Russell Myers ’85 M.Div., ’03 D.Min. is the author of “Because We Care: A Handbook for Chaplaincy in Emergency Medical Services,” published in 2021 by Gryphon’s Key Publishing. The book is written for people who are curious about the intersection of professional chaplaincy and emergency medical services, including leaders of EMS agencies who have a chaplain, leaders doing due diligence for hiring a chaplain, and chaplains considering an EMS vocation.

In “Because We Care,” Myers covers an overview of chaplaincy, why EMS chaplains are necessary, the guiding values for EMS chaplaincy, and what EMS chaplains do to provide support for EMS staff. Based on his own experience, he notes that, because EMS personnel experience cumulative stress, EMS chaplains should be proactive rather than reactive.

Mike Taigman, former paramedic, resilience expert, and law enforcement/EMS educator, writes, “In this book, Russ Myers does a masterful job of weaving together modern leadership perspectives, evidence-based psychological concepts, spiritual support, and deep compassion for the folks who spend their lives helping others through medical emergencies. Experienced or aspiring chaplains and EMS leaders will benefit from Russ’s perspective.”