EMS Leadership Academy

EMS Inclusive Language Guidelines for Press & Government

Meet Amera Gilchrist, the Chief of EMS for the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services — and the FIRST African American woman to hold this prestigious title. With 26 years of dedicated service, Chief Gilchrist has made an indelible mark on Pittsburgh’s EMS community. Starting as an EMT in 1999 and quickly advancing to paramedic within 9 months, her journey has been one of resilience and determination. Because of the challenges she faced while earning her certifications, Chief Gilchrist is now on a mission to remove barriers for others pursuing a career in prehospital care. Her leadership is not only inspiring, but it’s paving the way for the next generation of EMS professionals. ?? Want to see her speak? Sign up now: https://lnkd.in/d6kt4DJJ #ChiefAmeraGilchrist #WomenInEMS #EMSLeadership #BreakingBarriers #PittsburghEMS #RepresentationMatters #EMSInspiration #LeadershipInAction

Jen Bolster is the Director of Clinical Services at Ambulance Tasmania, where she leads initiatives to enhance clinical quality, professional practice, and patient safety. She is also a PhD student, researching policy-driven paramedic models of care for people who use drugs (PWUD). Jennifer is particularly interested in how drug policy influences paramedic practice and the role of paramedics in shaping health policy. She has extensive experience in clinical governance, education, and systems leadership, with a focus on improving healthcare delivery through policy, research, and holistic models of care. This panel discussion brings together expert voices from Canada, Australia, and the UK to explore the evolving landscape of paramedic mobility internationally. The panelists will share their experiences and insights on how Paramedicine has overcome obstacles, made their skills transferable, and how they have navigated the complexities of different education systems, certifications, and qualifications. The discussion will explore how the Paramedicine profession is evolving towards greater global recognition and mobility, and what still needs to be done to ensure true international reciprocity. Join us for this FREE and virtual event! https://lnkd.in/d6kt4DJJ #WomeninEMS #EMSLeadershipSummit #paramedicine

Nicholas Carson, FP-C, CCP-C, TP-C, NRP, B.S. is a Flight Paramedic with the University of Vermont Health Network, owner of Precision Training, LLC, and host of the Code 321 Podcast. A national speaker and educator, Nick specializes in trauma care, leadership, safety systems, and active threat response. He’s developed training programs used across emergency response agencies and serves on his organization's training committee. With experience in fire, EMS, and critical care, Nick also supports responder wellness through Mind The Frontline, a nonprofit focused on mental health in public safety. Run by President Chris Smetana. ?? Catch Nick at the EMS Leadership Summit – FREE & Virtual! ??? Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/d6kt4DJJ #FlightMedic #ResponderWellness #Code321 #TraumaTraining #FreeEvent #LeadershipSummit

In EMS, growth isn’t just about experience—it’s about learning, leadership, and unlocking new opportunities. Whether it’s advancing in your career, improving patient care, or stepping into leadership, the right guidance and education make all the difference. One of our featured speakers, Lillian Bonsignore, former FDNY Chief of EMS Operations, addresses helping EMS professionals get from point A to D! Lillian will be speaking at our EMS Leadership Summit next month! Get your FREE ticket here for the virtual event: https://lnkd.in/d6kt4DJJ #EMSLeadership #CareerGrowth #EMSEducation #OpportunitiesInEMS #LeadTheWay #WomensHIstoryMonth

“I always encourage…building relationships with the agencies around you. Because lot’s of different agencies, including private industry, have a lot of leadership-type courses.” - Retired Chief Lillian Bonsignore discusses the importance of building relationships with other EMT organizations. Continuing to honor #WomensHistoryMonth we want to highlight Lillian and her dedicated 31 years to the FDNY, serving as Chief of EMS Operations (2019-2022)—guiding NYC through the COVID-19 pandemic with strength and resilience. As the first woman to achieve a 4-star rank in FDNY history, she shattered barriers in a male-dominated field, paving the way for future generations of EMS professionals. See Chief Bonsignore at the EMS Leadership Summit! This FREE and virtual event is next month! Please go here for your ticket: https://lnkd.in/d6kt4DJJ Don’t miss out on hearing from the best in the industry! #ChiefLillianBonsignore #EMSLeadership #Covid19 #womeninems #womenshistorymonth

