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Prodigy EMS | The Ones Who Stayed: The Story of New Orleans EMS During Hurricane Katrina

Written by Rob Lawrence on . Posted in News.

The Ones Who Stayed: The Story of New Orleans EMS During Hurricane Katrina

New Documentary Premieres September 29 on Prodigy EMS YouTube Channel

Cambridge, MA – September 25, 2025 – The Ones Who Stayed: The Story of New Orleans EMS During Hurricane Katrina will premiere on Friday, September 29 at 4:00 p.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. EST on the Prodigy EMS YouTube Channel: (664) Prodigy EMS – YouTube

Produced in partnership with New Orleans EMS and Prodigy EMS, the documentary tells the gripping, first-person story of the paramedics, EMTs, and physicians who chose to remain in the city during Hurricane Katrina. Their testimony captures the storm’s fury, the collapse of infrastructure, the chaos of evacuation, and ultimately, the resilience that led to the rebuilding of New Orleans EMS.

“This was the unsafe spot I’ve ever been in, in 25 years of my EMS career,” recalls Paramedic Keely Williams-Johnson, reflecting on conditions inside the Superdome.

Dr. Jullette Saussy, then Medical Director of New Orleans EMS, adds: “In this moment of complete loss of humanity, I was reminded of the beauty of humanity in the face of crisis.”

Chief of EMS Carl Flores reflects on the legacy: “People started cheering when they saw our patch. We had been called ambulance drivers all our lives. Now they said, ‘That’s our EMS.’”

The film stands as a testament to courage, camaraderie, and commitment in the face of disaster.

A teaser / Trailer is available here: https://youtu.be/JYbKpCeVst4?si=C_iGdhT44ue4XR7F

 

Review: The Ones Who Stayed: The Story of New Orleans EMS During Hurricane Katrina
 
Rob Lawrence
“Listening to mothers saying, ‘I’ve got floaties on my kids,’ and then the line would go dead. You knew they drowned.” — Dr. Jullette Saussy
On Friday August 29th New Orleans EMS released their twenty-year commemoration of the events of Hurricane Katrina. Produced and directed in partnership with Prodigy EMS, The Ones Who Stayed brings forward the voices of the EMS professionals who lived through what became one of the darkest weeks in modern American disaster response. Through raw testimony—sometimes halting, sometimes fierce, often tear-stained—the documentary reconstructs the hours, days, and months in which the men and women of New Orleans EMS chose to stay when so many had to leave.
A Catastrophe Told Through Firsthand Eyes
The film wisely avoids narration or dramatization. Instead, it lets the paramedics, EMTs, and physicians recount their own experiences. Their words carry the weight of authenticity—whether describing the moment the storm winds shredded windows “like Swiss cheese,” the horror of hearing mothers on the phone strapping floaties onto their children before the line went dead, or the surreal sight of helicopters hovering in endless lines above the Convention Center.
From the first nervous party at an EMS conference to the realization that Katrina had turned toward New Orleans, the film captures the shift from routine storm prep to existential crisis. The testimonies build a slow crescendo: from a pre-storm prayer in the ambulance bay to the sudden loss of communications, the flooding of hospitals, the desperation in the Superdome, and the perilous walk across the Crescent City Connection in pitch-black chaos.
Themes of Survival and Service
What emerges is more than disaster chronology is a study in survival, resilience, and the redefinition of what it means to be an EMS provider. The film highlights several themes:
Improvisation under collapse: With no radios, no ambulances, and no intact hospitals, EMS crews resorted to “MacGyver medicine” using broken chairs, dollies, and shopping carts to move patients.
Moments of grace amidst chaos: Viewers hear how citizens deferred their own needs “she’s sicker than I am, take her first” and how the New Orleans Fire Department ultimately rescued EMS personnel stranded on the bridge.
Pride and pain interwoven: Paramedics recall with both sorrow and pride that they participated in what may have been the largest civilian helicopter evacuation in U.S. history, airlifting 19,000 people in a single day.
The long shadow of trauma: Even two decades later, many recount nightmares, loss, and lingering doubts about whether New Orleans ever truly recovered.

