Voluntary AEMT Accreditation to Launch January 1, 2025
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2023 Vanguard Award Winners Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Amanda Riordan
Vice President, Membership
ariordan@ambulance.org
American Ambulance Association Announces Inaugural Vanguard Award Winners
Washington D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Vanguard Awards. The Vanguards honor those who blazed the trail for fellow women EMS professionals, and the 23 winners represent a diverse group of dedicated individuals who have made significant contributions to mobile healthcare.
“We are thrilled to recognize these trailblazers who have paved the way for women in EMS,” said Randy Strozyk, President of AAA. “Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence have not only elevated their own careers but have also helped to advance the entire profession.”
Lori Burns | National Vice President of Learning, Global Medical Response | Denver, Colorado
Denise Carson | President, Med-Tech EMS | Morrilton, Arkansas
Sherry Carson | President, Monticello Ambulance Service, Inc. | Monticello, Arkansas
Diana Cataldo | Founder/Treasurer, Cataldo Ambulance Service, Inc | Middleton, Massachusetts
Cindy Elbert | President, Cindy Elbert Insurance Services, Inc. | Peoria, Arizona
Linda Frederiksen | Executive Director, MEDIC EMS | Davenport, Iowa
Dia Gainor | Executive Director, National Association of EMS Officials (NASEMSO) | Falls Church, Virginia
Debby Gault | Retired/Consultant, AMR | Waterford, Wisconsin
Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill | Medical Director, Los Angeles County EMS Agency | Santa Fe Springs, California
Blanche Hill | Co-Founder, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. | Elmhurst, Illinois
Kristine Kern | Paramedic Professor, San Jacinto College | San Jacinto, Texas
Susan Long | Vice President, Emergency Medical Services, Allina Health EMS | St. Paul, Minnesota
Tracey Loscar | Deputy Director, MatSu Borough EMS | Palmer, Alaska
Pam McBeath | President/ CEO, Balentine Ambulance Service Inc. | Shreveport, Louisiana
Susan McHenry | EMS Director (Retired), State of Virginia | Highlands Ranch, Colorado (Honored Posthumously)
Carol Meyer | Director, Government Relations, McCormick Ambulance | Compton, California
Carol Pafford | Vice President Emeritus, Pafford Medical Services | Hope, Arkansas
Jamie Pafford-Gresham | President/CEO, Pafford Medical Services | Hope, Arkansas
Helen Pierson | Chief Executive Officer, Medic Ambulance | Vallejo, California
Julie Rose | Director of Policy & Advocacy, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. | Ashtabula, Ohio
Lauren Rubinson | Founder and CEO, MedEx Ambulance Service | Skokie, Illinois
Janet Smith | Owner and President, On Assignment | San Diego, California
Debbie Vass | Chief Administrative Officer, Sunstar Paramedics | Largo, Florida
The Vanguard Awards are presented in collaboration with Women in Emergency Services (WiES), a newly-founded organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women’s careers in the emergency services industry through empowerment, networking, mentorship, and education.
The winners will receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas on June 26-28, 2023. They will also be recognized at the President’s Reception on the evening of June 27, and their profiles will be featured on the AAA website and social media.
“The Vanguard Awards celebrate the accomplishments of women who have broken down barriers and opened doors for future generations,” said Strozyk. “We are proud to honor their legacy.”
About the American Ambulance Association
The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering its members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, AAA has proudly represented those who care for people first.
March 15 | NAEMSP/AAA Town Hall
NAEMSP/AAA Town Hall:
The Future of Healthcare Policy After the COVID 19 Public Health Emergency: What does it mean for Emergency Medical Services?
March 15th // 12-1pm ET
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system and has highlighted the need for healthcare reform. As the world moves forward from the pandemic, it is likely that the future of healthcare will be shaped by the need for cost containment while continuing to shift the healthcare delivery system to a more value-based care model.
For the past three years, we have seen new innovative approaches to healthcare delivery including the rapid adoption of telemedicine, and it is expected that this trend will continue in the post-pandemic world. Reimbursement reform continues to be an important issue for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, as it affects their ability to provide high-quality care to patients. Despite the disruption that we have seen for the last three years, the EMS industry has continued to push forward with new innovative approaches to service delivery including the expansion of community paramedicine programs and the implementation of alternative programs like the Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) model. During this session, the panelists will discuss the current healthcare landscape, including what innovative programs may be here to stay and what it means for EMS Systems.
