher and his wife Jennifer live in Hayden, Idaho with their two daughters and four Labradors.
About Kim Krenik: Kim Krenik worked for many years as the director of Federal Relations for the New Jersey Hospital Association. She represented the interests and concerns of NJHA members and coordinated advocacy efforts within the state and in Washington, DC. Kim attended Congressional briefings and hearings, and helped draft numerous legislative documents and member advocacy updates. She also served as principle for NJHA's HealthPAC and coordinated political fundraisers and events. Before that, Kim worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She attended the School for International Training in Kenya, Africa, and completed her bachelor's degree at Denison University in Granville, Ohio.
Resources Discussed
All legislative issues discussed on this podcast can be found at: https://www.naemt.org/advocacy
EMS on the Hill Day: https://www.naemt.org/events/ems-on-the-hill-day
Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join

Ep 41. NAEMT Radio – Mentees, Mentors and the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program

In Episode 41 of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence explores the critical role of mentorship in EMS leadership development, focusing on the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program. Joined by guests Dave Edgar, Rom Duckworth, Tiara Green, and Tony Bixby, the discussion delves into the program’s origins, inspired by EMS pioneer Jim Page, and how it provides tailored mentorship to EMS professionals.
The guests reflect on their experiences as both mentors and mentees, emphasizing the value of personal and professional growth. They highlight key program features, such as the Journal Club and the importance of real-world problem-solving, along with the powerful support system that the mentorship fosters.
Tiara and Tony, who recently completed the program, share how it has shaped their leadership approach and how they are now paying it forward by mentoring others. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging EMS professionals to get involved in the next cohort of the Lighthouse Leadership Program, while also acknowledging the lasting impact of Jim Page’s legacy. The program’s success lies in its ability to develop strong leaders and provide a lasting network of support within the EMS community.
Resources Discussed
Lighthouse Leadership Program: https://www.naemt.org/initiatives/lighthouse-leadership-program
Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join

Ep 40. NAEMT Radio – Highlighting the Pan American Trauma Society and its Impact

In this episode of NAEMT Radio, Rob Lawrence is joined by Dr. Paula Ferrada and Juan Cardona to discuss the impactful work of the Pan American Trauma Society (PTS), an organization that connects trauma experts across North, Central, and South America to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Ferrada shares her journey from her early experiences in Colombia to becoming a leader in trauma care in the United States, highlighting her role as President of the Society and the evolving practices in trauma management, including the shift to prioritizing bleeding control in the "X-ABCs" of trauma care. Juan Cardona, NAEMT’s representative to the Pan American Trauma Society discusses his work supporting emergency systems throughout Latin America, emphasizing the importance of resourcefulness in pre-hospital care and the need for proactive, cross-border collaboration in trauma response.
Together, they underscore the importance of a two-way exchange of knowledge between regions, with each benefiting from the other’s strengths—whether it’s the U.S.'s systematic approaches or Latin America's adaptability under limited resources. The Pan American Trauma Society facilitates education, research, and resource-sharing, fostering a collaborative environment that ultimately enhances trauma care across the Americas. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage with the PTS, attend the upcoming Pan American Trauma Congress in Ecuador, and collaborate with local trauma centers to strengthen their emergency care capabilities.
About Dr. Paula Ferrada
Dr. Paula Ferrada is a Colombian born female surgeon and physician. She is a leader in trauma and acute care surgery. She is an internationally recognized advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.
Dr Ferrada finished medical school in Cali, Colombia, and arrived in the United States to pursue further training. After a year of research at the University of Miami, Ferrada joined Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, one of the major Harvard teaching hospitals for surgical residency. She was the first Colombian woman to graduate from a surgical specialty from Harvard.
Dr. Ferrada trained for one more year in Trauma and Critical care at the University of Pittsburgh, and then joined the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Centeras their first Acute Care Surgery Fellow. She joined Virginia Commonwealth University as faculty in the Division of Acute Care Surgical Services. She advanced to the rank of Professor of Surgery at this institution.
Dr Ferrada currently serves as the system and division chief for Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Services at Inova Healthcare system. She also serves as an educator with an appointment as a Professor of Medical Education at the University of Virginia.
Dr Ferrada is now a well-established surgeon-scientist, educator and leader.
Resources Discussed
Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join
Pan American Trauma Society: https://www.panamtrauma.org/