Leveraging communication and national associations to support your EMS needs. Hear from three of the best in the communications industry! Alexia Bratiotis Jobson, APR, NREMT, NREMT, APR. As the Director of Public Relations at REMSA Health, Alexia brings her expertise in brand protection and storytelling to Nevada’s largest out-of-hospital healthcare provider. With an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and a passion for showcasing exceptional EMS professionals, she’ll be joining the EMS Leadership Summit on a special panel of top industry PR experts. Mark Tenia – From Newsroom to EMS Advocacy, the former broadcast journalist now leads Public Relations for the Richmond Ambulance Authority, using the power of storytelling to shine a spotlight on EMS professionals. A returning speaker to the EMS Leadership Summit, Mark brings together a panel of communications pros to help elevate our industry’s voice. With 25+ years of leadership in civilian and military EMS, Rob Lawrence brings a wealth of experience to the EMS Leadership Summit! Currently the Director of Strategic Implementation for PRO EMS & Prodigy EMS, and Executive Director (part-time) for the CALIFORNIA AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION, Rob has also led systems like the Richmond Ambulance Authority, Paramedics Plus Llc, and the East of England Ambulance Service. A former Army officer and Sandhurst grad, Rob has served around the globe in critical prehospital and evacuation roles. He's also the President of AIMHI, a respected EMS1 columnist, podcaster, and serves on the EMS1 & EMS World Editorial Boards. ?? Get ready to be inspired. ??? Reserve your free ticket now: https://lnkd.in/d6kt4DJJ #EMSCommunications #EMSTraining #EMSLeadership

With 34+ years as an active EMT and a founding partner of Werfel, Moore & Kelly Law Group, LLP, Scott Moore is a trusted advisor for mobile healthcare agencies nationwide. As a licensed attorney, he specializes in HR, employment law, reimbursement, and compliance, helping EMS organizations navigate leadership and workforce challenges. Scott also serves as the HR & Operational Consultant for the American Ambulance Association (AAA). ?? Gain valuable insights from Scott at the EMS Leadership Summit! ?? ??? FREE virtual tickets available now! Secure yours: https://lnkd.in/d6kt4DJJ #EMSLeadership #ScottMoore #HRinEMS #EMSLaw #AmbulanceServices #LeadershipSummit #FreeEvent

Eric Chase is a nationally registered paramedic, educator, and founder of EMSIMPROV LLC & the EMSIMPROV Podcast—dedicated to advancing leadership, resilience, and accountability in EMS. With experience as a Flight Paramedic, Clinical Services Manager, and Adjunct Faculty, Eric has inspired countless EMS professionals through mentorship and innovation. Featured Speaker at the EMS Leadership Summit!?Respected Educator & Speaker at top EMS conferences?Dedicated Mentor at OSU/OKC?Passionate about leadership & resilience in EMS. We’re excited to have Eric Chase share his insights at the EMS Leadership Summit, a FREE virtual event for EMS professionals looking to grow and lead in their field. Don’t miss this opportunity! Register now:?https://lnkd.in/d6kt4DJJ #EMSLeadership #EMSEducation #MentorshipMatters #FirstResponderSuccess #LeadershipSummit #EMSInnovation

Pittsburgh’s Chief Amera Gilchrist is making history as the city’s first African American woman EMS chief—and she’s doing it with a deep respect for those who paved the way. Her Freedom House EMT Academy pays tribute to the legendary Freedom House Ambulance Service, which began in Pittsburgh in the 1960s. This pioneering group of African American paramedics set the foundation for modern EMS, saving lives and revolutionizing emergency care. Now, Chief Gilchrist carries that legacy forward—empowering the next generation and ensuring that service, leadership, and innovation remain at the heart of public safety. ?????? Chief Gilchrist will be a featured speaker at the EMS Leadership Summit. Please go here for a FREE ticket to this virtual event https://lnkd.in/d6kt4DJJ Don’t miss out on hearing from the best in the industry! #FreedomHouseLegacy #EMSHistory #BreakingBarriers #PittsburghProud CITY OF PITTSBURGH DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services #ThePitt #WomensHistoryMonth