Location:

TBA

Presenters:

Eric Morrison

Summary:

“Leading Through Loss” is a powerful and practical presentation designed for EMS leaders navigating one of the most difficult challenges in public safety: the death of a member of their team. This session explores the emotional, operational, and leadership complexities that arise when grief and duty collide. Participants will gain insight into how to support their crews through mourning while maintaining mission readiness and continuity of care for the community. The presentation addresses balancing compassion with command presence, recognizing signs of cumulative stress, and fostering a culture where grief is acknowledged—not suppressed. Through real-world scenarios and leadership strategies, attendees will learn how to communicate effectively during crisis, honor fallen colleagues with dignity, and implement supportive practices that sustain both personnel wellness and operational performance. “Leading Through Loss” equips EMS leaders with the tools to lead with strength, empathy, and resilience when their teams need it most.

Objectives:

1. Identify effective leadership strategies for supporting EMS personnel through grief while maintaining operational readiness and continuity of service.
2. Recognize the psychological and emotional impacts of line-of-duty and off-duty deaths on team members, and apply appropriate interventions to promote resilience and well-being.
3. Demonstrate communication and decision-making approaches that balance compassion with command responsibility during periods of loss and organizational stress.