Ep 42. NAEMT Radio – Post Election Special - The Latest from Capitol Hill with Chris Way and Kim Krenik

In Episode 42 of NAEMT Radio, host Rob Lawrence records ‘live’ from Capitol Hill, Washington DC, with guests NAEMT President Elect, Chris Way, and Kim Krenik, NAEMT’s Director of Federal Relations, for a timely conversation on EMS advocacy following the recent election, with a narrow legislative window to secure critical funding and policy support before Congress recesses on December 31st. Chris and Kim emphasize the importance of sustained advocacy efforts to push essential EMS bills across the finish line. Key priorities, such as the TIP Act and Medicare extenders, face tight deadlines and will need swift, unified action from EMS professionals across the country.

With new faces set to take office in Congress, the team discusses the necessity to actively engage with incoming legislators, many of whom may be unfamiliar with the challenges and complexities of EMS. Krenik, a seasoned lobbyist, explains her role in bridging the gap between Congress and EMS, highlighting the importance of educating lawmakers on issues critical to the EMS community. The guests urge local EMS providers to connect with their representatives, particularly freshmen legislators, and invite them for ride-alongs or site visits to better understand EMS’s role. This connection is crucial, as the EMS profession continues to advocate for reliable funding and recognition within both the healthcare and public safety sectors.

Looking ahead, EMS on the Hill Day, scheduled for April 2-3, 2025, will offer an unparalleled opportunity for EMS professionals nationwide to advocate directly with Congress in Washington, D.C. Way and Krenik share their vision of a record-breaking turnout for the event, hoping for representatives from all 50 states to showcase the strength and unity of the EMS field. With plans to reintroduce robust training on effective advocacy strategies and legislation, the event aims to empower attendees to advocate with impact. The conversation closes with an inspiring reminder of the essential role EMS plays in public safety and healthcare, reinforcing the need for continued legislative progress to secure the profession’s future.

 

About Chris Way: Christopher Way has been an emergency service professional for 28 years. Chief Way transitioned to Kootenai County Fire and Rescue as the Fire Chief in May of 2020 after serving as the Chief Officer for the Kootenai Count EMS System for the previous seven years.

Chief Way came to Idaho from Kansas where he served in Fire and EMS roles in urban, suburban and rural settings. He was an EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate and now has been a licensed paramedic since 1994 as well as a certified Firefighter. Throughout his career he has held different ranks culminating most recently in his promotion to Fire Chief.  He also has significant experience in disaster management at the local, state and national level.

In addition to his full-time role as Fire Chief he is involved at the local, regional, state and national level in advocacy and leadership for emergency services.  He is the Treasurer for the National EMT Association and has served on their board and committees for several years.  He is a regular speaker at national conferences and in his spare time Chief Way and two partners own an Emergency Medicine education and consulting company. 

Passionate about emergency medical care, Governor Brad Little selected Chief Way to be the Chairman of the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency Council in May of 2019. He has a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Relations and maintains all of his Fire and EMS licenses/certifications.  He regularly donates time to his community, serves local non-profit organizations and is involved in his children’s many activities. Christopher and his wife Jennifer live in Hayden, Idaho with their two daughters and four Labradors.

About Kim Krenik: Kim Krenik worked for many years as the director of Federal Relations for the New Jersey Hospital Association. She represented the interests and concerns of NJHA members and coordinated advocacy efforts within the state and in Washington, DC. Kim attended Congressional briefings and hearings, and helped draft numerous legislative documents and member advocacy updates. She also served as principle for NJHA's HealthPAC and coordinated political fundraisers and events. Before that, Kim worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She attended the School for International Training in Kenya, Africa, and completed her bachelor's degree at Denison University in Granville, Ohio.

Resources Discussed

All legislative issues discussed on this podcast can be found at: https://www.naemt.org/advocacy

EMS on the Hill Day: https://www.naemt.org/events/ems-on-the-hill-day

Join the NAEMT: https://www.naemt.org/join/join