Episode 111: Amy Eisenhauer on Leadership, Fatigue, and Use Disorders

Summary

In this conversation, Amy Eisenhauer discusses the qualities of a good leader in EMS and the importance of mentoring. She emphasizes the need for leaders to care about their people and listen to their needs and goals. Amy also highlights the value of having a mentor and a board of directors to support and guide one's career. The conversation touches on the challenges of leadership in EMS, including the difficulty of balancing the demands of the job and taking care of oneself. The importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and work-life balance is emphasized. In this conversation, Amy Eisenhauer discusses the film 'Bringing Out the Dead' and its impact on the EMS community. She also talks about substance use disorder among firefighters and the need for leadership to address mental health issues. The conversation highlights the importance of education, support, and a culture of compassion in EMS. The hosts emphasize the need for effective leadership and the development of leadership skills at all levels of EMS. They also discuss the challenges of high turnover and the importance of investing in the well-being of EMS professionals.

Keywords

EMS leadership, mentoring, qualities of a good leader, listening, career development, work-life balance, emotional intelligence, Bringing Out the Dead, EMS, substance use disorder, mental health, leadership, education, compassion, turnover, investment

Takeaways

A good leader in EMS cares about their people and listens to their needs and goals.

Having a mentor and a board of directors can provide guidance and support in one's career.

Leadership in EMS requires self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability to balance the demands of the job with personal well-being.

The importance of work-life balance and taking care of one's mental, social, and emotional health is crucial for leaders in EMS. The film 'Bringing Out the Dead' resonated with EMS professionals as it depicted the realities of their work and the challenges they face.

Substance use disorder is a significant issue among firefighters and EMS providers, and it is essential to address it through education, support, and treatment.

Effective leadership is crucial in EMS, and leaders should prioritize the well-being of their staff and create a culture of compassion and support.

Investing in the development of leadership skills at all levels of EMS is necessary to improve organizational longevity and address the challenges faced by the industry.

Sound Bites

"A good leader in EMS cares about their people."

"Having a mentor and a board of directors can provide guidance and support."

"Leadership in EMS requires self-awareness and emotional intelligence."

"Somebody sees the work we're doing."

"This is our life now."

"Alcohol use disorder among firefighters"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Discussion on Leadership in EMS

01:09 Qualities of a Good Leader

04:19 Self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

05:18 Balancing Work and Personal Well-being

26:37 Fatigue and Substance Use Disorders in EMS

35:17 The Impact of 'Bringing Out the Dead'

37:28 Addressing Substance Use Disorder

38:29 The Importance of Effective Leadership

42:16 Investing in the Well-being of EMS Professionals