The Inevitable Intersection of EMS and Autonomous Technologies: A Colorado Perspective

By Donnie Woodyard, Jr., NRP

Executive Director of the United States EMS Compact

Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the privilege of delivering keynote addresses nationwide on the future of EMS. Each time I step onto a stage, I’m struck by how quickly technology is evolving and how dramatically the conversation has shifted. What felt like a distant, theoretical discussion about autonomous vehicles, aerial mobility, and machine-assisted response just two years ago has now become a practical, near-term reality. From my perspective, the intersection of these technologies with EMS is no longer a sci-fi dream, but it is now a foregone conclusion. The only questions left are when, and how ready we will be when they arrive.

While this is an intriguing national EMS discussion, it must also be a Colorado discussion. We live in a state where mobility innovation, aerospace engineering, and public safety are overlapping in a meaningful way. The decisions we make in the coming months and years will shape how EMS evolves in mountain communities, frontier regions, and the rapidly growing Front Range corridor.

Ambulance Crashes: Increasing Clinician, Patient and Public Safety
Guidance on Seat Belt Use, Lights and Sirens and Fatigue

Too often, EMS clinicians, patients and others are injured or killed in ambulance-involved crashes. Crash Responder Safety Week is an opportunity to focus on safety practices around seat belts and restraints, lights and sirens use and fatigue mitigation to protect responders and the public.

EMS Leadership Charts New Course: Focus on Financial Sustainability, Workforce Resilience and Advocacy

The EMS Chiefs, Managers, and Directors (CMD) met in Colorado Springs on September 24, 2025, for a crucial brainstorming and prioritization session, aimed at defining future educational topics and initiatives for EMS leaders. The discussions were detailed, honest and invigorating.

The day-long retreat was sponsored by Jon Cloutier, CEO and founder of LifeMed SAFETY. A paramedic himself, Jon has been active in EMS for decades and we extend our gratitude for his support of the EMS Chiefs, Managers, and Directors section of EMSAC. LifeMed Safety is a full-service EMS equipment partner — offering new and re-certified equipment sales, certified maintenance, preventive service programs, and rapid repairs.

Conclusions of the State Interfacility Transport Task Force
By Scott Sholes
EMS Chief, Durango Fire-Rescue

According to a first-of-its-kind study of interfacility transport (IFT) in Colorado, EMS systems have experienced sharp increases in IFT demand in the past 5 years. Not only has the number of trips increased by 25% during that period, the time required to complete each trip now averages close to 2 hours.  The study, a combination of data analysis by CDPHE and statewide research by Sarah Weatherred (CMRETAC) and Austin Wingate (Grand County EMS), revealed in addition to putting a significant strain on Colorado EMS systems, IFTs present significant safety concerns for patients and providers.

Q&A with Donnie Woodyard, Jr., Executive Director of the U.S. EMS Compact

Q: What is the United States EMS Compact, and why is it important?
A: The United States EMS Compact is an agreement between states that allows licensed EMS clinicians to practice in any of the 24 Compact Member states without requiring additional licenses. It provides a "Privilege to Practice," enabling clinicians to work in multiple states while maintaining public safety and professional accountability.

American EMS—the national view

EMS at Burning Man 2023

One month later
By Jason Kotas
EMS Outreach and Education Program Manager at Children’s Hospital Colorado

It’s been 30 days since I returned from Black Rock City and my experience serving as a medic for Burning Man. I’ve been trying to process what happened and to find just the right words to describe what “it” was like. The fact is, there simply are no words and the topic of how to explain what we were experiencing was a common topic on the playa.

It was all the things. A choose-your-own-adventure city of 80,000 in the desert. I was so honored to be let into the family of Rebel Camp (comprising of about 60 medical volunteers from around the country) and for my field training experience (officially and non-officially) from Bob and Odie.

Advocacy and public education

The Surprise Billing Act—and why ambulance services are not yet included