We've all heard the axiom: "If you've seen one EMS system, you've seen one EMS system." Yet despite our differences, EMS agencies confront the same pressures: declining volunteerism, reimbursement models build for transport rather than readiness, rising call volumes, increasing regulatory demands, and growing clinical complexity. Many communities are burning the candle at both ends just to keep ambulances on the road.

In this session, Mike shares the story of Port Jefferson EMS and the innovation strategy that pivoted away from traditional recruitment to tap new streams of volunteerism. Learn how career leadership, strong partnerships, and a supporting executive board of community members built a thriving combination service where volunteers and career EMS providers succeed - together.