In this episode of Fire Engineering's In the Books podcast, host David Rhodes and co-host Mike Brown (developmental editor of JEMS) sit down with Donnie Woodyard Jr., veteran EMS leader, educator, and author of The Future of Emergency Medical Services: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Innovation 2E from Fire Engineering Books.

Donnie shares his EMS background, what inspired the updated second edition, and how AI and emerging technology are already reshaping frontline care — often from the ground up, as firefighters and EMTs adopt these tools on their own before formal department policy catches up.

The conversation covers:

Real-world cases where technology improved response times, provider safety, and patient outcomes.
Organizational barriers and caution signs departments should watch for.
The future of patient data sharing between dispatch, responders, and hospitals.
Ethics, cybersecurity, and the guardrails agencies need before adopting new tools.
Tracking responder exposures through connected data systems.
Budget priorities, pilot programs, and ROI metrics for the next 12–18 months.
The emerging role of autonomous air transport in EMS.

Whether you're an EMS leader, provider, or just curious about where technology is taking emergency medicine, this episode offers a grounded look at both the promise and the pitfalls ahead.

📖 Get The Future of Emergency Medical Services: AI, Technology, and Innovation 2E from Fire Engineering Books → https://fireengineeringbooks.com/shop-all-products/the-future-of-emergency-medical-services-artificial-intelligence-technology-and-innovation-2e/?utm_medium=podcast_episode&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=in_the_books&utm_content=the_future_of_emergency_medical_services

#FireEngineeringBooks #InTheBooksPodcast #EMS #ArtificialIntelligence #EMSInnovation

In the Books: Episode 21 - The Future of Emergency Medical Services: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Innovation 2E

Fire Engineering Podcast

In the Books: Episode 21 - The Future of Emergency Medical Services: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Innovation 2E