EMTS Academy

What do you actually do when the worst day of your career arrives?
On July 4th, 2025, Dr. Stephen Harper got the kind of message that changes everything: “It’s bad.” The Guadalupe River had risen in the Texas Hill Country, and Dr. Harper — an ER physician, EMS medical director for Kerrville Fire, and former Army brigade surgeon — drove straight toward Camp Mystic to help.
In our newest episode, he takes us hour by hour through that day: helicopters from the Army, DPS, Coast Guard, and Star Flight lined up to unload scared, cold kids; tracking hundreds of patients with Pulsara; turning an ambulance bus into a warming shelter; and the moment he met a man who had just lost his wife. But the part that sticks with us is what he says about preparation: “You don’t rise to the occasion — you sink to your level of training.” And his reminder that your resiliency as a responder starts today, not on the day disaster hits.
Whether you’re an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or physician, this one will stay with you.
🎥 Watch: https://youtu.be/9r4neO7lPAA
🎧 Listen: https://pod.link/1810050200
🌐 More: https://emtsacademy.com

Texas is one of the few states growing its EMS workforce while others shrink and the reasons are worth studying.

On the latest episode of the EMTS Academy podcast, Texas EMS Director Joe Schmider joins Matt Nealand to discuss the state’s $10 million whole blood initiative and the goal of reaching every county, how Senate Bill 8 funding helped certify more than 13,000 new providers, and the retention challenge that comes next. As Joe puts it, recruitment means nothing if “we just chase them all away.”

The conversation also covers the shift from “emergency” to pre-hospital healthcare, the expanding role of community paramedicine, and how AI stands to reshape documentation and clinical decision support. Essential listening for EMS leaders, educators, and anyone invested in the future of the profession.

• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a3cX9c2JBcQ
• Listen on your podcast app: https://pod.link/1810050200
• EMTS Academy website: https://emtsacademy.com
• Texas DSHS Office of EMS/Trauma: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/emstraumasystems

Should you get your paramedic certification BEFORE you’re hired at a fire department? 🚒
In our newest episode, Battalion Chief Chris Norred of New Braunfels Fire Department answers that question — and shares something a lot of people miss: the firefighters who put in real time on the ambulance often become the best firefighters AND the best leaders.
With 18 years in the fire service, Chief Norred breaks down why departments are hungry for paramedics, how the civil service hiring process really works, the small mistakes that cost good candidates a job (yes — including old social media posts), and why leadership starts on the ambulance.
If you’re thinking about a career in fire-based EMS — or you know someone who is — this one’s worth a watch. 👇
🎥 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/-CkzhDyKAh8

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1810050200

🎓 Start your EMS career: emtsacademy.com

On this episode of the EMTS Academy Podcast, Matt talks with Dr. David Miramontes, Medical Director for the San Antonio Fire Department.

Dr. Miramontes has an incredible EMS background — EMT, firefighter, nurse, emergency physician, flight physician, EMS leader in Washington, D.C., and now medical director for one of the most innovative fire-based EMS systems in the country.

This conversation focuses on Mobile Integrated Healthcare and how San Antonio Fire Department is using EMS to solve real patient problems before they turn into repeat 911 calls. They talk about hospice response, behavioral health, high-volume utilizers, homeless outreach, insurance partnerships, and how paramedics can help patients navigate a healthcare system that is often confusing and difficult to access.

This is a great episode for EMTs, paramedics, fire officers, EMS educators, medical directors, and anyone who wants to understand where EMS may be headed next.

🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://pod.link/1810050200
▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vwLL0VYan8M

What does the future of EMS look like?

In this episode of the EMTS Academy Podcast, I sit down with John Gonzales, Director of Williamson County EMS, for a wide-ranging conversation about EMS leadership, education, research, technology, and the future of our profession.

John shares his journey from Army medic to paramedic, educator, clinical leader, and EMS director. He also gives some great advice for EMTs and paramedics who are thinking about becoming instructors but worry they “don’t know enough.”

One of my favorite parts of the conversation is John’s perspective on AI and EMS. We talk about smart ambulances, AI-assisted documentation, ultrasound, ventilators, IV pumps, antibiotics in the field, and how technology may help reduce the cognitive load on providers instead of replacing them.

This is a great episode for EMTs, paramedics, educators, field training officers, and EMS leaders who care about where EMS is headed.

Listen to the full episode of the EMTS Academy Podcast.



YouTube: https://youtu.be/aW4333-Baic

Listen Here: https://pod.link/1810050200

🚁 Dive into the world of flight paramedics with Dusty Ross as he navigates the skies, tackling heart and lung emergencies across the U.S. Learn about the critical role of ECMO and the importance of mental health in EMS.

https://na2.hubs.ly/H044lNV0

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Billy Sladek, the president of SLO Conference Services, reflects on his 39 years with the Texas EMS Conference, discussing how it's evolved over time. From the financial challenges of keeping the event affordable to curating diverse and impactful presentations, Sladek shares insights into the conference's growth and the exceptional talent it attracts. He expresses gratitude for the dedication of EMS professionals and the teamwork required to continue delivering an enriching experience.

Billy Sladek, the president of SLO Conference Services, reflects on his 39 years with the Texas EMS Conference, discussing how it's evolved over time. From the financial challenges of keeping the event affordable to curating diverse and impactful presentations, Sladek shares insights into the conference's growth and the exceptional talent it attracts. He expresses gratitude for the dedication of EMS professionals and the teamwork required to continue delivering an enriching experience.
https://na2.hubs.ly/H044hp60

What makes EMS tick? Join Matt Shapiro as he discusses patient care, firefighting, and leadership growth in EMS at the Texas EMS Conference. Don’t miss this wisdom-packed episode! 🔥🚑

https://na2.hubs.ly/H044lj80

From Alaska to Texas, Dan Ketchum's EMS journey is a testament to passion and perseverance in emergency services. Don't miss his insights on our podcast! 🎙️

https://na2.hubs.ly/H044knd0

Behind the bagpipes and kilts lies a deeply emotional and fulfilling experience. 🚒 Tune in to hear John Concha’s story on balancing passion and duty in the Honor Guard with the El Paso Fire Department.

https://na2.hubs.ly/H044mzZ0