Moderator
Jose G. Cabañas, MD, MPH, FAEMS
President, NAEMSP
Panelists
Jonathan Oberlander, PhD
Professor & Chair of Social Medicine and Professor of Health Policy & Management
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Paul Hinchey, MD, MBA, FAEMS
COO for University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio
Larry McMillan, MHA
Chief Compliance Officer & ET3 Project Lead, Wake County EMS
Randy Strozyk, MBA
President, American Ambulance Association
Lekshmi Kumar, MD, MPH, FAEMS
Medical Director, Grady EMS
Melissa Kroll, MD
Washington University, St. Louis
RFP | Leadership Development & Education Preferred Partner
Preferred Partner Proposal
Leadership Development & Education
Released February 15, 2023 | Responses Due March 17, 2023
Overview
The American Ambulance Association is a national trade association that serves ambulance services of all types and sizes. Our primary membership is comprised of leadership level representatives from organizations, including CEOs, owners, directors and managers.
The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.
The American Ambulance Association board and its members are committed to providing high-quality healthcare to every patient regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and/or on the basis of differing ability. We dedicate time, thought, and resources to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and mutual respect within the Emergency Medical Services workforce and leadership. Together, we save and sustain the lives of community members.
Preferred Partner Program
The American Ambulance Association is seeking a preferred partner in the leadership development and education space; experience working with EMS systems, agencies, and individuals is required. The preferred partner program is a minimum of two years (ending in December of 2024) with the opportunity to renew for an additional year.
The goals of this Preferred Partner Program are:
- Provide AAA members with a vetted, comprehensive, industry focused option for leadership development & education option that addresses the needs of all levels; new supervisor to experienced executives.
- Provide a more diverse, fresh perspective in our leadership offerings, including webinars and sessions at our annual conference & trade show.
- Enhance our leadership-themed content including website articles and social and blog posts, newsletters, and quick-take videos.
Structure
The American Ambulance Association is prepared to offer its preferred leadership development and education partner the following:
- Direct marketing of program and course offerings to the AAA members
- Opportunities to share information and promote programs through newsletter articles, blog posts, social posts, and quick take videos
- Two 60-minute webinars per calendar year
- Influence on a leadership track at our annual conference and tradeshow
- Opportunity to develop an executive leadership retreat for the AAA
The American Ambulance Association expects the following from its preferred partners:
- Clear communication and timely responses
- Creativity, a willingness to learn and grow together
- Exceptional customer service for our valued members
- Responsiblity for the development of all materials
Financial Incentives
The firm selected will
- A Pre-Conference at the AAA Annual Conference and Trade Show – all registration fees collected for the pre-conference will be given to the preferred partner.
- All the fees collected from the Leadership Education Webinar series will be given to the preferred partner.
- In 2024 -the development of an executive leadership training series with all expenses paid by the parrtner and all fees given to the partner.
Minimum Requirements
Individuals and organizations responding to this opportunity should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Offer a comprehensive family of programs that address multiple levels of leadership
- Take an active approach to, and offer coaching on, diversity, equity, and inclusion in EMS
- Be able to provide references and examples of program success/value
- Be widely available, accessible to all AAA members
- Seek and maintain Affiliate Membership in the Association for the duration of the partnership
- Sponsor and Exhibit at the Annual Conference and Tradeshow for the duration of the partnership
- Indemnify the Association against all legal action that may arise out of the partnership
- Provide the AAA with a quarterly report detailing utilization/participation by AAA Members
- Provide members with a quality service/product at a savings compared to the open market.
Selection Process and Timeline
Interested parties should submit a written proposal that specifically defines the products and services offered to mbianchi@ambulance.org no later than March 17, 2023. The timeline for the process regarding the review of and Proposals to the selection is as follows:
- RFP distributed widely to potential organizations and consultants – February 15, 2023
- Questions and comments submitted to AAA Executive Committee – February 20-28, 2023
- Proposals Due – March 17, 2023
- Committee reviews proposals, interviews top two proposals – March 20-29, 2023
- Leadership Edcuation Partner selected – March 31, 2023
As a non-profit, vendor-neutral organization, the AAA does not formally endorse any product, service, or company. The AAA may provide statement or support for activities or products on which it has agreed to collaborate. Statements of support may also be provided for non-collaborative products that are of significant public benefit.
2023 State Association Leadership Excellence Conference
Thursday, September 7, 2023 | 8:30am–4:00pm Eastern
Join fellow state-level ambulance and EMS association leaders for a day of networking and idea exchange at the inaugural State Association Leadership Excellence Conference! Share challenges, successes, and innovations with mobile healthcare leaders from across the country.
