Inside EMS

• Train harder, lead louder: What tomorrow’s medics really need

  Sure, AI and digital systems are reshaping EMS, but at the core? It’s still about people. In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle the disconnect between tech-savvy, fast-adapting, new providers and an education system still stuck in the lecture-skill-lab loop. They break down why flipped classrooms, mentorship and real talk about leadership must happen now—and why soft skills aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re survival tools. This episode makes the case that the future of EMS depends on how well we prepare, mentor and empower the medics already entering the field — and why waiting to teach leadership is a mistake we can’t afford to keep making. Memorable quotes “Soft skills are the survival skills in today’s EMS: empathy, de-escalation, teamwork.” — Kelly Grayson “We’re supposed to be shepherds and guides, not the sage on the stage delivering a lecture and a performance — and I deliver lectures and performances very well. But that’s not the best way people learn.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying Inside EMS? Email [email protected] to share feedback or suggest future guests!

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• From blame to burnout: How negativity takes over your shift

  This week on Inside EMS, ChrisCebolleroand Kelly Grayson dive deep into the dark side of workplace culture — the seven types of negativity that poison morale, ruin teamwork and chip away at your love for the job. From the moment the coffee hits your cup, to the second the rig rolls out, negativity can show up uninvited: complaints, criticism, blame, gossip — and yes, the ever-present cynicism. But this isn’t just a leadership lecture. It’s personal. Kelly opens up about his own battles with depression and how behaviors like self-pity and cynicism creep in under stress. The duo explores how everyday negativity often masks deeper issues — cries for help, burnout, lack of connection — and how leaders (and peers) can break the cycle. This episode is real, raw and one every EMS pro needs to hear. Memorable quotes “Negative attitudes spur negative attitudes. It's a phenomenon that feeds on itself.” — Kelly Grayson “Stop blaming and stop pointing fingers and let's fix the problem.” — Chris Cebollero “These seven types of negativity do us no good. All they do is drag us down personally, and they drag our workplace and our coworkers along with it.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying Inside EMS? Email [email protected] to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.

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• Sepsis math: Every hour = 8% closer to the morgue

  You know the drill — “patient feeling weak,” “not quite right,” maybe alittle confusion. But what if that vague dispatch hides a killer? This week on the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dig into one of the most missed, yet deadliest emergencies we face: sepsis. You'll hear when to treat aggressively with fluids, why timing matters for antibiotics and how any provider can sound the alarm with a sepsis alert. Plus, they dive into the controversy around fluid bolus protocols, which prehospital labs might be worth it and why a 30 mL/kg mindset isn’t always one-size-fits-all. If you've ever walked into a call and thought “something’s off,” this episode will help you figure out what — and how to act before it’s too late. Memorable quotes “Most septic patientsdon'troll with a sign thatsays,‘I’m septic.’” “The number of sepsis cases we see in EMS are more than stroke and heart attack combined.” “They may have pulses everywhere — just none of them are good.” Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback or suggest future guests. 

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• Is ‘Code 3’ the most accurate EMS film ever?

  This week on Inside EMS, Chris Cebollero welcomes Patrick Pianezza — former EMS Leadership podcast co‑host, paramedic and co-writer on the new action-comedy EMS film ‘Code 3.’ Pianezza teamed up with writer Christopher Leone to push for authenticity, insisting on medical accuracy and avoiding cliches — no guns‑in‑ambulance heroics, no patients as punchlines. There are scenes that will make medics say, “That’s us!” — from nursing home calls to behavioral health crises, the pressures from society, as well as moments many will recognize in their gut. For EMS professionals, this is about being seen, valued and having your story told well. For everyone else, it’s an invitation to look deeper at the people showing up to help you on your worst day. Memorable quotes “What I really care about, what I want people to take away from the movie, especially if you’re still actively doing the job, is that they feel recognized. They feel seen, they feel like we did them justice.” — Patrick Pianezza “CPR is so terribly shown on screen that we were committed to like, at least one movie’s gonna get it right.” — Patrick Pianezza “There is a heart to it that I think is universal and speaks to not just people who do the job, but for outsiders to get a view into this world and be like, ‘Oh, so that’s what this job is.’” — Patrick Pianezza Additional resources: Burnout, bravery and gratitude: The story behind ‘Code 3’ Why ‘Code 3’ might be the most honest EMS film yet ‘Code 3’: A love letter to fire and EMS Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback or suggest future guests. 

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• Facts fade, stories stick: Why EMS needs better storytellers

  Ever been told to “cut the war stories” in EMS? Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are here to push back. This week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast dives into the vital role storytelling plays in shaping EMS culture, training, leadership and even public perception. With their signature mix of humor and heart, they explore how the right story — told the right way — can teach more than any protocol ever will. From instructor pitfalls to leadership mistakes, they share personal wins and failures that built their character — and could build yours too. You’ll also get 8 rock-solid tips on how to be a better storyteller in the field, in the classroom or at the next crew dinner. Spoiler: It’s not about theatrics; it’s about authenticity, vulnerability, knowing when to pause ... and when to whisper. Top quotes “Never tell a story without a point. Never make a point without a story.” “The burned hand teaches best.” “Be authentic. Share your wins. Talk about your mistakes.” Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at [email protected] to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

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