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Learn what they didn't teach you in paramedic school

A podcast for EMS providers, we cover topics in more depth than you learned in paramedic school and connect this all back to the guiding principle of what actually matters to you the provider in the field.

“Wish I could give 6 stars. These guys are the Bob Ross of emergency care.”

Shangsnek

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About Us

Ross Orpet, MD

A board certified emergency medicine physician practicing in Colorado, I completed my residency at Denver Health Medical Center, as well as a fellowship in Emergency Medical Services. I got my start in emergency medicine working as a paramedic at the Denver Health Paramedic Division..

Will Berry, FP-C, NR-P

I have worked in EMS for 13 years and caught the bug to be involved in emergency response after working as a wilderness guide in Colorado. Most of my career was with the Denver Health Paramedic Division where I spent several years as a Lieutenant. I am currently a practicing critical care paramedic in North Carolina.

What People Are Saying

Great Podcast!

“I have been a nurse for 10 years, most of that in the emergency department. The information on this podcast is not only helpful for paramedics, but applies to ER nursing as well! I always encourage our new nurses and experienced nurses to listen to this podcast!”

Shane G33

08/31/2023

Great For First Responders

“Paramedic of 3 years here. This is the podcast I keep coming back to. I get a great mix of in-depth information beyond my scope as well as lots of practical information for me as a provider in the field.”

Rjbaker022

07/06/2023

Most Recent Episode Breakdowns

DNR and Advanced Directives in the Prehospital Setting: These Conversations aren’t always Black and White

These challenging scenarios represent opportunities to provide truly patient-centered care at life's most vulnerable moments. By combining your medical expertise with thoughtful communication, you can

Understanding and Evaluating Medical Literature: A Guide for EMS Practitioners

Let's discuss the intricacies of evidence-based medicine (EBM) with Dr. Ben Li. The conversation dives deep into understanding different types of medical studies, their hierarchies,

Unlocking Syncope: A Harbinger of Hidden Perils, Differentiating Benign from Life-Threatening Causes

Syncope, is a symptom that many emergency medical personnel encounter. It's sometimes tricky to differentiate from seizures, and it's essential to understand that syncope is

Invisible Scars: The Battle for Mental Health in EMS – PATH4EMS

Let's discuss the pressing issue of mental health among first responders, particularly within the EMS community. Will gets vulnerable and shares a personal story of

Wide Complex Tachycardia: Get Comfortable With Uncertainty

Learn a systematic approach to management of wide complex tachycardia that doesn't rely on exact rhythm identification or scoring systems with guest Dr. Kevin Butler.

From Novice to Navigator: Mastering the Art of EMS Field Training

Joined by Josh, Cody, and Moose from the AlertMedicOne podcast, we explore key principles of good training, leadership, and the importance of making mistakes in

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Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles – Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers

Paramedic training is over, you’re in the front seat now. Whether day 1 or day 1,000 you can’t shake the fear you’re underprepared. You were taught to systematically decide if A… do B. But what if “A” wasn’t in the book? The truth is each emergency call is too unique to teach the right response to every situation. We need to go beyond algorithmic thinking and understand deeper principles, the WHY behind the algorithm. When every decision counts you want to rely on a framework that will guide you when things don’t make sense. Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles is your resource to build that framework. Through discussions with experts, review of evidence-based best practices, and real-world case studies we teach you one step past what you learned in paramedic school. But all of this advanced education is connected back to the guiding principles that answer the question- “at the end of the day, what actually matters to the patient I have in front of me?” Our mission is to elevate your practice and help you improve patient outcomes in every emergency situation. You may not feel ready, you may not feel like you know enough, but by understanding the guiding principles of emergency medicine you can become an expert EMS clinician. Because what you do matters.

Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles is an EMS Cast LLC production

These challenging scenarios represent opportunities to provide truly patient-centered care at life’s most vulnerable moments. By combining your medical expertise with thoughtful communication, you can help ensure patients’ wishes are honored while supporting families through difficult transitions. In this episode we dive into the complex ethical and legal dilemmas faced by EMS providers when arriving on scenes involving Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and goals of care forms. With special guest Dr. Daniel Markwalter, an emergency physician and hospice/palliative care expert, the discussion touches on understanding the importance of these forms, the challenges of making decisions without clear directives, and strategies for effective communication with family members when they suddenly disagree with the form. This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for EMS professionals who can be faced with these sometimes challenging scenarios.

00:00 Introduction: The Ethical Dilemma in EMS
00:49 Sponsor Message: The Recess Tailor
01:53 Case Study: Evening Shift Dilemma
03:33 Expert Insights: Dr. Daniel Mark Walter
04:40 Understanding Hospice and DNR
09:48 Advanced Directives and Code Status
19:20 Challenges with Comfort Care and Advanced Directives
26:19 Aligning Medical Knowledge with Patient Goals
28:34 Understanding Goals of Care
29:03 Respecting Autonomy in Medical Decisions
30:02 Effective Communication with Families
31:45 Navigating Family Overrides in Critical Moments
32:36 Legal Aspects of Surrogate Decision Making
36:00 Exploring Illness Understanding and Prognosis
45:46 Symptom Management in Palliative Care
49:43 Final Thoughts and Summary

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