American Ambulance Association
State Association Leadership Excellence (SALE) Conference
September 7, 2023 | 8:30–16:00 ET
Niagara Falls USA Convention Center
Topics
Together, we will explore tactics for growing the reach and voice of your state association.
- Advocacy Impact: Grassroots & Grasstops Engagement Case Studies
- Medicaid Strategies (rate increases, crossovers)
- Commercial Insurance Initiatives (balance billing, direct pay)
- Medicaid Finance Initiatives (UPL / CPE / GEMT / Provider Assessments)
- Workforce Shortage Strategies
- Association Governance Tune-Up
- Free and Cheap Tools to Enhance Your Branding & Reach
- More! Full agenda coming soon.
Venue & Meals
Niagara Falls USA Convention Center
101 Old Falls Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Continental breakfast, beverages, snacks, and lunch at the Convention Center are included in your registration fee.
2022 AAA Board of Directors Election Results
The winners of the 2022 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. The term for each position will begin on January 1, 2023. For regions 1 and 3, two directors were chosen due to vacant positions. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.
President-Elect
Jamie Pafford-Gresham
Pafford EMS
Hope, AR
Treasurer
Julie Rose
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Ashtabula, OH
Secretary
Wayne Jurecki
Bell Ambulance Service, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI
Region 1 Director – 3 Year Term
Dennis Cataldo
Cataldo Ambulance Service
Somerville, MA
Region 1 Director – 1 Year Term
Mike Addario
Global Medical Response
Baldwinsville, NY
Region 2 Director – 3 Year Term
Chuck Kearns
Mercy Ambulance Service, Inc
Savannah, GA
Region 3 Director – 3 Year Term
Tom Tornstrom
Gundersen Health System-Tri-State Ambulance
La Crosse, WI
Region 3 Director – 1 Year Term
Kyle Wolber
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Winfield, IL
Region 4 Director – 3 Year Term
Allyson Pharr
Acadian Ambulance
Lafayette, LA
Region 5 Director – 3 Year Term
J.D. Fuiten
Metro West Ambulance
Hillsboro, OR
Ethics Committee
Hanan Cohen
Empress EMS
Region 1
Ron Quaranto
Acadian Ambulance
Region 4
International Roundtable on Community Paramedicine (IRCP)
The International Roundtable on Community Paramedicine (IRCP) has returned and will be from September 15th – 17th in Orlando, FL.
The event will be a series of discussions, meetings and research focused on designing systems that will ensure patients’ needs continue to be met in environments and circumstances where health services are less available and the provision of care is increasingly challenging.
Book by August 18th for early bird pricing on the event and a discounted group rate on hotel rooms where the event is held.
For additional information and to register, please visit ircp.info.
EMSC | Pediatric emergency/disaster preparedness career development programs
The application deadline for three career development opportunities in the pediatric emergency and disaster preparedness space – the Emergency Medical Services for Children Scholars and Fellows Programs and the Pediatric Pandemic Network Scholars Program – has been extended to July 29 at 5 pm ET. The programs aim to develop leaders with a passion for improving care for children in everyday emergencies and disasters. The programs are open to participants across multiple disciplines and settings. Learn more.
National EMS Memorial Service Needs Your Support!
Media inquiries and interview requests, contact:
Tammy Chatman, Public Information Officer
414-791-6655
tchatman@nemems@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National EMS Weekend of Honor Pays Tribute to Fallen EMS Heroes
Special events open to the public and media include:
National EMS Memorial Service & National EMS Memorial Bike Ride
Washington, D.C. (July 8) – The National EMS Memorial Service and the National EMS Memorial
Bike Ride will pay tribute to our fallen EMS and air medical providers from throughout the
United States during the 2022 National EMS Weekend of Honor, scheduled July 22-24 at the
Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway in
Arlington, Va. This year there will be 72 honorees recognized from 26 states. The 2022 list of
honorees can be found via the following link: 2022 NEMSMS Honorees
In addition to this marquee weekend, a multi-state procession of this year’s temporary National
EMS Memorial, known as the Tree of Life, occurs beforehand. The procession of this year’s
installment commences in Dallas, TX on July 11, making various stops over 10 days as it
progresses to Arlington, VA. Additional information about that experience dubbed “Moving
Honors,” including a route map, planned stops and viewing opportunities will be posted at
www.national-ems-memorial.org. It is expected that the Moving Honors will be met by the
National EMS Memorial Bike’s special Ride of Honor riders just outside of Arlington, VA.
