Overutilizing EMS supervisors as clinical providers hinders the effectiveness of middle management and negatively impacts an organization’s operational quality and oversight.

EMS supervisor positions are often rewarding yet demanding. Supervisors are forward facing representatives of organizational values and beliefs, defining daily operations. Every field provider within your organization has a relationship with a field supervisor. The quality of that relationship is powerful. When we fail to grow our EMS supervisors we tend to have organizational dysfunction.

Many EMS organizations make the mistake of overburdening EMS supervisors with provider level field work instead of focusing on leadership and management growth and mentorship. If you find yourself in this position, you can take control and lead your own professional growth even if your organization doesn’t.

The following are considerations for leading your own professional growth:

Understand that staffing an ambulance daily and being a supervisor has implications.
Supervision isn’t easy when delivering accountability conversations or bad news to the provider you are spending the day with as partners in the ambulance. It’s awkward and blurs the line of supervision. Further, working the truck as a supervisor with uncontrolled call volume can have implications of it’s own. Being too busy to rest, eat, or complete your administrative duties as a sup breeds resentment and can create administrative problems. Figuring out how to manage your role in a less than optimal setting will be essential to thriving and continuing to grow professionally.
Seek learning opportunities within your organization.
Get to know your leadership team. Knowing who you work for is essential to understanding why the organization functions as it does. Who are the people that set the tone? Are there opportunities to learn from others in the organization? If you’re seeking mentorship or growth look internally for opportunities first. If you discover opportunities for mentorship are not available within your organization, look externally.
Seek leadership education outside of your organization
There many programs out there offering EMS leadership education. Our programs can be found here.
Find an external mentor
Connecting with the right mentor(s) is invaluable as you develop your career. Mentors can help guide you through difficulties and provide an outlet that you will not otherwise have as a supervisor. You cannot vent to those you supervise. and venting to your boss can back fire, I don’t recommend it. Having a mentor(s) who understands the industry, but is not connected to your organization can be a much needed outlet and resource for professional growth and learning.
Read!
Leaders are readers. It doesn’t have to be a novel, but there should be regular adventures with books. The most innovative deep thinkers are readers. Reading sparks creativity, inspires new ideas and deepens knowledge. It’s one of the best ways to invest in your own professional and personal growth. A few of my favorite leadership books are Napoleon Hill’s Think and Growth Rich, Robin Sharma’s The 5 am Club and John C Maxwell’s The 360 Degree Leader. Podcasts are also a great option for those on the run in the car or ambulance.
Create your own opportunities for growth through projects/initiatives
Success waits for no one! Creating a project or initiative that adds value to the company is often well received. It can provide a platform for professional growth as well. Be sure to design Then seek approval and be sure you will have support as you move forward. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you. Go for it!
Teach!
The best way to really learn something is to teach it. Teaching is a way to serve others just as answering a 911 call is. If you can bring value to the organization by teaching a topic as a subject matter expert, why wouldn’t you? Many EMS organizations allow field staff to teach in their education department, especially if you are well qualified and have the credentials. Don’t get caught up in other people’s limiting beliefs about teaching. Many believe education and operations are separate and don’t see the value in intermingling them. Those that can master supervision and teaching are the next EMS leaders.
Create a 5 year plan.
Putting pen to paper and getting clear on where you’re going is important. It’s always rewarding and super inspiring to write your goals down. Creating a five year plan keeps us focused and honest about our progress. This is something that’s great to do with your mentor.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Pull!
You will feel it. When your time is up and it’s time to move on. If you ignore it, the universe will through some shade your way and things will begin to unravel for no logical reason. Take action and stay connected. Look for signs, trust your gut and start looking. There is nothing wrong with having conversations. I’ve seen so many friends stay in jobs they truly despise for money, comfort, or something superficial that does not align them with their purpose. This type of self-betrayal eats away at the soul. You can have it all! No risk, no reward.
Embrace your falls
Everyone is imperfect and you will make mistakes. Own them and use the lessons to move into your future. Be sure to embrace your falls even when others don’t. The lessons will later serve you. Those of us that fall hard stand taller and lead with a bigger heart.