EMS AT GWY
OCTOBER 27-29, 2025
THE CHEROKEE CONVENTION CENTER
CHEROKEE, NC
All sessions will be held in the Cherokee Convention Center, with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. If you’re in Cherokee Towers, face the front desk, turn left, and take the escalator to the third floor. Go straight ahead to find our registration table. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Conference Sessions & Agenda
Monday, October 27, 2025
FOR THE PROVIDER
Cherokee Convention Center
$25 if affiliated with a NC agency
$95 if unaffiliated or out of state
7:30 am
Check-in
8:00 am
Welcome
8:15 am
When Algorithms Kill: A Case Study in Blindly Following Best Practice
Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) guides clinical care, but in the unpredictable world of EMS, rigid protocol adherence can backfire. This session uses a compelling real-world case to highlight the risks of blindly following “gold standards” in uncontrolled environments. Participants will explore the balance between clinical judgment and protocol-driven care. Prepare to rethink what it means to practice evidence-based medicine in the field.
Erik Crouch
9:10 am
9:15 am
Ventricular Assist Devices in Crisis: Fear or Familiarity?
This session offers a practical look at mechanical circulatory support devices, including LVADs, RVADs, and Total Artificial Hearts. Attendees will learn how these devices work, how they impact patient physiology, and what to expect in emergency scenarios. Key complications and critical assessment and management strategies will be covered. Ideal for EMS providers seeking confidence in high-stakes cardiac device calls.
Matthew Supples & Breann Matthews
10:00 am
Break
10:15 am
Substance Use & Psychiatric Crisis: Dual Diagnoses and EMS Challenges
Dual diagnoses, mental health and substance use disorders occurring together, are now common in psychiatric emergencies faced by EMS providers. This session explores the complexity, unpredictability, and risks of these calls for both patients and responders. Attendees will gain insight into managing emotionally charged scenes, navigating limited resources, and improving safety. Prepare to tackle one of EMS’s most challenging and evolving call types.
Ashton White
11:10 am
11:15 am
Spinal Trauma
Attend and find out.
Dr. Seth Hawkins
12:00 pm
Lunch
1:30 pm
Initiating the Chain of Survival: Impact of Disparities and Psychology
The chain of survival begins long before an ambulance arrives—and the strength of its earliest links can determine life or death. This session explores the critical prehospital components of the chain of survival, with a focus on how social, psychological, and systemic disparities can weaken or delay intervention. Through case studies and data-driven discussion, we’ll examine the role of lay rescuers, barriers to their activation, and strategies to increase community engagement and readiness. Participants will walk away with actionable ideas to promote equity, improve outcomes, and empower the public to be stronger partners in emergency response.
Audrey Blewer
2:25 pm
2:30 pm
Triage, Not So Simple
Triage is essential in emergency medicine, yet many providers struggle to apply it effectively during real-world crises. This session examines why even seasoned responders falter, highlighting factors like limited hands-on experience, cognitive overload, and emotional proximity to the event. Through critical reflection and discussion, we’ll explore whether triage is truly simple or if our systems make it more complex than it needs to be. Prepare to challenge assumptions and sharpen a vital EMS skill.
Kim Miller & Raven Hutto
3:15 pm
Break
3:30 pm
The Widening World of Paramedicine
Paramedics are stepping far beyond the ambulance and into hospitals, clinics, and non-traditional roles at a rapidly growing pace. This session offers an in-depth look at how paramedics are being integrated into diverse healthcare settings and why their role is poised to expand even more amid the national nursing shortage. Attendees will gain insight into emerging opportunities and the future of paramedicine in a changing healthcare landscape.
Toby Carter
4:25 pm
4:30 pm
How to be the CEO of Your Career in EMS
In the chaos of EMS, it’s easy to overlook your own professional growth. This session invites you to take charge of your career with the mindset of a CEO, strategic, intentional, and future-focused. Learn how to define your vision, set meaningful goals, and lead yourself toward long-term success. Your career deserves leadership; yours.
