How to Fail Better in EMS: A Framework for Growth
From Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles - Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers by Ross Orpet, Paramedic turned EMS Physician
April 28, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 117
About this episode
Stephanie Suzadail discusses the importance of embracing failure in EMS and how it can lead to personal and professional growth.
Stephanie Suzadail's favorite word is "fail." She'll tell you why and how we should embrace it. In this episode she walks through the difference between failure that builds you and failure that breaks you. Why Sisyphus is a warning, not a role model. Why the best clinicians you'll ever work with have made bigger mistakes than you have. Why high-functioning organizations report mistakes ten times more often than average ones. Why self-identified perfectionists only ever climb to "moderately successful." Book Your Free Coaching Call at emspodcast.com/free-coaching-call Sign up for the weekly newsletter - emspodcast.com/newsletter American Burn Association / ABLS: Enter the ABLS giveaway by June 30, 2026; the winner will be selected July 1, 2026. Loud & Clear listeners also get 10% off ABLS Now through August 31, 2026. Details: https://bit.ly/aba-loud-clear
People in this episode
Host: Ross Orpet
Guest: Stephanie Suzadail
Topics covered
- failure
- growth
- clinical mistakes
- organizational culture
- perfectionism
Keywords
- failure
- growth
- EMS
- clinical mistakes
- perfectionism
- organizational culture
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Sisyphus
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