In this landmark 50th episode of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence marks not one, but two significant milestones: the 50th episode of the podcast and the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Joined by president-elect Rob Luckritz and past president Dennis Rowe, this special episode chronicles NAEMT’s evolution from its grassroots formation in 1975 to its current role as the unified voice of EMS professionals across the nation. The conversation traces pivotal moments in the association’s history, from the establishment of national training standards under the guidance of Rocco Morando, to the development of programs like PHTLS and TECC, to the launch of advocacy efforts such as EMS on the Hill Day. Rowe offers rare insight into the association’s formative years, having lived its growth from the inside, while Luckritz shares how NAEMT became the engine of his leadership journey, moving from field EMS to national advocacy.
As the episode unfolds, the discussion shifts to the future of EMS and the next 50 years of NAEMT’s impact. Luckritz reflects on his early involvement as a PHTLS instructor and his commitment to expanding leadership development through the Lighthouse Program. The episode also addresses how EMS has transformed in response to national crises—from the post-9/11 redefinition of readiness, to Hurricane Katrina’s lessons in preparedness, to COVID-19’s proof that EMS is the backbone of public health response.
Together, the guests emphasize the importance of mentoring the next generation, expanding the profession beyond the ambulance, and aligning state and federal advocacy to drive sustainable change. It's a stirring conversation that honors EMS’s past while lighting the path forward—one where data, leadership, and collaboration shape the destiny of the EMS profession.
Resources Discussed
NAEMT Annual Meeting 2025 Schedule: https://naemt.org/events/annual-meeting/2025-schedule
History of NAEMT: https://naemt.org/about-naemt/history-of-naemt
Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join
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