Ep 39. NAEMT Radio – Lead with NAEMT: How to Get Involved with NAEMT

In this episode of NAEMT Radio, Rob Lawrence is on-site at the 2024 EMS World Expo, where he speaks with Dr. Gary Peterson and Shannon Watson about volunteering opportunities within NAEMT. They discuss the importance of getting involved, the diverse roles available, and how volunteering can significantly impact both personal career growth and the broader EMS community. Shannon highlights positions in advocacy, education, and membership committees, encouraging listeners to get involved based on their interests and passions.
The episode also features testimonies from NAEMT volunteers, Dr. Gustavo Flores and Julius Jackson. They share their experiences of being part of committees such as advocacy, education, and workforce, emphasizing how their involvement has made a difference in advancing the EMS profession and helping underserved areas. Both Gary and Shannon emphasize that volunteering is about building connections, learning, and making lasting changes within EMS.
Listeners are encouraged to explore current opportunities with NAEMT by visiting the NAEMT website, where they can find open committee positions and apply to join. Whether through advocacy, education, or membership, the message is clear: there are many ways for members to contribute, grow, and make a positive impact in EMS
In October, you will have an opportunity to attend virtually in several NAEMT committee meetings. At these virtual meetings, members will learn about committee missions, visions and activities, participate in discussions on trending issues and topics, and ask questions. Members who wish to attend any of these virtual meetings will need to register in advance.
Below is the schedule of meetings which will be held on NAEMT’s virtual platform. All registrants will be provided with access information in advance of the meeting.
Membership Committee – Wednesday, 10/2 at 10 am CT
EMS Disaster Preparedness Committee – Thursday, 10/3 at 10 am CT
EMS Workforce Committee – Wednesday, 10/16 at 12 pm CT
EMS Economics Committee – Tuesday, 10/22 at 2 pm CT
Advocacy Committee – Wednesday, 10/23 at 3 pm CT
We hope you will attend one or more of these virtual meetings to experience how NAEMT’s committees work and advance the EMS profession.
 
Resources:
Join the NAEMT
https://www.naemt.org/join/join
About our Guests
Dr. Gary Peterson: Dr. Gary Peterson is a board member representing the Mid-Atlantic region for NAEMT and has been a paramedic for 24 years. He is passionate about education and advocacy within EMS, and his involvement with NAEMT has been a key driver in his professional growth.
Shannon Watson: Shannon Watson is the outgoing Great Plains Board Member for NAEMT and has been a paramedic since 2004. With a diverse background in EMS roles, including education and leadership, Shannon is committed to improving access to quality EMS training and advocacy.
Dr. Gustavo Flores: Dr. Gustavo Flores is a long-term NAEMT member and an active volunteer across various committees, including advocacy and education. He is both a paramedic and physician, dedicated to advancing EMS education and legislative efforts to support the profession.
Julius Jackson: Julius Jackson is a member of the NAEMT Workforce and Membership Committees and has over 20 years of experience in EMS. He brings his expertise as an educator to help shape the future of EMS, focusing on workforce challenges and enhancing membership engagement.

Ep 38. NAEMT Radio – A Case for Whole Blood with Dr Jon Krohmer

Exsanguination remains the leading cause of preventable deaths among victims of trauma with nearly half of these patients dying in the prehospital setting. Prehospital blood resuscitation is also clinically indicated for selected patients who hemorrhage from medical conditions (e.g. post-partum hemorrhage, abdominal bleeds). Individuals requiring critical care in the field in many locations in the US do not have access to prehospital blood transfusions due to reimbursement policies and scope of practice limitations.
To discuss this, host Rob Lawrence welcomes Dr Jon Krohmer to this edition of NAEMT Radio.  Dr Krohmer identifies the issues of whole blood availability, clinical scope of practice and reimbursement and suggests outcomes and solutions. Dr Krohmer also talks about the work of the Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition and its survey of the agencies currently delivering pre-hospital blood administration.
Resources:
Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition: About Us | Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition | Improving Prehospital Blood Transfusion (prehospitaltransfusion.org)
Prehospital Blood Transfusion Initiative Coalition – briefing to the National EMS Advisory Council  - August 2003: Pre-Hospital Transfusion Reimbursement Working Group Meeting with NAEMT & Other Key Stakeholders Crystal Gateway Marriott March 31, 2023 (ems.gov)
Join the NAEMT
https://www.naemt.org/join/join
 About our Guest
Jon R. Krohmer, M.D., FACEP, FAEMS has recently retired as the Director of the NHTSA Office of EMS in the Department of Transportation and as the EMS Medical Director for the Caroline County (MD) Department of Emergency Services. He also served as the NHTSA Acting Associate Administrator for Research and Program Development from October 2018 to January 2020. Previously, he was the principal deputy assistant secretary for DHS Office of Health Affairs and DHS deputy chief medical officer. He began serving in that position as a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) with DHS in September 2006 and served as the acting assistant secretary for health affairs and chief medical officer from August 2008 to August 2009. Dr. Krohmer was an attending physician and director of emergency medical services (EMS), emergency medicine residency and Department of Emergency Medicine at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids, MI, associate professor of emergency medicine at the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University and EMS medical director of Kent County Emergency Medical Services and was the medical director for the West Michigan Metropolitan Medical Response System and the Region 6 Consortium. Dr. Krohmer received his undergraduate degree at Ferris State College, School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Mich. in 1976 and is a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School (1983) in Ann Arbor, Mich. He completed his emergency medicine residency (1986) and EMS Fellowship (1987) at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He is board certified in emergency medicine and emergency medical services. His current interests include EMS systems design and medical oversight, mass gathering events and EMS clinical support

