New Free Assessment Aims to Identify EMS Leadership Blind Spots

Tool responds to survey findings linking burnout, turnover, and communication gaps in the EMS workforce.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The EMS Leadership Academy has launched a free communication self-assessment tool designed to help EMS leaders at all levels identify blind spots that may be contributing to staff disengagement and turnover. The tool is a response to an EMS1 survey that found 33% of respondents reported dissatisfaction with leadership, often citing lack of recognition, transparency, and two-way communication as root causes.

Why it matters

Addressing burnout and retention in the EMS workforce requires leaders who understand how their communication styles affect already stretched teams, especially in systems facing chronic staffing shortages and financial pressure. This assessment aims to raise self-awareness and help leaders improve how their words, decisions, and communication styles are experienced by frontline staff.

The details

The new self-assessment tool is publicly available and intended to help EMS leaders at all levels identify blind spots in their communication styles that may be contributing to staff disengagement and turnover. The EMS1 survey found that over half of respondents said their supervisor rarely or never provides regular feedback or praise, with one respondent noting 'Be more directly supportive of employees. Make changes when employees express concerns.'

  • The EMS Leadership Academy launched the free assessment tool on February 6, 2026.

The players

EMS Leadership Academy

A national organization focused on developing strong, self-aware leaders in emergency medical services through practical, EMS-specific training grounded in emotional intelligence and communication science.

Lisa Giruzzi

Co-founder of the EMS Leadership Academy.

Chris Smetana

President of Mind the Frontline charity.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Most leaders don't intend to contribute to burnout but impact matters more than intent. This self-assessment tool helps leaders see how their communication is experienced, not just how it's intended.”

— Lisa Giruzzi, Co-founder of the EMS Leadership Academy

“Burnout doesn't get fixed with tougher people, it gets fixed with better leadership and real support, and this assessment helps EMS leaders see what their crews feel so they can communicate with respect, build trust, and keep good providers in the fight”

— Chris Smetana, President of Mind the Frontline charity

What’s next

The EMS Leadership Academy will donate $1 for every completed assessment, shared among three EMS-focused nonprofit organizations: Mind the Frontline, the National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA), and the National Association of Mobile Integrated Healthcare Providers (NAMIHP).

The takeaway

This free assessment tool aims to help EMS leaders improve their communication styles and build stronger relationships with frontline staff, which is critical for addressing burnout, turnover, and staffing shortages in the EMS workforce.