Perhaps the most striking quote comes from Paramedic Perry Lew: “I’d rather go back to war than to do Katrina again.” It encapsulates the profound psychological toll that still echoes through those who stayed.
A Story of Rebuilding
The final chapters of the documentary shift from survival to rebirth. Viewers follow the crews into a nursing home chapel that became their base of operations, through years spent working out of FEMA trailers, and into the long slog of rebuilding a department and a city that would never be the same.
Dr. Jullette Saussy and Chief Carl Flores articulate the transformation from despair to determination. For them, the bond forged in disaster became the foundation of a reinvigorated New Orleans EMS, one rebuilt on passion, camaraderie, and the memory of those they could not save.
A Lasting Legacy
The Ones Who Stayed is not an easy watch. It is painful, harrowing, and at times overwhelming. Yet it is also uplifting, reminding viewers of the resilience of the human spirit and the quiet courage of first responders.
The documentary succeeds because it does not sanitize or dramatize. It gives us the mud, the fear, the gunshots in the night and it gives us the relief of rescue, the solidarity of colleagues, and the will to stay and rebuild.
In the end, the story is both local and universal. It is about New Orleans, but it is also about every EMS provider, firefighter, police officer, and healthcare worker who has ever faced disaster and had to decide whether to leave or to stay.
The ones who stayed remind us what service truly means.
Essential viewing for anyone in public safety, disaster medicine, or emergency management. It stands as both historical record and enduring tribute to the courage and sacrifice of New Orleans EMS.
Quote Wall
Facing the Storm
“He told us that it was going to get really bad… and that we would probably lose communications at a certain point and have to act on our own without any direction from our leadership. Then he did something really strange. He asked us to all hold hands and he said a prayer.”  Paramedic Cedric Palamasano
“That was the last time we would ever be in that bay, at those headquarters together.” — EMT Liz Belcher
“We’re facing something catastrophic.” — Dr. Jullette Saussy
Chaos and Collapse
“Listening to mothers saying, ‘I’ve got floaties on my kids,’ and then the line would go dead. You knew they drowned.” — Dr. Jullette Saussy
“The unsafe spot I’ve ever been in, in 25 years of my EMS career, was inside that Superdome. It was chaos. Complete chaos.” — Paramedic Keely Williams-Johnson
“Completely pitch black. You could hear screams. You could hear gunshots. I remember texting my friend: ‘Tell my family I love them,’ because I didn’t think I was going to get off that bridge.” — EMT Liz Belcher
Moments of Rescue
“NOFD actually rescued New Orleans EMS that night. Saved us.” — Paramedic Keely Williams-Johnson
“We cleared out 19,000 people in about 18 hours. The military threw everything at that LZ… it became known as LZ Superman.” — Paramedic Cedric Palamasano
“We were told we airlifted out more people in that day than the last day of Vietnam.” — Paramedic Perry Lew
Personal Toll
“I’d rather go back to war than to do Katrina again. It was that bad.” — Paramedic Perry Lew
“I could tell the difference between the smell of a dead body and a refrigerator closed for weeks. That’s how bad it was.” — Paramedic Charlie Brown
“I just remember climbing under a table, pulling the chairs around me, and thinking—nobody can get me if I’m under here.” — EMT Liz Belcher
Rebuilding and Legacy
“Knowing that we’ve been through the worst disaster, there was this sense of camaraderie, of renewed honor and drive… we made it out together and alive.” — Paramedic Cedric Palamasano
“People started cheering when they saw our patch. We had been called ambulance drivers all our lives. Now they said, ‘That’s our EMS.’” — Chief Carl Flores
“In this moment of complete loss of humanity, I was reminded of the beauty of humanity in the face of crisis.” — Dr. Jullette Saussy
News outlets that wish to visit New Orleans EMS contact PIO Lt Lexi Paquette via atpaquette@nola.gov
Please credit ‘Prodigy EMS’ for clips used as news footage.

EMS1 | Grand theft ambulance: The crime we’re letting happen

Written by Rob Lawrence on . Posted in News, Press.

Grand theft ambulance: The crime we’re letting happen

An ambulance is stolen in the U.S. once every 2 weeks … and we are to blame!

In December 2023, I wrote the article, “Respond in 8 minutes — Gone in 60 seconds,” a headline born of frustration, based on a rising number of ambulance thefts that, at the time, seemed both absurd and increasingly common. I had hoped that naming the problem might nudge the system toward solving it. After all, how could something so costly, dangerous and preventable not trigger action?