Billy Langston
5:15 pm
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
FOR THE EDUCATOR
Cherokee Convention Center
$25 if affiliated with a NC agency
$95 if unaffiliated or out of state
7:30 am
Check-in
8:00 am
A.I. from the Sly Guy
In today’s rapidly evolving EMS education environment, artificial intelligence is transforming how students learn and instructors teach. This session explores how educators can be “sly” with A.I., leveraging smart tools for simulation, assessment, and personalized learning without losing the human touch. Participants will discover practical ways to integrate A.I. into curriculum design, skill evaluation, and student engagement to enhance learning outcomes. Join us to see how both students and educators can outsmart traditional barriers to EMS education with innovative A.I. strategies.
Zach Stutts
8:55 am
Transition
9:00 am
Code Future: Building North Carolina’s EMS Workforce Through High School EMT Programs
With EMS workforce shortages on the rise, North Carolina’s high school EMT programs offer a powerful solution. This session explores how these programs, supported by DPI, NCOEMS, and ApprenticeshipNC, are building a pipeline from classroom to career through structured training, local clinical experiences, and apprenticeship models. Learn how your agency can engage with this growing initiative to cultivate future EMS professionals. Discover practical strategies to help shape a sustainable, homegrown workforce.
Kim Miller & Melissa Leeds
9:55 am
Break
10:10 am
Education Alchemy
Join us for an engaging session that uncovers the essential elements behind positive student outcomes. Together, we’ll explore what inspires adult learners to participate and how to transform your classroom into a vibrant, collaborative learning environment. Through interactive discussions, brief lectures, and a hands-on assignment, you’ll gain actionable insights and adaptable strategies. Walk away equipped with practical tools and developmental tips you can implement in your very next class.
Justin Padgett
11:05 am
11:10 am
Effective Leadership for EMS Training Officers: Building Culture, Coaching Performance, and Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders
EMS Training Officers are more than instructors, they are culture builders, coaches, and leadership developers. This session explores how Training Officers can foster accountability, professionalism, and growth through intentional design and structured coaching techniques like the SBI model. A real-world case study, “The Silent Shift,” brings these concepts to life and invites practical discussion. Walk away with tools to strengthen your influence and cultivate tomorrow’s EMS leaders.
Angela Magill
12:00 pm
Lunch
1:30 pm
Ditching “Good Enough” for Greatness: Rethinking Competency in EMS Education
“Close enough” isn’t good enough in EMS. This engaging session challenges educators and leaders to move beyond checkbox competency and embrace higher standards of performance. Attendees will explore innovative, practical strategies to raise the bar and ensure providers are truly prepared for the demands of the field. It’s time to rethink what real readiness looks like, and commit to excellence in patient care.
Ashton White
2:25 pm
2:30 pm
From TikTok to Trauma Bays: Teaching Gen Z to Save Lives
Generation Z is entering EMS with unique values, digital habits, and learning needs. This session explores how to engage and train Gen Z EMTs and Paramedics through tech-savvy strategies, inclusive communication, and purpose-driven education. Learn how to adapt instructional methods, build resilience, and create learning environments where Gen Z can thrive. Prepare to connect with the next generation of prehospital clinicians, on their terms.
William Sykes
3:15 pm
Break
3:30 pm
Just Verbalize It: Why Effective Simulation Matters
Effective simulation is the bridge between the classroom and real-world clinical performance, but only when done right. This session challenges educators to move beyond complacent scenarios and embrace high-fidelity, progressive simulations that reflect the realities of EMS. From realistic dispatches to complete documentation and equipment restocking, attendees will explore free, field-tested strategies that build stress resilience and clinical readiness. Learn how to transform your simulation program into a true preparation ground for stellar prehospital clinicians.
Matthew Farmer
4:25 pm
4:30 pm
Broken Systems, Burned-Out Students: The Case for Radical Change in EMS Education
EMS education must stop contributing to the attrition crisis. This interactive session confronts the outdated methods, rigid systems, and toxic norms that push promising students out of the profession. Through honest discussion and critical reflection, attendees will explore how to make EMS education more inclusive, supportive, and effective. Come ready to challenge the status quo, and help build a better path forward.
