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🎙️ THE THINGS WE CARRY PODCAST | EPISODE 8
BREAKING THE CYCLE: EMS Leadership, Mentorship & Mental Health
Just because we had to go through it doesn’t mean the next generation should have to.
For Episode 8, I sat down with fellow paramedic Sammi K, host of Behind the Patch, for a conversation about a profession that has been a huge part of both our lives.
I’ve spent nearly 10 years working in EMS. During that time, I’ve learned from some incredible people, worked alongside some amazing providers, and experienced things that have completely changed how I look at this career.
But I’ve also seen areas where I believe we can do better.
One of the biggest things Sammi and I discussed was how we treat the next generation of EMTs and paramedics.
Why do we expect new providers to struggle simply because we did?
Why do we sometimes confuse years of experience with the ability to lead?
And why is it so difficult for some people to understand that being a good paramedic doesn’t automatically make someone a good mentor?
We talked about those questions and a whole lot more.
🚑 IN THIS EPISODE:
• EMS leadership and mentorship
• Breaking the cycle of mistreating new providers
• Teaching instead of humiliating
• Burnout and mental health
• The emotional weight of emergency services
• Finding balance outside the ambulance
• How becoming a parent changes your priorities
• Why it’s okay to care
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was talking about how our priorities change over time.
When I first started in EMS, I wanted to be the best paramedic I could possibly be.
And while I still want to be good at my job, I’ve realized that being a good father to Banks and someone he can look up to means more to me than anything.
Because at the end of the day, there’s a whole lot more to who we are than the patch on our shoulders.
Sammi and I don’t pretend to have all the answers. We’re simply two paramedics sharing our experiences, opinions, and perspectives about a profession we both care about.
You might not agree with everything we say, and that’s okay.
I started this podcast because I believe these conversations matter.
Sometimes, making things better starts with being willing to talk about the things that aren’t always comfortable.
A huge thank-you to Sammi for taking the time to join me and share her experiences!
I hope this episode encourages you to think about the kind of provider, mentor, coworker, and person you want to be.
Real Stories. Real People. Real Weight.
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🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCAST
Hosted by paramedic Drew Grice, The Things We Carry Podcast features honest conversations about life, trauma, mental health, emergency services, fatherhood, resilience, and the experiences that shape us.
The podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts and will always be free to listen to.
If you enjoy the show, please follow, leave a rating, and share it with someone who might appreciate these conversations.
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⚠️ DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily represent their employers, agencies, or affiliated organizations.
The Things We Carry Podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any employer or emergency medical services organization.
Discussions about workplace culture, leadership, and professional experiences reflect personal perspectives and recollections. They are not intended as official findings or allegations against any specific individual or organization.
Clinical discussions are for general informational purposes and do not replace established protocols, medical direction, or professional judgment.
