New Year’s Resolutions for EMS Providers: A DistanceCME Guide to a Stronger Year 🚑🎆

Image credit: AI-generated image created with ChatGPT (OpenAI), used for educational and editorial purposes by DistanceCME.

Image credit: AI-generated image created with ChatGPT (OpenAI), used for educational and editorial purposes by DistanceCME.

The New Year doesn’t pause for EMS providers. While others celebrate with champagne and countdowns, EMTs and paramedics are often responding to calls, managing emergencies, and keeping communities safe.

At DistanceCME, we believe the New Year is still a powerful opportunity for reflection—not through unrealistic promises, but through practical resolutions that support long-term success in EMS.

1. Make Your Physical Health a Priority (On and Off Shift)

Engle, R. (2025, April 30). Meal prep 101: Everything you need to avoid the drive through lane. EMS1.com. Retrieved December 29, 2025, from https://www.ems1.com/nutrition/meal-prep-101-everything-you-need-to-avoid-the-drive-through-lane

Image credit: AI-generated image created with ChatGPT (OpenAI), used for educational and editorial purposes by DistanceCME.

EMS work is physically demanding, yet personal health is often overlooked. This year, focus on small, sustainable changes that protect your body.

Realistic resolutions include:

• Staying hydrated during every shift

• Packing one healthy meal or snack

• Stretching between calls to prevent injury

• Addressing chronic pain early

DistanceCME Tip: A healthier provider is a safer provider—for both patients and partners.

2. Protect Your Mental Health Like You Protect Your Scene

Robb-Dover, K. (2025, April 7). Mental Health Care for EMTs and Paramedics. FHERehab.com. Retrieved December 29, 2025, from https://fherehab.com/learning/emt-paramedic-mental-health-care

Image credit: AI-generated image created with ChatGPT (OpenAI), used for educational and editorial purposes by DistanceCME.

EMS providers witness trauma regularly, yet processing those experiences often gets delayed—or ignored entirely. Mental wellness isn’t optional; it’s essential to career longevity.

Consider resolving to:

• Use peer support or EAP resources

• Talk openly with trusted colleagues

• Set limits on overtime when possible

• Normalize asking for help

• Look at www.DistanceCME.com/stress

DistanceCME Reminder: Strength includes knowing when to pause and reset.

3. Commit to Smarter Continuing Education

4

Image credit: AI-generated image created with ChatGPT (OpenAI), used for educational and editorial purposes by DistanceCME.

Continuing education shouldn’t be stressful or last-minute. A strong New Year’s resolution is choosing relevant, flexible, high-quality education that fits your schedule.

This year, aim to:

• Complete CE throughout the year—not all at once

• Focus on topics you actually encounter on calls

• Explore leadership, safety, and wellness education

• Learn at your pace, on your time

DistanceCME Promise: Education designed by providers, for providers.

4. Protect Your Time Off and Personal Life

Whitehead, S. (2025, February 17). 5 EMS tips for a work-life balance. Ems1.com. Retrieved December 29, 2025, from https://www.ems1.com/recruitment-and-retention/articles/5-ems-tips-for-a-work-life-balance-ZciTionFWI69lyXR/

Image credit: AI-generated image created with ChatGPT (OpenAI), used for educational and editorial purposes by DistanceCME.

Time off is recovery time. Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it builds shift by shift when rest is ignored.

Healthy resolutions include:

• Saying no to unnecessary overtime

• Planning intentional days off

• Disconnecting from work on off days

• Spending time with family, friends, and hobbies

DistanceCME Insight: Longevity in EMS depends on balance, not exhaustion.

5. Strengthen the EMS Community Around You

Image credit: AI-generated image created with ChatGPT (OpenAI), used for educational and editorial purposes by DistanceCME.

EMS is a team profession. A meaningful New Year’s resolution is committing to support your partners, mentors, and new providers.

Simple actions matter:

• Check in on your partner

• Mentor newer EMTs and paramedics

• Speak up for safety and professionalism

• Lead with integrity on every call

DistanceCME Belief: Strong providers build strong systems.

A New Year. A Stronger You. A Stronger EMS.

The calls won’t slow down—but how you prepare for them can change. Small, intentional resolutions can lead to better health, sharper clinical skills, and a longer, more fulfilling EMS career.

From all of us at DistanceCME, thank you for what you do—every shift, every call, every patient.

Happy New Year to EMS providers everywhere. 🚑✨