Together they will parade into the Hyatt to launch the EMS Weekend of Honor and unveil the
EMS Tree of Life memorial to the honoree families on Friday July 22.
There are many activities and events during the three-days including two events that the public
and media are invited and encouraged to attend. Joining the Weekend of Honor will be various
therapy and comfort dogs onsite to support families and attendees as well as specially trained
grief support groups.
FRIDAY, July 22, 2022
Arrival & Ceremony of the National EMS Memorial Ride of Honor
• The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride celebrates the lives of those who have made the
ultimate sacrifice as well as those EMS legacy personnel who have died of natural or non-
employment-related causes. This year the organization is once again hosting a special
one-day ride to recognize the 72 line-of-duty-death honorees for the Service.
• A procession of more bike riders, support personnel, and EMS vehicles, leading the
special Moving Honors ambulance carrying the EMS Tree of Life, will arrive at the Hyatt
Regency Crystal City at approximately 4:00 p.m. (EDT), kicking off the 2022 Weekend of
Honor.
• Riders are predominantly EMS professionals from across the U.S. Each of the riders wear
dog tags bearing an honoree’s name, agency and date of their loss.
Upon arrival at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, a ceremony will unveil the 2022 EMS Tree of
Life, followed by reading of the honoree names and presentation of dog tags to the families.
Each rider will meet the family in front of the honoree’s biography to present one of their two
dog tags worn during the ride – an emotionally powerful part of the Weekend of Honor. The
rider will keep the other dog tag as a lifetime reminder of the honoree’s sacrifice.
SATURDAY, July 23, 2022
National EMS Memorial Service
• The National EMS Memorial Service, a formal ceremony to honor fallen EMS
professionals who have died in the line of duty, will be held at the Hyatt Regency
Crystal City.
• The entire memorial service can be viewed via live streaming. Will add link
• Hundreds of EMS personnel from across the country will travel to the Washington,
D.C. area to participate in the service, along with families, friends, co-workers of
current and past honorees, dignitaries, EMS and business leaders, and government
officials.
• All participants in the service will be in dress uniform, flight suits, or similar
appropriate attire.
• Honor Guards, along with bagpipe and drum corps will volunteer their time and
services throughout the weekend.
• An American flag, flown over the nation’s capitol, will be presented to each
honoree’s family along with the National EMS Memorial Service medallion.
• During the service, a National Moment of Silence will be called at 6:00 p.m. (EDT),
so that EMS agencies across the U.S. can pause simultaneously for several seconds
of radio silence to pay respect and remember the fallen—together.
• The year’s honorees are highlighted in pictures during the ceremony and a special
video collage of the Moving Honors is played, followed by an uplifting Candlelight
Ceremony that concludes the service.
• The National EMS Memorial “Tree of Life” will be on display. Individual bronze oak
leaves are engraved with the name of the fallen honorees. The Tree of Life is a
temporary memorial until a permanent memorial is established.
Jana Williams, president of the National EMS Memorial Service shared her thoughts on the
upcoming events, “The past few years have been especially challenging for EMS providers, but
it has also underscored our collective resolve. We continue to salute the dedication of all EMS
first responders. We are especially honored to pause and commemorate 72 EMS personnel
who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others and to support the loved ones they
left behind. As we prepare for this year’s National EMS Memorial Service and Weekend of
Honor, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ‘Always Remember’.”
About National EMS Memorial Bike Ride
The mission is to honor EMS personnel by organizing and implementing long distance cycling
events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have
become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of
duty. Vist us at www.NEMSMBR.org.
About National EMS Memorial Service
The organization’s mission is to honor those in EMS from air and ground who have made the
ultimate sacrifice having died in the line of duty and it is the organization congressionally
sanctioned to conduct the annual service. Visit us at www.national-ems-memorial.org.
# # #
Editor’s Note: High-res images can be downloaded from Dropbox at:
Image #1:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gt15yyil8jw1quj/NEMSMBR%20Arrival%20of%20the%20riders_11.JPG?dl=0
Image #2:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zt06xpizgjoc7xa/NEMSMS%20_42.JPG?dl=0
Taking Care of Our Own 2022
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National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Registration is OPEN!
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National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Registration is OPEN!