Steven Gupton
5:15 pm
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
FOR THE LEADER
Cherokee Convention Center
$25 if affiliated with a NC agency
$95 if unaffiliated or out of state
7:30 am
Check-in
8:00 am
The Blessing and Curse of Leadership
So you want to lead, now what? This session is designed for EMS professionals ready to take the next step but unsure where to begin. We’ll explore the difference between clinical excellence and leadership readiness, and dive into practical steps like training, mentorship, and communication development. Whether you’re curious, committed, or somewhere in between, you’ll leave with a clearer path to becoming the leader EMS needs.
Toby Carter
8:55 am
Transition
9:00 am
The Retention Crisis is a Leadership Problem
The EMS retention crisis goes deeper than compensation, it’s rooted in leadership, training, and culture. This session challenges agency leaders to examine how lack of investment in provider development drives turnover. Through data, case studies, and actionable strategies, attendees will explore how high-quality training and a strong support culture lead to lasting retention. It’s time to stop the bleeding, and start leading.
Erik Crouch
9:55 am
Break
10:10 am
Eating the Young: Rewriting the Culture of Onboarding and Generational Inclusion in EMS
“EMS eats its young” is more than a saying, it’s a cultural warning sign. This interactive session uses powerful metaphors and real-world examples to explore how hazing, incivility, and exclusion damage our profession’s future. Attendees will learn evidence-based onboarding strategies, examine generational dynamics, and gain tools to build a culture of inclusion and support. It’s time to stop biting, and start building.
Ryan Farrow
11:05 am
11:10 am
It’s No Surprise
Today’s EMS leaders are stepping into roles that demand far more than traditional training ever covered. We often apply for leadership positions based on the skills we’ve mastered (clinical excellence, operational knowledge, and experience) only to find ourselves challenged by those we have yet to learn, such as strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and navigating organizational change. This session explores how to bridge the gap between technical competence and adaptive leadership while learning to lead teams through uncertainty and growth. Participants will gain practical strategies to build confidence, foster trust, and lead with purpose in today’s evolving EMS environment.
John C. Wilson
12:00 pm
Lunch
1:30 pm
Leaders and Providers Need to Understand Team Dynamics
In EMS, strong team dynamics are just as vital as individual skill. This session explores how trust, role clarity, and communication shape high-performing crews capable of delivering seamless care. Whether you’re leading a team or joining one, you’ll gain insights and strategies to strengthen collaboration, reduce errors, and elevate performance. Learn what it takes to build a crew that truly works as one.
Billy Langston
2:25 pm
2:30 pm
Leadership in EMS: What Does It Mean?
Leadership in EMS looks different than in other public safety roles, it’s mobile, fast-paced, and deeply personal. This session explores what makes EMS leadership unique, from leading in uncontrolled environments to managing care and crew under pressure. Attendees will reflect on how EMS leadership must continue to evolve, embracing adaptability, emotional intelligence, and innovation, to meet the demands of today’s workforce and tomorrow’s challenges. It’s time to define leadership on EMS terms.
Christopher Grace, Jr.
3:15 pm
Break
3:30 pm
Culture and Morale: Cranking the Secret to Team Success
In EMS, culture and morale aren’t just buzzwords, they’re the backbone of performance and retention. This session dives into how shared values and attitudes shape communication, teamwork, and patient care in high-stress environments. Attendees will explore the impact of both healthy and toxic cultures and gain actionable strategies to build trust, boost morale, and drive operational excellence. Strong teams start with strong culture.
Chris Pegram
4:25 pm
4:30 pm
There is No Spoon: Seeing the EMS System for What it Really Is
Leadership in EMS isn’t about position, it’s about mindset, ownership, and action. This bold, engaging session challenges both formal and informal leaders to stop accepting “the way it is” and start shaping the EMS culture they want to see. Drawing inspiration from The Matrix, attendees will explore how to lead with clarity, purpose, and accountability, even in flawed systems. Get ready to challenge norms, break cycles, and rediscover your power to lead from wherever you stand.