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EMS1 | From the ED to the edge: How Dr. Darria Long found her rhythm — and how EMS can find theirs

Written by Rob Lawrence on . Posted in Annual Conference & Tradeshow, News, Press.

From the ED to the edge: How Dr. Darria Long found her rhythm — and how EMS can find theirs

For many of us in EMS, the term “crazy busy” is often thrown around like a rite of passage. It’s shorthand for a culture of overdrive: another shift, another code, another unfunded mandate, another denied claim. But what if “crazy busy” isn’t just a schedule problem — it’s a warning sign?

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EMS1 | Gen Z, AI and the loneliness epidemic: The 5-M blueprint to future-proof your EMS crew

Written by Rob Lawrence on . Posted in Annual Conference & Tradeshow, News, Press.

EMS1 | Gen Z, AI and the loneliness epidemic: The 5-M blueprint to future-proof your EMS crew

Named one of Forbes’ Top Futurists, Heather E. McGowan has advised Fortune 500 boards, high-growth start-ups, universities and governments on how to adapt “at the speed of possibility.” A two-time bestselling author (“The adaptation advantage” and “The empathy advantage”), she specializes in translating big, fast-moving trends (e.g., technological disruption, demographic shifts, AI augmentation) into practical strategies leaders can act on today.

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Life-Assist partners with Taylor Healthcare to offer the Titan Rapid Cooling Bag, a revolutionary prehospital emergency response to heat-related illness

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News, Patient Care.

As heat rises during summer months, so does the risk of heatstroke. Taylor Titan Rapid Cooling Bags provide a critical tool for First Responders to combat dangerous body temperatures. These fluid-impervious bags, filled with ice and cold water, provide fast, crucial cooling, saving lives during emergency transport.

Developed by Taylor Healthcare in partnership with Phoenix Fire Department, the Titan Rapid Cooling Bag delivers groundbreaking advancements for rapidly reducing elevated body temperatures over 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit. With 15-20 minutes in the bag, filled with ice and cold water, body temperatures drop 3 degrees, lowering 8x faster than traditional methods.

“In emergency medicine, seconds matter—and the Titan Rapid Cooling Bag is a game-changer. Designed for speed, portability, and performance, it empowers First Responders to deliver fast, effective treatment for heat-related illness in the most demanding environments. At Life-Assist, we’re proud to offer solutions that help save lives and support our partners on the front lines of care,” said Andy Selby, Vice President of Sales “We are proud to be the exclusive distributor of Titan Rapid Cooling Bags, ensuring that emergency personnel have access to this innovative tool that will allow better response to victims of extreme heat.”

Taylor Titan Rapid Cooling Bag Benefits:

  • Fluid Impervious with Dual-Welded Seams, Ultra Strong PVC, and Reinforced Zippers
  • Strong Lift Weight for Transport with Added Ice (575 lbs)
  • 6-Handle Design Provides Enhanced Stability during Lifting and Transfer

First Responders, including Paramedic, EMT, EMS, and Fire Departments now have seamless access to this essential product through Life-Assist.

For more information about the Taylor Titan Rapid Cooling Bag, please visit www.life-assist.com/taylorCoolingBag or contact marketing@life-assist.com

Life-Assist Partners With PSTrax to Enhance Inventory Management Operation for EMS Agencies

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News, Operations.

Through an exclusive partnership, Life-Assist delivers PSTrax’s cutting-edge inventory management system to EMS agencies, helping them gain real-time visibility, control costs, and ensure critical supply readiness. This alliance marks a significant advancement in emergency services procurement, allowing agencies to maximize efficiency while maintaining full control over their inventory.

By integrating their systems, agencies can seamlessly connect Life-Assist’s extensive product catalog with the PSTrax Procurement feature within its Supplies Module, eliminating inefficiencies in purchasing and supply chain management. With direct purchase order (PO) generation, automated inventory updates, and enhanced financial oversight, agencies can maintain operational readiness with improved efficiency and accuracy. 

“First Responders should never face challenges with procurement or risk supply shortages,” said Scott Bergeron, CEO of PSTrax. “This collaboration brings together two industry leaders with a shared vision—helping agencies run more effectively by making sure their teams have the right resources, exactly when needed. By integrating Life-Assist’s comprehensive catalog into PSTrax, we’re offering a seamless, automated solution that improves accountability and enhances readiness and response.”

