Let me say that again—you already have resilience. Every paramedic, EMT, and flight medic reading this possesses it. You’ve proven it a hundred times over. But […]

Discover the difference between resistance (your daily shield built through sleep, nutrition, relationships, and spiritual wellness) and resilience (the anaerobic sprint you can't maintain forever).

Why do some paramedics stay unshakable under pressure while others crumble on the exact same call? The answer isn't about years of experience—it's about understanding the neuroscience of stress and having the right mental tools.

Melody Bishop helps us simplify the physiology of bag-valve-mask (BVM) techniques and mechanical ventilation tips. This episode highlights common mistakes like insufficient exhalation time, discusses driving pressure, and explains the importance of proper technique to avoid lung injury. We also explore the nuances of endotracheal tube size, laminar flow, and the transition from BVM to mechanical ventilation. From FASTCAN in Calgary this episode will enhance your understanding and skills in respiratory care.

Dr. Jeff Jarvis, EMS medical director and host of the EMS Lighthouse Project, delves into the latest emerging EMS literature and guidelines from the National Association of EMS Physicians. We explore best practices for blood use in trauma, up-to-date trauma arrest recommendations, postpartum hemorrhage, and severe hypertension in pregnancy. Additionally, we discuss recent studies on field intubation times, pre-hospital treatment of AFib with RVR, and pre-treating with calcium before diltiazem for patients in AFib. This episode is packed with crucial, evidence-based information for best practices in the prehospital setting. Don't miss out!

Aviation transformed from a dangerous endeavor to the safest form of transportation through systematic approaches to human error. The checklist was central to this transformation, not because it eliminated the need for skill and judgment, but because it freed professionals to apply their expertise where it matters most. As paramedics, we face similar complexity and similar stakes. The question isn't whether we're capable professionals—we are. The question is whether we're willing to adopt proven tools that help capable professionals perform even better when it matters most.

How breaking procedures into achievable and believable steps transforms crisis performance and reduces burnout. Renowned airway enthusiast, Dr. Rich Levitan, on mastering airway management.

How the aviation industry has revolutionized itself through such methodologies as just culture, crew resource management, and error prevention tools like the inquiry, advocacy, assertiveness model. We explore how these principles can be effectively applied in our EMS world to improve safety and performance. By the end of this post, you'll walk away with practical tactics to implement on your next shift, ensuring you and your crew can handle high-stress situations with confidence and competence.

Effective agitated patient management requires a fundamental shift from viewing these encounters as behavioral problems to recognizing them as medical emergencies with underlying pathophysiological processes. By systematically addressing safety, identifying root causes, selecting appropriate pharmacological interventions, and maintaining rigorous post-sedation monitoring, EMS providers can dramatically improve outcomes for these challenging patients.

In emergency medicine, few scenarios are as immediately concerning as arriving on scene to find a patient actively vomiting bright red blood. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding represents a unique challenge for EMS providers—these patients aren't trauma victims, yet they're bleeding like trauma patients. They require both the rapid intervention of trauma care and the thorough assessment of a medical patient. This guide breaks down the essential principles of managing an upper GI bleed in the prehospital setting, where your actions during those critical first minutes can significantly impact patient outcomes.

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.

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, and how EMS providers can apply them to their practice. The episode covers evaluating research, the importance of study design, confounders, sample size, and how to discern the relevance and applicability of research findings. Dr. Li provides practical advice for critically appraising literature and emphasizes doing so in a way that is personally relevant to the listener's practice. This episode is essential for anyone in EMS or emergency medicine looking to deepen their understanding of medical research and how it impacts patient care.

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 not a standalone diagnosis. It's a symptom of an underlying cause, which can be benign or life-threatening. Let's delve into the world of syncope, explore its clinical significance, and discuss how EMS providers can effectively assess and risk stratify patients who experience it.

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 trauma on the job to highlight the urgent need for mental health resources and support. Unfortunately, his story is not unique, we will all experience some level of emotional trauma while on the job. This episode features Jessica Nelson, the coordinator of the groundbreaking program and first of its kind state legislation, PATH4EMS. PATH4EMS provides free and confidential mental health care for EMS professionals. We delve into strategies for normalizing mental health conversations, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the benefits of proactive mental health practices. The discussion also covers the need for tailored, evidence-based resources and the unique challenges faced by rural first responders. Tune in to learn about the vital steps being taken to ensure the well-being of those who brave the front lines.

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. By understanding the physiology rather than memorizing a score or algorithm you can use Kevin's approach and ABCD mnemonic to help differentiate between ventricular tachycardia, SVT with aberrancy, and other arrhythmias. Learn how not to miss the vital mimics with his SPAM filter. And finally by understanding which treatments are safe and which treatments potentially dangerous you can understand how to move forward even when you're not exactly sure what the arrhythmia is.

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 a safe learning environment. We discuss strategies to foster critical thinking, introspection, and continuous improvement among trainees in the EMS field. A big part of EMS is learning to be a leader and a teacher no matter what level you are at so whether you are a trainee, a field trainer, teach students during their rides, or merely work with a partner there's something for everyone to learn in this one. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how to develop and become excellent EMS professionals through solid training and leadership.

Explore the crucial distinction between providing equal care versus equitable care within emergency medical services (EMS). We give you an in-depth discussion with Ritu Sani from The EMS Show podcast, highlighting the importance of focusing on outcome-driven quality improvement projects and addressing disparities in care. Learn how different demographics face unique barriers to healthcare, and why recognizing these differences is essential to improving outcomes across various communities. Watch as real-life examples illustrate the need for equitable interventions and the systemic factors that contribute to inequities in EMS.

