In this episode of WiES Wednesday, we dive deep into the art of multitasking—one of the most essential yet challenging skills for anyone working in emergency medical services. From juggling multiple patients, managing chaotic scenes, to coordinating with teams and making critical decisions on the fly, multitasking is part of the job description. But how do we handle it without burning out or losing focus?

Join our host, Laurie and a panel of experienced female EMS professionals as they share their personal strategies for staying organized, managing stress, and maintaining a high level of care in high-pressure environments. Whether you're in the field or in a leadership position, this episode is packed with tips, real-life stories, and practical advice on how to master the multitask without losing your mind.

In today's podcast episode, Michigan Chapter leader Laurie Thiel talks with Katie Arnes and Angela Madden about the upcoming August conference. 

To register for the conference, click here: Buy tickets – Women in Emergency Services - 2nd Annual Conference – MSU Henry Center, 3535 Forest Rd, Lansing, MI

In this episode, Katie sits down for a candid conversation with Jordan Teitsma, a rising leader in her EMS agency. Jordan shares her personal journey of stepping into leadership—how she discovered her strengths, overcame early doubts, and found purpose in supporting her team and community. Together, Katie and Jordan explore what it really means to lead in EMS, the importance of mentorship, and how authenticity and service can shape a meaningful career path. Whether you're a seasoned provider or just starting out, Jordan’s story will leave you inspired to find your place—and voice—in EMS leadership. 

In this episode, Angela Madden and Laurie Thiel discuss a critical policy issue that is significantly impacting EMS in Michigan. Whether you're responding to calls or influencing policy, this episode is a must listen.

In this episode, we explore the journey of Leah Lewis, who, after eight months as a supervisor realized the role wasn't the right fit. Leah candidly shares her experiences, the challenges she faced, and the insights that led to her decision to step down. 

Her story sheds light on the complexities of leadership and the importance of self-awareness in career choices.

Chapter leader, Laurie Thiel chats with Katie Arens, VP of Customer Access at Life EMS and Angela Madden, Executive Director of the Michigan Asociation of Ambulance Services to reflect on the first year of the Michigan WiES Chapter. 

Take a listen as they talk about their hopes and dreams for 2025 and reflect on 2024.

In this empowering episode, Laurie and Andrea dive into the art of time management tailored specifically for women working in emergency services. Balancing your demanding career with personal life can often feel like a challenge.

Laurie and Adnrea share proven strategies, from prioritization techniques to tools that can help you stay organized during even the most chaotic days. We also explore how to combat burnout, manage shift work, and make time for self-care while staying at the top of your game.

If you're looking for practical tips and inspiration to better manage your time, improve productivity, and reclaim some personal space, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to make every moment count in your career—and in your life outside of it.

Laurie Thiel talks to Andrea Abbas about her experience while on deployment during the Hurricane Helene response.

In this episode, host Andrea Abbas and Michigan Chapter leader Laurie Thiel discuss the challenges of facing conflict in the workplace and how to lead in an environment of conflict.

In this episode Laurie and Andrea talk about what women in EMS might do that delays their career advancement. Do you do something at work that could impact your upward movement? Are you aware of those behaviors? Take a listen and learn more about some typical blind spots we, as women, face in our career advancement. 

Don't forget to register for our upcoming conference here: Conferences & Events (miambulance.org)

In this episode, Laurie Thiel and Katie Arens sit down to talk about the August 27 conference. 

Visit Conferences & Events (miambulance.org) to learn more and to register.

In an ongoing feature of the WiES Wednesday podcast, Andrea Abbas and Laurie Thiel record a live conversation about the future of 24-hour shifts in EMS. 

Laurie Thiel has been filling in for WiES Wednesday host Andrea Abbas, as she transitions to a new position in EMS. This week, Laurie and Andrea reconnect to talk about Andrea's journey to her new position and the challenges she faces in the transition. 

In this episode, join Laurie Thiel as she talks to Molly McCann-Pineo, the author of a new whitepaper titled "The Female Emergency Medical Services Experience". 

"Women, compared to men, are at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes across their lifespan, including anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These outcomes may become further exacerbated among those whose occupations require them to be frequently or consistently exposed to stressful and potentially traumatic events, such as healthcare workers and first responders.

