Insider Analysis: Leadership turnover raises systemic questions

Two chiefs resign in under a year, prompting scrutiny over burnout, organizational challenges and leadership fit

December 09, 2024 11:06 AM •

What happened: Cheshire EMS Chief Charles McMurrer, appointed in June 2023, recently resigned, marking the second chief to leave this 30-member department in less than 2 years. Reports suggest that McMurrer, a long-time department employee, cited burnout as a key factor in his departure. Though there were indications of a potential vote of no confidence by staff, it did not come to fruition.

This leadership turnover raises significant questions about the department’s operational and cultural stability. Observers suggest the issue could be linked to systemic problems, leadership selection missteps, or a combination of both.

| More: N.H. EMS chief resigns over cost to family due to long hours, stress

Highlights

Watch as Ed Bauter, MBA, MHL, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C; and Daniel Schwester, MICP, highlight the significance of this development, including:

The implications of leadership burnout. The outgoing chief cited burnout, reflecting broader challenges in maintaining leadership longevity in EMS.
Potential systemic issues in small EMS organizations. The recurring turnover suggests possible flaws in operational workflows, staff support structures or leadership processes.
The need for a root cause analysis. Leaders must assess whether cultural, scheduling or operational inefficiencies are driving departures.

The path forward

The Cheshire EMS situation highlights the critical need for introspection and reform in leadership practices. Addressing turnover begins with a comprehensive root cause analysis, engaging stakeholders to identify operational inefficiencies, and re-evaluating leadership selection criteria.

By prioritizing staff wellness, cultivating supportive environments, and ensuring strategic leadership planning, EMS organizations can foster sustainable growth and stability.

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Ed Bauter, MBA, MHL, NRP, FP-C, CCP-C

Ed is a managing partner and chief executive officer of Overrun Productions, LLC; and co-host of The Overrun Podcast. Ed is a recovering medical student and paramedic.

His academic interests are in healthcare policy, team leadership and development, resuscitation and EMS medicine. Before attending medical school, he was a field preceptor and EMS educator for 10 years.

A second-generation paramedic, Ed works to inform the public about the importance of EMS and strives to encourage other EMS providers to move the profession forward using the most up-to-date data and technology.

He is a fan of old movies, the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Daniel Schwester, MICP

Daniel Schwester has been a paramedic since 2000. He has served in a variety of roles including education, field training, clinical supervision and active practice as a paramedic.

He is the managing partner of Overrun Productions, LLC; and a co-host of The Overrun Podcast.

He is married to Jennifer, and is father to Caroline and William. He resides in Toms River, New Jersey.