HEAVY: Weight We Carry, People We Lead, Compassion We Build

This presentation expands on the foundation established in "The Great Affect," shifting the focus from teaching emotional intelligence to leading with it. This session examines the emotional weight leaders carry in EMS and how their influence shapes team culture, resilience, and patient outcomes. Through real experiences, including a pivotal encounter that reshaped the presenter’s path, HEAVY shows the lasting impact emotionally intelligent actions have on patients and providers. Attendees and the presenter will explore how leaders recognize emotional drift, guide teams through stress, and reinforce compassion in demanding environments. Attendees learn practical strategies to strengthen self-awareness, improve communication and embed emotionally intelligent behaviors into daily operations. An interview with an experienced paramedic offers insight into how compassionate presence shapes decisions and models the affective skills leaders want to build. Her perspective guides the audience toward a deeper understanding of why these behaviors matter and sets the stage for an important revelation. Grounded in research and lived experience, HEAVY provides leaders tools to elevate morale, psychological safety, and quality of care. Participants leave prepared to model the compassion they want in their teams. Leadership sets the tone. The care we deliver begins with how we lead.