Emergency Medical Services is specifically challenging, with often challenging working conditions, labor shortages, and low wages. Women may also experience unique workplace stressors in comparison to their male counterparts, such as gender-based discrimination and bias, pregnancy, child and familial demands, and even trauma, all of which significantly contribute to their occupational and personal well-being. "

Laurie Thiel talks to Brook Atikinson to discuss what Brook calls "Grieving EMS" Brook worked in EMS for 38 years and since went on to become an RN.  She missed a lot of the EMS culture and friendships, and she points out some of those differences in today's podcast episode. 

In this episode, host Andrea Abbas is joined by Becky McKim, Stryker Account Manager-Northern MI. Listen in as Andrea and Becky sit down to talk about the importance of building strengths-based relationships from a place of passion and accountability. 

In this episode, host Andrea Abbas sits down with Lisa Simons, field supervisor at MMR. During this conversation, Andrea talks to Lisa about the unexpected events that took Lisa on her heroic mental health journey in EMS.

Note: This episode discusses content that may be intense and affect you emotionally. Please take any and all breaks you may need while listening.

Joining Andrea Abbas on this podcast episode is Emily Bergquist, Division Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of EMS, Preparedness and Systems of Care. Today, Emily and Andrea discuss the importance of mentorship and professionalism in the field of EMS. 

Join host, Andrea Abbas as she sits down with Michelle Anderson and Michelle Reinert from SafeTech Solutions LLP. In this podcast episode, she sits down with Michelle them to learn more about this new course offering focused on emerging female leaders.

The SafeTech Women’s Leadership Development Series is a three-level training series developed for women by women.   The series is designed to focus on the three differentiated stages of the Career Life Cycle. 

The Emerging Leadership course is designed for women in the early stages of their career development who are preparing to become people leaders in their organization. 

The Experienced Leadership course is designed for women with some experience leading people and departments as they begin to shift their focus from working “in the business” to working “on the business”. 

The Executive Leadership course is designed for advanced-career women seeking to move into the C-Suite positions.

Each level corresponds to a three-day program of study focusing on: Personal Competencies; Developing Others; and Financial, Business, and Strategic Acumen.  Each level provides continuity in the focus areas and customizes the learning content and modules to be commensurate for the experiences and challenges encountered at each stage of career life.

Join host Andrea Abbas on this podcast episode with Jodi Abraham. Jodi is the Client Services Advocate for The Accumed Group, Owner of the EMS training, education, and revenue consulting company EMS Pros LLC, and practicing EMT. In this podcast episode, Jodi and Andrea sit down to discuss the unique career experiences we’ve had working as women in the field of EMS.

Studies conducted among general first responding populations have found that females experience higher proportions of burnout, and that gender is a significant predictor of burnout. It has also been reported that female first responders experience higher levels of stress and adverse mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and even suicide, compared to their male counterparts.

These stressors, in addition to others such as lack of opportunities for advancement and mentorship, are applicable to all female first responding populations, but have been minimally described among EMS clinicians. Experiencing these stressors in addition to the demanding nature of their occupation, female EMS clinicians may be at even higher risk for adverse mental health outcomes.

In this episode join host, Andrea Abbas and Michigan Chapter Chairwoman, Laurie Thiel for a quick update on where you can find WiES in the coming months.  

American Ambulance Association Annual Conference and Tradeshow
Home - Annual Conference & Trade Show (ambulance.org)

Michigan EMS EXPO
EMS EXPO (miambulance.org)

Happy Valentines Day! Today’s podcast episode is all about L.O.V.E. Joining host Andrea Abbas on this episode is Matt and Terrie Godde and Chris and Kristine Kuhl. Both lovely couples who met in EMS and continue to work in the industry. They have a love for each other AND a love for EMS.

In this episode join host Andrea Abbas and Michigan Chapter director, Laurie Thiel as this discuss what brings them happiness in EMS. Learn what keeps them motivated every day!

Today, host Andrea Abbas speaks with Katie Arens to learn more about personal branding, why it matters and how to cultivate your own personal brand.

Katie is the WiES mentorship chair and the Vice President of Customer Access of Life EMS Ambulance in Grand Rapids. 

Welcome to the first episode of WiES Wednesday! Your host, Andrea Abbas walks us through the importance of joining an organization like WiES and what the upcoming season will look like. 

Joining Andrea are Michigan Chapter leader Laurie Thiel of Mobile Medical Response and Angela Madden from the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services. 

Be sure to visit Home (womeninemergencyservices.org) for more information and to join today!