The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for EMS agencies of all sizes, exposing critical gaps in preparedness and response. Questions surrounding personal protective equipment, treatment protocols, transport decisions, and resource allocation often went unanswered, revealing vulnerabilities that few were fully prepared to address. The next society-altering pandemic is not a matter of if but when. EMS leaders must learn from recent public health crises—including COVID-19, SARS, H1N1, and Ebola—to navigate challenges such as significant absenteeism, hospital diversions, strained mutual aid, resource prioritization, and integration into the broader healthcare system. This presentation will examine the historical impact of public health emergencies on EMS systems, highlight the lessons learned, and explore actionable strategies for planning and operations. With a focus on strengthening EMS-public health collaboration, attendees will leave equipped with insights to prepare their systems for the inevitable challenges of the next public health emergency. Core: Immunology