Bryan Holliday, CEO of Life-Assist, added, “Our partnership with PSTrax helps our EMS customers maintain ideal supply levels, streamline ordering, and enhance operational efficiency. Together, we are simplifying procurement for First Responders. Allowing them more time to focus on what they do best, providing care and support for our communities.”

Procurement benefits at a glance:

  • Product Catalog Integration ─ Easily link new products to your existing inventory in the Supplies module for a fully synced system.
  • Flagged Item Alerts ─ Quickly add critical or low-stock items to your shopping cart directly from supply levels.
  • Enhanced Purchase Order Management ─ Gain complete control over ship-to contacts, shipping details, and order quantities while generating electronic POs effortlessly.
  • Centralized Oversight ─ Manage purchase orders across multiple vendors on a single dashboard with bulk editing and item-specific status updates.
  • Streamlined Restocking ─ Efficiently match delivered supplies with POs for easy receiving and restocking in the Supplies module.
  • Real-Time Transparency: Access live updates to monitor purchases and ensure optimal financial oversight.

American Ambulance Association to Recognize 2025 Award Winners

Written by Emily Nichols on . Posted in Awards, News, Press.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Emily Nichols
enichols@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association to Recognize 2025 Award Winners 

Washington, DC—The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to honor the 2025 award recipients at the upcoming President’s Reception, taking place on June 23, 2025, during the AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Kentucky. These distinguished honorees embody the dedication, innovation, and leadership crucial to advancing mobile healthcare across the nation.

Affiliate of the Year

  • Health Management Associates (HMA): For their continued collaboration and role in advancing meaningful analysis of EMS data, with a special thanks to Zach Gaumer.

  • Stryker: For their enduring support and commitment to the Stars of Life EMS recognition program and the AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show.

Partnership of the Year

  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): For their efforts to gain deeper insight into the complexities and challenges of EMS costs and revenue.

  • South Carolina EMS Association (SCEMSA): For their development of several innovative state-level programs and their ongoing efforts to strengthen alignment between state and federal advocacy nationwide.

Distinguished Service Award

  • Kim Godden, AMBUPAC Chair & former AAA Board Member: For her relentless service and commitment to advancing EMS advocacy.

President’s Award

  • Julie Rose, AAA Strategic Planning Committee Chair & former AAA Treasurer: For her unwavering commitment to the AAA, demonstrated through her exceptional leadership and financial expertise.

  • Randy Strozyk, AAA President (2023–2024): For his work in fostering collaboration and unity within the mobile healthcare community.

Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award

  • David Werfel: For his lasting impact on the AAA and the EMS profession, built on decades of expert counsel.

EMS Visionary Award

  • Asbel Montes, Ground Ambulance Patient and Billing Advisory Committee Chair: For his innovative leadership in EMS policy, highlighted by his service to the AAA board and committees.

Special Recognition Award

  • Samantha Hilker, AAA Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives: For her invaluable leadership of the EMS Next mentorship and recognition program, coupled with her strategic, data-driven support of AAA advocacy.

  • Justin Grohs: For his diligent work in advancing EMS advocacy, not only in his home state of Montana, but also at the national level.

Board Service Award

  • Paul Main: For his longstanding dedication and exceptional service to the AAA board and membership.

Lifetime Membership

  • Jim Finger, Jimmy Johnson, Jim McPartlon, and Jim O’Connor: For their decades of steadfast commitment to mobile healthcare and meaningful contributions to the advancement of the EMS community.

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.

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Member Advisory: MedPac to Discuss Ground Ambulance Data

Written by Kathy Lester on . Posted in Cost Data Collection, Member Advisories, News.

On Thursday, March 6, the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee (MedPAC) will hold the first of several Commission discussions related to the statutorily mandated report to review ground ambulance payment policy in light of the Ground Ambulance Data Collection System. The AAA has already met with MedPAC staff and will also provide a summary of the meeting. Given that CMS will likely publish the second data collection period report at the end of 2025, we anticipate that the MedPAC report will be published in its June 2026 report.
The MedPAC process involves a series of public meetings during which staff present materials to Commissioners. The Commissioners often ask questions and express opinions during this process. It is important to recognize that the Chair of MedPAC seeks to ensure consensus as much as possible in the final report. Thus, many of the comments made during public meetings are not included in final reports.
The AAA will continue its work with MedPAC as it works to develop the report.

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