The EMS Avenger returns: Jimmy Apple’s no-holds-barred take on tech, burnout and backboards

As the year wraps, Rob Lawrence welcomes back the “EMS Avenger” Jimmy Apple for a fast-moving, end-of-year pulse check on the EMS universe — through the lens of social media, research and what frontline clinicians are actually saying when the mic is on and the comments are open.

Building on last week’s data-and-trends conversation , this episode pivots into “the world according to Jimmy Apple” and his alter ego, the EMS Avenger, exploring what’s made providers lean in, push back or flat-out declare “enough is enough.”

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From burnout and workforce conditions to AI-assisted ECG interpretation and the rise of microlearning, the conversation lands on a central theme: the future of EMS isn’t just protocols — it’s people, technology and how we choose to learn, adapt and debate. Jimmy also names his “paper of the year” on spinal immobilization, explains how he handles disagreement without falling into “quicksand arguments,” and previews a packed 2026 speaking calendar — plus a relaunch of his podcast.

Memorable quotes

• “If we can just verify that you’re retaining the information, that’s much more important than the veracity of how long it took you to get that information.” — Jimmy Apple

• “You can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.” — Jimmy Apple

• “That’s the future; is that literally, we’re going to swipe it, absorb it and swipe away again.” — Rob Lawrence

• “My paper of the year is the paper that was published on spinal mobilization … It does not support the use of backboards as anything other than an extrication tool.” — Jimmy Apple

• “I think that a big push that I’m making this year is to really start talking about the EMS provider as the person.” — Jimmy Apple

Episode timeline

• 00:56 — Rob welcomes listeners, references year-in-review data and notes ambulance thefts continue to trend.

• 01:38 — Rob brings Jimmy back and asks for a quick summary of Jimmy’s year and growing reach, and the top themes Jimmy has seen.

• 04:12 — Jimmy identifies provider conditions and mindset as the dominant theme and describes discussion of collapse/collapsing systems.

• 06:12 — Jimmy explains social media as the pulse point and highlights burnout, anger and provider frustration.

• 06:52 — Jimmy pivots to technology’s growing role and EMS resistance to tech encroachment in practice.

• 07:23 — Rob connects the tech thread to conference observations (Axon, AI). Jimmy gives examples (AI 12-lead, apps) and argues tech advancement shouldn’t be rejected due to “skill deterioration” fears.

• 09:34 — Rob asks Jimmy’s “how do you explain complex concepts quickly?” Jimmy uses the Michelangelo anecdote to describe stripping concepts to essentials; critiques padded, time-gated education.

• 12:29 — Jimmy argues for education credit models that recognize microlearning and self-directed learning if retention can be verified.

• 14:04 — Rob asks for standout research; Jimmy discusses RSI/induction agent considerations, pressors debate and prehospital antibiotics.

• 16:47 — Rob and Jimmy preview NAEMSP’s annual meeting (“research Disney”), value of posters, networking and clinical depth.

• 18:26 — Jimmy names spinal immobilization evidence review as his “paper of the year” and explains its conclusions.

• 21:36 — Rob asks how Jimmy handles disagreement/detractors with a larger platform — Jimmy describes disagreement as healthy, focuses on respectful pushback and staying anchored in data.

• 29:00 — Final question: Jimmy emphasizes “provider as person,” healing the clinician and a sponsored