Our Lives Are Our Message

      "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena--whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
--Theodore Roosevelt

   The National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) was conceived by courageous men and women committed to changing the future of EMS education. Their commitment put them in the arena of which Roosevelt spoke so passionately. These men and women refused to accept that our profession could go no farther, that educators' voices could not make a difference. They envisioned that NAEMSE could help build the future of EMS education, and they were willing to take the risk. In the end, they realized it was far riskier to fail without "daring greatly."

   This article defines what is important to NAEMSE and how the group will strive to bring a voice to those who educate and train the future of prehospital medicine.

   NAEMSE must lead with vision. Great leaders have always had visions many thought unwise. Are we better today for those who took their leadership to a visionary stage and made great change--Mother Teresa, Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King, Gandhi? Their visions galvanized mankind to address social issues and create a future of greater possibilities. NAEMSE must be a group that embraces dreams--for the dreams of today are the facts of tomorrow.

   NAEMSE must inspire. We must allow our actions and words to be examples that speak for us. Our lives will be defined by what we do, not what we say. We must inspire the people around us with our unique styles, and through our spirited movement move others to follow. Many leaders fail to lead by example--their lives are not inspiring, their movements not unique. NAEMSE must not be afraid to impel and empower educators to take risks.

   NAEMSE must be authentic. Many people lack clarity because they lack authenticity. They construct their messages for the consumption of the masses. They do not share their real feelings and are not true to themselves and those around them. In time, we believe they are lost and confused by the messages and images they construct. Nathaniel Hawthorne recognized this when he wrote, "No man for any considerable period can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true." NAEMSE must maintain a genuine, transparent and clear message consistent with the values of the organization and the profession as a whole.

   NAEMSE must be committed to its values. Researchers have shown that we all want to belong, even if it means betraying our beliefs. We must remain committed to what we believe, and stay the course even if it creates risk. To take no risk is to achieve no gain--no great discovery was ever made without criticism, no progress recorded without detractors. Our values are the blueprint that guides us on our journey.

   NAEMSE must be courageous and bring forth courage in others. Real courage is putting our lives on the line for others. Another kind is risking our reputations. Defending a friend, an idea or a dream from an onslaught of naysayers is a true form of courage. We can only sacrifice ourselves physically so many times, but we can sacrifice daily by giving pieces of our hearts. Too many leaders simply remain silent so they do not lose their acceptance or status. But life is filled with moments that test our resolve and our principles. NAEMSE is committed to doing what is right.

   NAEMSE must lead with passion. We are a passionate people who need purpose to frame our lives, yet so many leaders have seen their passions dim. They view passion as a dangerous emotion that can sweep through organizations and burn sacred dry areas. These dry areas have covered the ground and held back new growth. We believe there is a need to rekindle passion and burn away old ways of thinking that keep people and ideas from growing.

   NAEMSE must commit itself to mentoring. We must reach out to tackle the challenges of today—national accreditation, educational standards, low pay, classroom performance, professional respect--by providing the physical resources and experts to help other educators reach their goals. No EMS educator should stand alone--we must care not only for the quality of our own programs, but for those of our colleagues.

   Gandhi once said, "My life is my message." So must we build our message and our legacy not on words, but on deeds. NAEMSE is committed to leaving a positive and productive legacy--come join us.

   Christopher Nollette, EdD, NREMT-P, LP, is president-elect of the NAEMSE. Contact him at chris.nollette@rcc.edu.