Fleming County EMS: Leading with Heart in Rural Kentucky
Featuring Assistant Director Colton McCann
Nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky, Fleming County EMS exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and grit. As a rural service more than an hour from major trauma or stroke centers, the stakes are high, but so is the commitment.
Assistant Director Colton McCann knows that firsthand.
“I’ve always wanted to do more for EMS and the community I serve,” Colton shared. “When the opportunity came to step into administration, it felt like the next step in serving at a higher level.” Since beginning his EMS journey at Maysville Community and Technical College in 2012 and earning his paramedic certification in 2014, Colton has been a cornerstone of the Fleming County EMS team. He has risen through the ranks to become a mentor and leader in his own right.
One of the service’s proudest recent milestones is the successful pursuit of Critical Care Endorsements by a majority of its full-time paramedics. “We understand how being far from vital resources impacts patient outcomes,” Colton explained. “Now, 4 out of 6 of our full-time paramedics are Critical Care endorsed. It’s a game-changer for our ability to provide advanced care when it matters most.”
That kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident. Fleming County EMS has been steadily investing in education, from expanding protocols to building out their own Training and Educational Institution (TEI). Nearly 60% of their full-time staff began their EMS careers through Fleming’s TEI programs, including EMT and AEMT certification. “We’re creating a pipeline for our workforce,” Colton said. “And it’s made a measurable impact on staffing and service continuity.”
As a recent graduate of the Kentucky EMS Leadership Academy, Colton attributes much of his growth to the lessons learned there. “The biggest thing for me was self-awareness. That program really challenged me to look inward, understand where I can improve, and connect with others in a more meaningful way.”
While many programs move toward digital-only formats, Fleming County EMS has taken a different approach by focusing on traditional, in-person education. “Based on student feedback, in-person learning has been key to their success. Technology is a tool, but not everyone learns best online. We want to meet learners where they are.”
And at the core of it all? People.
“I’m most proud of our team,” Colton emphasized. “They’re not just knowledgeable. They care deeply. They show up every single day, every hour, for our patients and our county.”
His advice for other small or rural EMS services?
“Don’t think your service is too small to make big things happen. Build a culture that empowers creativity and innovation. Not every idea will be feasible, but when your team feels free to think outside the box, great things follow.”
Fleming County EMS proves that with passion, perseverance, and people-first leadership, even the most rural communities can lead the way.
