Callouts, chaos and career killers: The biggest EMS stories of the year

In this special Christmas edition of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson unwrap five of the biggest EMS stories of 2025 — and it’s not all eggnog and cheer. This year delivered more than its fair share of gut punches to the profession, from a paramedic who was charged with manslaughter, to footage of a fire chief yelling at a 10-year-old patient (yeah, that happened).

Next week’s show will break down the final five EMS stories of the year, but in 2026, we’re flipping the spotlight. Chris and Kelly are calling on you to step up and share your real EMS stories — the funny, the frustrating, the calls that changed you. Got a moment that shaped your career? Our cohosts want to hear it, and you might even get an invite to appear on the podcast. ‘Tis the season to be heard; email theshow@ems1.com to share your story!

Quotable takeaways

• “You're the grownup. You can't pitch a fit. You gotta be the grownup in the situation and diffuse it.”

• “If your only incentive for doing the right thing is that somebody might catch you being a jerk on video, then it's time for you to get out of the profession.”

• “The cost of readiness is hugely expensive.”

Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.