Live from NEMSMA: From battlefield to boardroom

Live from NEMSMA: From battlefield to boardroom

From EMS One-Stop by emsonestop

March 29, 2026 · 24 min · Episode 97

About this episode

This episode features discussions on leadership in EMS from military and organizational perspectives.

This edition of EMS One-Stop, recorded at the inaugural National EMS Management Association conference in Arlington, Virginia, pairs two complementary conversations about leadership and the future of EMS. In the first half, General Robert Neller brings a military leader’s lens to universal leadership truths: lead yourself first, remember that everyone is watching, stay humble, listen better and understand that decisiveness matters. His message is simple and sharp. People want leaders who will set the example, make the call when it matters, and balance standards with empathy. | MORE: EMS Leadership Institute — AI and the future of EMS In the second half, NEMSMA President Dr. Hezedean Smith reflects on a successful launch for the conference and looks ahead to where EMS leadership must go next. He frames this association as a growing home for mentorship, shared learning and strategic thinking, while also pointing to the disruptive forces already reshaping the profession: Artificial intelligence Redesigned systems Recruitment and retention pressures The possibility of autonomous ambulance operations Taken together, the episode is both a leadership masterclass and a forward look at an…

People in this episode

Host: Rob

Guests: General Robert Neller, Dr. Hezedean Smith

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • EMS profession
  • military leadership
  • artificial intelligence
  • mentorship
  • strategic thinking

Keywords

  • leadership
  • EMS
  • military
  • artificial intelligence
  • mentorship
  • NEMSMA
  • conference

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National EMS Management Association

Places: Arlington, Virginia

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