Growing the next generation of changemakers in rural EMS

In this special crossover edition of EMS One-Stop and The Bridge Podcast from the Kentucky Office of Rural Health, host Amelia Holliday leads the conversation, joined by Scott Helle, rural project manager at KORH; and Rob Lawrence, host of EMS One-Stop and EMS leader.

Recorded live at the 2025 Kentucky EMS Leadership Academy, this episode explores the evolution, design and impact of the Leadership Academy on Kentucky’s rural EMS landscape. The discussion dives into the Academy’s origins, structure, statewide reach and its mission to prepare the next generation of EMS leaders in some of the most resource-challenged communities in the country.

From the realities of low-volume, underfunded rural services, to the inspiring stories of leadership growth and resilience, this episode offers a thoughtful examination of the challenges facing EMS in Kentucky and beyond. Rob reflects on leadership principles drawn from his military and EMS career, while Scott provides a blueprint for how to build and sustain EMS talent in small communities. Together with Amelia’s thoughtful moderation, this episode highlights how mentorship, structured learning and network-building are transforming rural EMS leadership — one cohort at a time.

Additional resources

• The Bridge Podcast (Contains additional discussion)

• Center of Excellence in Rural Health: Established to address health disparities in rural Kentucky

• Asking the big questions: Industry leaders weigh in on celebrating EMS Week amidst the forces shaping the EMS landscape

• Cultivating the next generation of EMS: Leadership development, emotional intelligence and the importance of mentorship

Memorable quotes

“We’re promoting people above their level of competency — not because they’re not good, but because we haven’t prepared them for what’s next.” — Rob Lawrence

“We saw early on that EMS professionals were great at clinical care, but we were missing the leadership piece.” — Scott Helle

“Effective communication is the core of good leadership. You can’t lead without it.” — Amelia Holliday

“My six principles: pride, integrity, learning, humor, service and courage. They guide everything I do.” — Rob Lawrence

“It costs money to build people. That’s why we provide this Academy at no cost to participants.” — Scott Helle

“It’s hard to run EMS in a state where many counties don’t even have a tax base to support it.” — Scott Helle

“You’re always leading. Once you start, it never stops. People are always watching and listening.” — Rob Lawrence

“We’re not just building leaders — we’re building mentors, networks and future change-makers.” — Scott Helle

“Nobody becomes a good leader because they want power. The best leaders are those who understand the responsibility.” — Amelia Holliday

Episode timeline

00:18 – Introduction to the Kentucky Leadership Academy and crossover with The Bridge Podcast

02:29 – How the Academy was formed and why it was needed

05:00 – Structure of the Academy, application process and regional representation

08:11 – EMS 2050, developing next-gen leaders, and avoiding the Peter Principle

11:00 – The importance of non-clinical leadership education

13:36 – Funding challenges in rural EMS, tax base realities and sustainable operations

17:41 – Rural EMS dynamics, local politics and the true cost of r