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Nick Thomson, BS, is a third-year medical student at the University of Washington School of Medicine. His interests are in emergency medicine, ultrasound, global health and prehospital care. He has been honored with the University of Washington School of Medicine Service Learning Award, serves as a medical student ambassador and is the student coordinator for the Marie Blanchard Friendship Clinic. Additionally, he worked with Seattle Medic One and King County Public Health Department in Seattle, Washington developing an algorithm using EMS data to track opioid overdoses.

Ryan Kelley, NREMT, is a nationally registered emergency medical technician and the former managing editor of the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS). In his current capacity as medical editor for American Addiction Centers, Ryan works to provide accurate, authoritative information to those seeking help for substance abuse and behavioral health issues.

James Pribyl is a captain with Turkey Creek Fire Rescue in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and has served with the department for 5.5 years. He is also a retired Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3.

Since 1979, Kate Dernocoeur, NREMT, and firefighter (ret.), has written numerous books, articles and columns for emergency service personnel. She has spoken at many EMS conferences nationally and internationally for more than 20 years. Her start in emergency service was with the Vail Mountain Rescue Group (Colorado), and she served with Denver’s famous Paramedic Division from 1979 to 1986. She was an EMT-firefighter for the Ada, Michigan Fire Department from 2012-2019. She currently serves as a SARTECH-II with Kent County SAR’s K9 Unit. She began her work as a medical examiner investigator (MEI) in 2016.

Kate wrote the book “Streetsense: Communication, Safety and Control” in 1984. Regarded by some as an EMS classic, it was released in 4th edition in 2020.

She co-authored the seminal dispatch book, Principles of Emergency Medical Dispatch with Dr. Jeff Clawson, MD (first edition, 1988) and EMS Safety: Techniques and Applications for FEMA in 1994. In addition, she authored A Worthy Expedition: The History of NOLS in 2017. She was also editor of one of the first online EMS magazines, MERGINet, from 2000-2003.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University’s College of Communication and an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from Western Michigan University. She also authors a wide-ranging blog, “Generally Write.” A Colorado native and mountain girl at heart, Kate has been settled in Michigan since 1987.

Drew Neal is a battalion chief with Hutto (Texas) Fire Rescue, Williamson County Emergency Services District #3. He joined the organization as a volunteer in 2006 and became a full-time career member in 2010. Neal currently sits on the IFSTA 7th Edition Validation Committee and is a graduate of the Texas Fire Chief’s Academy.

Jonathan Lee is a critical care paramedic with Ornge in Toronto, Canada, with over 25 years of experience in 911, critical care, aeromedical and pediatric critical care transport. Jonathan’s teaching experience includes classroom, clinical and field education as well as curriculum development and design across a number of health professions.

He is currently delivering KinderMedic, a program he developed to improve the confidence and competence of prehospital providers caring for acutely ill children. In addition to his clinical practice, he is also adjunct faculty in the Paramedic Program at Georgian College. Jonathan is a freelance author and has been invited to speak across North America and Europe on topics such as pediatrics, analgesia and stress.

Jonathan has previously served on committees for professional organizations including the Ontario Paramedic Association and NAEMT. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Critical Care from Cardiff University. Jonathan can be contacted via Twitter and LinkedIn.

Jeffrey Oathout is the director for fire policy sales for Lexipol. A 17-year fire service veteran, Oathout served four years in the U.S. Army before embarking on a dual career in the fire service and fire service sales, including positions at Emergency One, Thermo Fisher Scientific and TargetSolutions. His fire department experience includes service as a captain and training officer with the Lowndes County (Georgia) Fire Rescue Department, firefighter/EMT with Henry County (Georgia) Fire Rescue and firefighter/EMT with Ft. Wainwright (Alaska) Fire Department.

Donna Aversa is a partner in the Tucson, Ariz.-based law firm Leonard & Felker, P.L.C., where she has practiced law for more than 26 years with a special focus on fire service law. Donna spent more than 10 years as an adjunct faculty member for the Tucson campus of the University of Phoenix teaching graduate and undergraduate classes in business law, employment law and ethics. She is a regular presenter at the Arizona Fire District Association and has presented at several International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Fire Rescue International conferences. You can contact her at Donna.Aversa@FireRescue1.com.

David K. Tan, MD, EMT-T, FAEMS, is associate professor and chief of EMS in the division of emergency medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He is double board-certified in Emergency Medicine and EMS Medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Tan remains very active in EMS at the local, state and national levels as an operational medical director for local police, fire and EMS agencies. He is chairman of the Metropolitan St. Louis Emergency Transport Oversight Commission, vice-chairman of the Missouri State Advisory Council on EMS, and president of the National Association of EMS Physicians. Dr. Tan is a member of the EMS1 Editorial Advisory Board. He also provides medical direction to EMS1.com and the EMS1 Academy.

Edward S. Robson, Esquire, EMT-B, is the managing member of Robson & Robson, LLC, a law firm located just outside of Philadelphia. Mr. Robson has represented volunteer fire and ambulance companies in a variety of matters, including First Amendment issues, civil rights, employment, contract negotiations, internal governance, personnel policies, SOP’s and equipment purchases. He has volunteered as an EMT since 2003 and currently serves as a member of the board of directors of a large suburban fire company. Mr. Robson graduated with honors from both Villanova University and Villanova University School of Law. He can be reached at Edward.Robson@FireRescue1.com or 610 825-3009.