The Jack Stout EMS Fellowship, endowed by FirstWatch, is accepting applications now through March 15, 2024. Now in its third year, the Fellowship is open to emerging EMS leaders interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills to lead EMS systems now and in the future.

The Fellowship was developed by FirstWatch in cooperation with the Fitch EMS Foundation, a non-profit organization led by Jay Fitch, PhD. Its mission is to build on Fitch & Associates’ core value of leadership development by giving back through scholarships to aspiring leaders. Celebrating its 26^th year, FirstWatch helps public safety and healthcare professionals serve their communities through the use of technology and the science of quality improvement.

Named for the late Jack Stout, considered to be the father of high-performance EMS systems, the Fellowship will allow selected individuals to understand the principles espoused by Stout:

• How to be a people-centered leader. Someone who effectively puts patients, the people who care for them, and the people who support the process at the center of their strategy, daily decisions, and budget.
• What and how it means to be data driven. Understanding how to request data, analyze the results, and make decisions using all kinds of system data.
• The elements of improvement science. Using a structured process to drive improvements in everything from clinical care and employee joy to fiscal health and fleet reliability.
• How to use systems thinking. Making better decisions moment by moment and engaging in more effective strategic planning requires a view of the big picture.
• And much more.

Matt Parrish, a captain with the Columbus (Ohio) Division of Fire, was the initial recipient of the Fellowship. Kayla Welwood, Manager of Low Acuity and Integrated Care, with the Clinical Hub, at the British Columbia (Canada) Emergency Health Services is the current recipient.

The selected Jack Stout EMS Fellow will attend the 2024 Pinnacle EMS Leadership Forum, held this year August 12–16 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Florida. He or she will also attend either the Fitch Ambulance Service Manager (ASM) program or the Communication Center Manager (CCM) program with all registration and travel expenses covered by FirstWatch.

Fellows also receive a customized mentorship program, led by Mike Taigman, Improvement Guide at FirstWatch. Mike was recently awarded the prestigious Keith Neely Outstanding Contribution to EMS Award, given by the National Association of EMS Physicians. Part of the Stout Fellowship includes working with Mike directly on a quality improvement project.

“Jack Stout was a tremendous mentor to me.” Mike said, “It is a great honor to pay that forward.” “My Dad would be so proud to know he’s still making a difference,” added Todd Stout, founder and president of FirstWatch. “I hope everyone who wants to make a positive contribution to EMS applies for this Fellowship.”

Applications for the 2024-2025 Fellowship will be accepted through March 15, 2024. To apply, go to FitchEMSFoundation.org, click on Scholarships, and select the Jack Stout EMS Fellowship, endowed by FirstWatch.