NAEMT Embarks on Reorganization

MOUNT PLEASANT, IA -- Final interviews are being held this week for the new executive director position of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).

Officials have narrowed the field to three finalists, all with impressive business backgrounds, said Jerry Johnston, NAEMT president.

Johnston said the association received more than 60 applications from people across the country. "We're looking for someone experienced in running organizations, someone with knowledge of business operations."

The newly chosen executive director will be sharing his or her vision for the organization with members at the NAEMT Annual Meeting set for Oct. 9-13 in Orlando, Florida.

Johnston said NAEMT members have seen the need for an executive director for some time. "We have an all volunteer board, and we're stretched thin. We've been struggling with membership, for one thing."

Turning over the day-to-day operations of the association to a person with a background in the field will allow NAEMT officers to concentrate on policies and other important issues.

"I also think it gives us more credibility -- to have an executive director," Johnston added.

The addition of a director is just one of the changes ahead for NAEMT.

During a record-setting electronic voting session recently, members made it clear that they want a say in how their organization runs. Johnston said he was pleased with the response.

The sweeping changes put NAEMT in members' hands. For the first time, they will be able to vote for officers and directors. Until now, those people were elected by the Board of Governors, representatives of state EMS associations.

The by-law change eliminates the Board of Governors, and increases the number of directors from 11 to 15.

"The last Board of Governors' meeting as we know it will be held in Orlando. But, it's essential that the state representatives remain involved. They are the backbone of NAEMT," Johnston said.

"The members have spoken. They truly want a say. I think the organization will be gaining momentum. We have a chance to get stronger by working together."

Johnson said he's looking forward to the annual meeting held in conjunction with EMS Expo and Firehouse Central.

"There are rumors we're getting rid of all the committees. That's just not true," Johnston said. "Some have been more active than others. It's important for an association to have active committees."

Johnston, a paramedic and the EMS director of Henry County, Iowa, said he is honored to be at the helm of NAEMT as it embarks in its new direction.

Johnston shared this update while pulling a medic shift last week at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in his hometown of Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

"I always tell the crews to be ready for anything out here. There's plenty of potential. So, they shouldn't let their guard down," he said. The annual festival features steam-powered machines and tractors. There were two two-paramedic teams stationed on opposite ends of the grounds. Their carts are each equipped with extrication equipment, a heart monitor and a drug box.

Johnston said many people head out to the annual reunion despite their physical limitations. He's encountered visitors recuperating from heart surgery and other major issues. "They say they've been here for so many years straight, and they wouldn't miss it."

Lennis Moore, CEO of the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, said having the paramedics on site gives him some peace knowing that if something happens, trained personnel are ready.

"It's wonderful our visitors have quick access to quality EMS."