Member Spotlight: A Lifetime of Leadership with Susan Bailey

NAEMT Board of Directors: Getting to know the leaders who move our profession forward.

Susan Bailey, MSEM, NRP, is the 2025-2026 NAEMT Immediate Past-President and the Director of the Louisiana Bureau of EMS. With a career spanning over three decades—from rural and urban streets to the highest levels of national advocacy—Susan has become a cornerstone of the EMS community. A 2014 Paramedic of the Year and 2025 AAA Vanguard Award recipient, her journey is a testament to the power of persistence and a “want-to” attitude. We asked Susan to reflect on her path to leadership, the moments that defined her career, and her vision for the future of EMS.

Q&A with Susan Bailey

What’s a moment in your career that made you especially proud—or reminded you why this work matters?

“There have been several moments… In 2014, I was honored to receive NAEMT’s Paramedic of the Year Award, which was incredibly humbling. That award was special because it reminded me that even the small things we do in EMS can have a profound impact on others. Then, in 2025, I received the Vanguard Award from the American Ambulance Association, which made me reflect on my more than 35 years of dedication to EMS… serving as NAEMT President was truly rewarding, as it showed me firsthand how NAEMT’s work impacts EMS professionals and systems around the world.”

If you could change one thing about EMS—big or small—what would it be?

“I would want it to be fully recognized and treated as a healthcare profession rather than simply a transporting profession. I would have put EMS under a federal authority that focuses on healthcare, not transportation. This shift would help ensure that reimbursement is based on the medical care and treatment provided to patients, rather than just the act of transport. Making this change would not only elevate the perception of EMS but also better reflect the essential healthcare services we deliver every day.”

Any advice for someone who might want to get involved in EMS or NAEMT leadership?

“Jump in and keep going! Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, advocate for the profession, and support those coming up behind you. Get involved with NAEMT—become a member, take instructor courses, join committees, and stay engaged. When you feel ready, run for a board position, and don’t be discouraged if you’re not successful the first time. I wasn’t elected on my first attempt, but I waited a few years, tried again, and won. The key is to stay persistent, keep learning, and continue promoting the EMS profession every step of the way.”

What made you say yes to joining the board—was it a specific issue, a person who encouraged you, or something else?

“What motivated me to join the board was simply the desire to get involved and make a difference. That ‘want to’ was the driving force behind my decision to run… Although I wasn’t successful on my first attempt, I continued to stay engaged as an instructor and joined several committees. Through that involvement, I gained a deeper appreciation for what NAEMT was accomplishing. When I eventually won a board seat, I became even more active… over time, several people encouraged me to run for President—a role that was both an honor and a challenge.”

What part of board work fills your cup the most?

“The most fulfilling part of serving on the board is having the opportunity to represent NAEMT and EMS professionals at various meetings, conferences, and events where I can advocate for the profession. I take great pride in being the NAEMT representative on the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) Board of Directors, where I can help shape the future of EMS education. I also truly enjoy speaking about the important work NAEMT does to advance the EMS profession.”

Susan Bailey remains a fierce advocate for recognizing EMS as a vital pillar of the healthcare system.

Whether she is shaping the future of EMS education through her work with CAPCE or mentoring the next generation of practitioners in Louisiana, Susan Bailey remains a fierce advocate for recognizing EMS as a vital pillar of the healthcare system. Her story serves as a reminder that leadership is about the persistent desire to serve the profession and the patients who rely on it. We are honored to have her continued guidance on the board as she enters her second year as Immediate Past-President.