EMS leaders head to Capitol Hill with one message: It’s time to fund the future

EMS on the Hill isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s the profession’s annual moment to stand in front of Congress and tell the EMS story with clarity, confidence and unity. In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence is joined by NAEMT President, Chris Way, to preview EMS on the Hill (March 25–26, 2026) and explain why this event matters now more than ever: EMS is where most Americans first enter the healthcare system, and the care delivered in the field is no longer “drive-you-to-the-hospital medicine.” Chris and Rob also unpack what’s changed — the scale of collaboration across national organizations and the discipline of going to Capitol Hill with aligned priorities and a shared message. They walk listeners through the event flow (Education Day, briefings, Hill visits, awards and reception), the importance of working relationships with staffers, and the advocacy “ask” that could reshape the future: reimbursement for treatment in place, mobile integrated healthcare/community paramedicine, and sustainable support for initiatives like prehospital blood. The throughline is simple: show up, speak with one voice, and translate momentum into legislative wins. Additional resources: EMS on the Hill Day One voice, one profession — EMS leaders open summit with call for unity and coordinated action Episode timeline 00:00 – Chris Way frames the goal: becoming a trusted, go-to EMS resource for lawmakers 00:52 – Why EMS on the Hill matters; EMS as the front door of healthcare; call to action 02:16 – Advocacy theme and EMS on the Hill as the seminal D.C. event 03:27 – Kansas City summit recap; commitment to making it annual; “stronger together” 05:39 – Evolution of EMS on the Hill into a multi-organization partnership; one message 08:24 – Logistics overview begins: dates, hotel, education day, briefings, awards 10:16 – How to succeed in legislative meetings: reading the room, time limits, staffer relationships 17:14 – Priority bills: treatment in place, MIH/CP, whole blood, NAMSP priorities 21:02 – “This is ongoing” collaboration: monthly cross-organization calls, broader coordination 24:05 – Chris shares his recommended approach: prep, priorities, cards/coins, questions, follow-up 27:34 – Rob’s add-ons: photos after meetings, tagging lawmakers, comms/PR value 28:59 – Final logistics recap; what to expect as a first-timer at state tables 30:37 – Chris closes: unprecedented partnership, focus to “get this done” 31:14 – Rob plugs state-level advocacy (CAA Stars/Capitol Day) Email [email protected] to share feedback.