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EMS1 Webinar | Navigating a path to career satisfaction
Limited options for professional growth and the lack of a clear career path are barriers to recruitment, retention and career longevity.
The EMS Burnout Repair Kit series, presented by EMS1 and Zoll, equips individuals at all levels in EMS with tools for dealing with the primary sources of burnout, helping them emerge as better, happier providers and more complete people.
In this installment, a panel comprised of individuals representing different career paths in EMS and leaders from progressive agencies will discuss resources for career advancement and resiliency, how to find the path that is right for you, and how agencies can support providers in advancing their careers.
Join the live discussion, March 1 at 1 p.m. CT
Meet the speakers
Carly Alley
Carly Alley is the executive director for Riggs Ambulance Service in Merced, California. Earlier in her career, Alley served as a firefighter-EMT in the U.S. Forest Service while earning her paramedic certification. After being hired by Riggs, she transitioned to the agency’s tactical EMS program, where she spent 10 years as the team leader before moving into administration.
Michael Fraley, BS, BA, NRP
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Michael Fraley has over 25 years of experience in EMS in a wide range of roles, including flight paramedic, EMS coordinator, service director and educator. Fraley began his career in EMS while earning a bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University. He also earned a BA in business administration from Lakeland College.
When not working as a paramedic or the coordinator of a regional trauma advisory council, Michael serves as a public safety diver and SCUBA instructor in northern Wisconsin.
John (JP) Peterson, MS, MBA
JP Peterson is the newly appointed executive director at Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. He started his career as an EMT in Chicago in 2000 and most recently served as vice president of Florida operations for PatientCare EMS Solutions.
He is licensed as a paramedic in Florida and North Carolina, and holds National Board Certification as an occupational therapist. He has completed Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification and is a graduate of the American Ambulance Association, Ambulance Service Manager Course. JP received the Pinellas County Commissioner, John Morroni Award for first responders in 2013.
JP is a past president of the Florida Ambulance Association. He is a member of the North Carolina Association of EMS Administrators as well as the AAA Bylaws, Professional Standards and Ethics committees.
2021 AAA Board of Directors Election Results
The winners of the 2021 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. The term for each position will begin on January 1, 2022. In compliance with our updated association bylaws, the candidate who received the most votes in each region will serve a one-time three year term and the candidate with the second most votes will serve a two-year term. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.
Region I
Director (3 year term)
Jim O’Connor
Vice President
Empress EMS
White Plains, NY
Director (2 year term)
Ron Quaranto
Executive Vice President of Operations
Cataldo Ambulance
Somerville, MA
Region II
Director (3 year term)
Terence Ramotar 
Director of Government Affairs- Southeast Region
Global Medical Response
Tampa, FL
Director (2 year term)
Mike Thomas 
Director of Safety & Government Relations
Jan-Care Ambulance
Beckley, WV
Region III
Director (3 year term)
Chris Anderson
Director of Operations
Bell Ambulance, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI
Director (2 year term)
Tom Schmiedeknecht 
Director of Operations / President
Professional Med Team
Muskegon, MI
Region IV
Director (3 year term)
Angie McLain-Johnson
Chief Compliance and Revenue Officer
Pafford EMS
Edmond, OK
Director (2 year term)
Tom Fennell
Regulatory Officer
Mayo Clinic Ambulance
Rochester, MN
Region V
Director (3 year term)
Paul Main
President / General Manager
American Ambulance of Visalia
Visalia, CA
Director (2 year term)
Chris Archuleta
CEO
Superior Ambulance Service, Inc
Albuquerque, NM
Ethics Committee
Allyson Pharr
Acadian Ambulance
Scott Mickelsen
Bell Ambulance, Inc.
HHS PRF Tranche 4 | Important Funding Opportunity for EMS Providers
Speaker: Scott Moore, Esq. | Share on Facebook
This funding opportunity will distribute $25.5 billion in additional Phase 4 General Distribution for EMS agencies and American Rescue Plan (ARP) payments for qualified rural providers who furnish services to Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare beneficiaries. It is critical for all #EMS providers to apply for this funding opportunity regardless of previous funding allocations. We have learned that many EMS providers did not apply for the Tranche 3 funding opportunity because they did not believe that they would be eligible to receive funds under the announced funding formula. Due to the limited number of applicants in Tranche 3, HRSA modified the formula and many who failed to apply would have received funds. We are recommending that all EMS agencies apply to receive the funding that they desperately need. The deadline for applying is 11:59 p.m. on October 26, 2021. There is no penalty for applying.