Ep 37. NAEMT Radio – Meet two of the 2024 National EMS Awards of Excellence Winners

In this edition of NAEMT Radio we get to meet, greet and hear from two of our 2024 National EMS Awards of Excellence recipients.  Joining Rob Lawrence is 2024 NAEMT Military Medic of the Year Award, Master Sgt. (Ret.) Jonathan Lu, Special Forces Medical Sergeant who served with a Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alpha Team and Zachary Alvey, full time EMT with Ute Pass Regional Health Services District, our 2024 NAEMT EMT of the Year recipient.
Master Sgt. Lu’s military journey culminated as the Chief Medical Operations NCO and Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor for the U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), where his leadership and vision ensured the medical operational readiness and holistic well-being of his fellow Green Berets and Special Operations Forces soldiers.
EMT Alvey’s journey in EMS is marked not only by professional accomplishments but also by a profound commitment to mentorship and community service. His tireless advocacy and leadership efforts are helping to shape the landscape of emergency medical care and ensure a stable and fruitful career path for future EMS professionals.
The awards will be presented during NAEMT’s General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, September 10, and at the Opening Ceremony of EMS World Expo on Wednesday, September 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Zachary Alvey
Alvey embodies the essence of dedication and service in the field of EMS with a focus on patient care. “Zach is the truest definition of a dedicated and driven EMS practitioner,” said his supervisor. With over a decade of unwavering service and now at Ute Pass Regional Health Services District, Alvey serves as a full-time 911 EMT with a daily commitment to the community to provide accessible, high-quality medical care for all. Beyond his clinical role, he is deeply involved in shaping the future of EMS through his leadership as President of The Friends of Emergency Medical Services Board, a political action committee, and the Ute Pass Regional EMS Partnership. He is also the only EMT on the Colorado State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board. Alvey is a member of the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) Colorado Chapter, where he works toward the advancement of EMS practices and policies. He also serves NAEMT as an advocacy assistant to support association advocacy goals at the national level. His passion for EMS legislation and advocacy contributed to his appointment to the Colorado Emergency Medical Practice Advisory Council (EMPAC) in 2022, representing Basic Life Support (BLS) practitioners and advocating for his fellow EMTs. He was the EMS Association of Colorado’s 2023 BLS EMS Professional of the Year. Alvey imparts knowledge and inspires future generations of EMS practitioners by serving as an EMT instructor at the University of Colorado Health and Pikes Peak State College. His journey in EMS is marked not only by professional accomplishments but also by a profound commitment to mentorship and community service. His tireless advocacy and leadership efforts are helping to shape the landscape of emergency medical care and ensure a stable and fruitful career path for future EMS professionals.
U.S. Army Master Sgt. (Ret.) Jonathan Lu
Master Sgt. Lu, a first-generation immigrant, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003 as a combat medic. Throughout his career, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his comrades and was driven by a high mission to care for those on his left and right. As a route clearance patrol medic, Master Sgt. Lu witnessed the profound impact of traumatic brain injury and PTSD on his comrades, which inspired him. He pursued advanced training, qualified as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant, and rose to the role of Special Forces Operational Detachment- Alpha Team Sergeant. “Jon’s expertise in providing prehospital medical trauma care is a cornerstone of his reputation as the most technically and tactically proficient special forces medic in his unit,” said his colleague. His military journey culminated as the Chief Medical Operations NCO and Senior Enlisted Medical Advisor for the U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), where his leadership and vision ensured the medical operational readiness and holistic well-being of his fellow Green Berets and Special Operations Forces soldiers. A 2020 Tillman Scholar, Master Sgt. Lu embodies the mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation, which unites and empowers remarkable military service members, veterans, and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self. Master Sgt. Lu previously served his rural community as a volunteer firefighter/EMT and as president of his local firefighters’ association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Health Sciences and a Master of Public Health from George Washington University, as well as a Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University—all completed while serving as an active-duty Special Forces enlisted soldier.
Now a civilian, he is the director of the Center for Health Professions at Wright State University. He is also the founder and CEO of HardHat Wellness, a consulting firm serving the unique workforce health and wellness needs of first responder, healthcare, and high-hazard industries. Through his professional, academic, and volunteer work—and in true Green Beret fashion—he continues to empower agents of political, economic, and social change. His dedication to others serves as a lighthouse, shining brightly, so others may find their way toward building a more compassionate and equitable future for all.
The full press release covering all winners is available here: https://www.naemt.org/WhatsNewALLNEWS/2024/08/07/2024-national-ems-awards-of-excellence-recipients-announced