Dr. Avery McKenzie interviews Dr. Eric Adler, regional medical director for Flight for Life, about the challenging and rare procedure of field amputations. They discuss the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, the steps involved in developing a protocol for such emergencies, and the logistical challenges faced during the process. Dr. Adler shares insights from real-life cases and emphasizes the critical need for planning and knowing the resources available in urgent scenarios.

In this episode, we discuss the profound impact that one patient's organ donation can have on society. Even when not every patient gets to go home, the ability to donate organs can positively affect up to 80 people, multiplying our impact and service to the community. Guest Chris Meeks, a critical care flight paramedic and organ recovery coordinator discusses the ethical considerations and the surprising impact EMS has on the potential for organ donation, even in cases that appear to be 'lost causes'. Tune in to understand how your work in EMS may have more far-reaching positive effects than you realize.

Creating lasting behavioral changes in the workplace by moving beyond consequence-based policies. Chris discusses the importance of aligning personal and company values, highlighting 'just culture' in EMS and its role in understanding motivations and systemic issues. The conversation covers leadership in EMS, focusing on the significance of fostering supportive relationships with staff and avoiding fear-based management. Additionally, Chris shares his journey from paramedic to Field Training Officer, offering advice on effective training and mutual support. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in the EMS field aiming to enhance performance, commitment, and team dynamics. Don't forget to check below for further resources on just culture and motivational learning.

We delve into the management of esophageal foreign body obstructions, a common yet often misunderstood medical emergency. We discuss the symptoms and causes of esophageal food impactions, sometimes referred to as 'Steakhouse Syndrome,' and differentiate it from tracheal obstructions. We explore the protocols, potential treatments, and if there's any rationale behind treatments such as glucagon administration. Join us as we also share real-life scenarios to better illustrate the challenges and solutions when dealing with such medical cases.

Delve into a real-life rescue mission conducted by the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) in the North Atlantic Ocean and learn ten crucial lessons for enhancing EMS practice. Dr. Michael Lauria discusses these lessons, derived from a real-life experience in delivering critical care in a challenging austere environment, emphasizing both technical and mental preparedness.

Explore anaphylaxis care from the basics to the critical approach to managing severe anaphylaxis with Bruce Hoffman, FlightBridge ED senior educator. Find out what it means to be aggressive with anaphylaxis care explained through the AMAX4 framework.  Learn how the framework can help reverse anaphylactic shock and prevent catastrophic outcomes. Hear the impactful story behind the framework and gain insight into the most effective practices for treating unresponsive anaphylactic and asthmatic patients. Special thanks to the McKenzie family for their mission-driven educational work. 

Think you only need to worry about toxicities that exist in the sea if you live by an ocean? Think again. No matter where you are fish may be on the menu, or there may be a zoo nearby, or a marine enthusiast with an elaborate home aquarium. These toxicities can be seen in Colorado. They can be in Australia or in the US. No matter where you are you have the potential to see one or many of these. From scombroid poisoning to puffer fish, irukandji syndrome, jellyfish, and sea snakes- tune in to this week's episode to learn all about the various poisons that come from the sea with toxicologist Nik Matsler.

Dr. Whitney Barrett, the Medical Director of the Highlonsome 100 mile ultra endurance race, discusses the critical considerations for EMS providers when encountering sick runners during endurance events. Insights on managing ultra-endurance athletes, focusing on conditions such as hyponatremia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and the unique challenges presented by high-altitude races. Learn about effective rehydration and cooling strategies, and the critical role of context in diagnosing and treating affected runners.

EMCRIT's Scott Weingart discusses the concept of being a true resuscitationist. The mindset necessary for providing aggressive, excellent care outside hospital boundaries and the emphasis on the importance of preparation, critical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail in emergency medical situations. Dr. Weingart shares insights on mental simulation, embracing challenges, handling crises efficiently, and continuous self-improvement. We conclude our discussion by exploring the philosophy 'Amor Fati' and underscore the broader impact EMS professionals can have beyond simply saving lives.

Will and I recently attended FAST24, an educational conference hosted by FlightBridgeED in Wilmington, North Carolina. We had a fantastic time meeting industry top speakers, including Eric Bauer, one of the original founders of FlightBridgeED. In today's episode, we delve into Eric's journey in EMS education, how FlightBridgeED was conceived, and the importance of continuous learning. We also discuss the challenges of becoming an expert in the field and tips on improving your skills incrementally. Join us as we explore these valuable insights and look forward to upcoming episodes featuring more stellar guests from FAST24!

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating and often perilous world of mushrooms. Join us as we explore with Dr. Nik Matsler how these fungi can be a culinary delight, a source of psychedelic experiences, or a deadly hazard.

Derek Miller, outreach coordinator for the UNC JC Burn Center, joins us again to explore electrical injuries and lightning strikes. We discuss the various types of electrical injuries, the mechanisms behind these injuries, and the essential steps EMS providers must take to ensure their safety and provide effective patient care. Through real-life case studies and expert insights, this episode delves into the complexities of managing electrical burn patients, the importance of immediate interventions, and the potential long-term sequelae of such injuries. Tune in for practical advice and essential knowledge to enhance your skills in handling electrical emergencies. Here are some additional resources: Electrical Injuries Overview- Nice overview, though not limited to EMS specifically. The references list at end is also a good jumping off spot for those wanting more.

Explore the nuances of stroke assessments, the challenges EMS professionals face in the field, and the impact of prehospital interventions on patient outcomes. Coco Wham, a former paramedic who's transitioned to a physician, and Dr. Layne Dylla, an associate professor of emergency medicine join us to dive into their ongoing research efforts aimed at defining what matters in prehospital stroke care and refining stroke response protocols. Hear firsthand how evidence-based practices are developed from the ground up in EMS settings. This episode is packed with valuable information to enhance your practice and understanding of stroke care in prehospital environments.