Carter Rowe - Our Lieutenant (RideAlong Interview)

In this special interview episode, Mike and Max sit down with one of the most influential people in their EMS journey: Carter Rowe, EMT, firefighter, EMS lieutenant, and leader of the volunteer program at Chalfont Regional EMS. Carter shares how he entered EMS as a teenager, progressed from interfacility transport and critical care work into busy 911 systems, and eventually found himself leading and developing new providers. The conversation explores the value of starting in IFT, the differences between Pennsylvania and New Jersey EMS systems, leading paramedics as a BLS provider, and what students should look for when choosing an agency. They also discuss EMS culture, work ethic, mentorship, mental health, maintaining a life outside emergency services, and why credentials alone do not equal competency. Along the way, Mike and Max finally reveal the identity of the lieutenant they have referenced throughout the show—and celebrate becoming employees at the organization where they began as volunteers. -------------------------------------- Check out Carter! https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-rowe-96313334a/ https://www.instagram.com/carestartswithcharacter -------------------------------------- Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Intro and introducing Lieutenant Carter Rowe 02:54 – Mike and Max reveal their EMS service and employment news 05:09 – Leadership, mentorship, and Carter’s surprisingly young age 08:34 – Care Starts with Character 10:07 – Carter’s path into fire and EMS 14:05 – Starting young and learning through interfacility transport 19:04 – Fire versus EMS as a career 20:09 – Working in Trenton and the New Jersey EMS model 25:53 – Moving from provider to EMS leadership 27:50 – Building and managing a volunteer program 34:11 – Leading paramedics as a BLS provider 38:27 – Carter’s future education and career goals 40:06 – What new EMTs should look for in an agency 43:21 – Red flags, equipment, and organizations that invest in their people 48:26 – How students can stand out during clinical time 51:00 – Communication, patient interaction, and work ethic 55:31 – Finding purpose as an EMS provider and leader 58:08 – Motorcycles, risk, and living beyond the job 1:03:02 – Mental health and the cumulative effects of EMS 1:09:27 – Burnout, balance, friendships, and management 1:15:05 – The Great Uncrustables Debate 1:18:25 – Closing advice: Credentials do not equal competency -------------------------------------- ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols. -------------------------------------- 🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links https://www.RideAlongEMTSchool.com