Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles - Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers
Ross Orpet, Paramedic turned EMS Physician
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 systemati...
Unlocking Practice Changing Insights: A Paramedics Guide to Reviewing the Medical Literature
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. Enter to win Airpods, Cric-a-lot, and a belt buckle!
Resources that can help
Critical appraisal guides:
https://casp-uk.net/casp-tools-checklists/ (my personal favorite)
https://jbi.global/critical-appraisal-tools
Reporting guidelines (similar to appraisal guides, but more are standards for the investigators to use and follow):
https://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines
00:00 Introduction and Priorities
00:34 Show Restructure Announcement
01:42 The Evolution of EMS Practices
03:57 Understanding Evidence-Based Medicine
05:23 Interview with Dr. Ben Lee
07:20 Approaching and Appraising Medical Studies
08:14 Challenges in EMS Research
13:47 Study Design and Hierarchy
31:33 Applying Research to Practice
39:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Resources
The Resus Tailor
Enter to win Airpods, Cric-a-lot, and a belt buckle!
Website show notes link
Other episodes you might like:
Podcast announcements
Survey- Help us learn what content you want
Gear We Like
Good Stethoscope - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2
Good Shears - https://amzn.to/40FROuF or https://amzn.to/3ChZ4Tn
Notepad for taking notes on calls - https://amzn.to/3Z1X21J
Sunglasses - https://frontline-optics.com/discount/EMSCAST15
Books we recommend -
The Dichotomy of Leadership - https://amzn.to/4fiCAjN
Extreme Ownership - https://amzn.to/3O1FWfa
Managing the Unexpected: Sustained Performance in a Complex World - https://amzn.to/3V7BwYf
Thinking Fast and Slow - https://amzn.to/4fiJG85
A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2
Guest/Cast/Crew information-
Guest-
Host- Ross Orpet, Will Berry
Catch up with us after the show
Instagram- @emscast
Twitter- @ems_cast
Website- www.emspodcast.com
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41:02
Why Your EMS Bag Could Be Failing You: Essential Design Tips You Need
We discuss the importance of equipment design in EMS with Adam LaChapelle, founder of The Resus Tailor. Together we delve into the impact that effective design has on performance and patient outcomes, exploring principles such as reducing friction and visual checklists. Adam shares compelling stories and practical tips on organizing your equipment to enhance efficiency and care. The episode also includes a special giveaway announcement for listeners. SPECIAL GIVEAWAY- AirPods, Cric-a-lot, Belt Buckle
00:00 Introduction to Bag Design Challenges
00:44 Real-Life Emergency Scenario
02:33 The Importance of Equipment Layout
03:15 Exciting Announcements and Rebranding
04:00 Meet the Hosts and Today's Guest
05:27 Adam LaChapelle's Journey and Passion
11:32 The SCRAM Bag and Its Impact
16:20 Principles of Effective Design
21:42 Innovative Bag Design for Quality Care
22:19 The Importance of Iteration in EMS Gear
23:49 Key Considerations for Bag Design
28:05 Reducing Friction in Emergency Response
30:46 Challenges and Solutions in EMS Bag Design
35:33 Customizing Bags for Specific Needs
36:54 Practical Tips for EMS Providers
39:40 Partnering with Recess Tailor for Custom Solutions
42:45 Exciting Giveaway Announcement
44:03 Summary and Key Takeaways
Resources
SPECIAL GIVEAWAY- AirPods, Cric-a-lot, Belt Buckle
The Resus Tailor
Website show notes link
Podcast announcements- NEW NAME, Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles
Survey- Help us learn what content you want
Gear We Like
Good Stethoscope - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2
Good Shears - https://amzn.to/40FROuF or https://amzn.to/3ChZ4Tn
Notepad for taking notes on calls - https://amzn.to/3Z1X21J
Sunglasses - https://frontline-optics.com/discount/EMSCAST15
Books we recommend -
The Dichotomy of Leadership - https://amzn.to/4fiCAjN
Extreme Ownership - https://amzn.to/3O1FWfa
Managing the Unexpected: Sustained Performance in a Complex World - https://amzn.to/3V7BwYf
Thinking Fast and Slow - https://amzn.to/4fiJG85
A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2
Guest/Cast/Crew information-
Guest- Adam LaChapelle, Founder and CEO of The Resus Tailor
Host- Ross Orpet, Will Berry
Catch up with us after the show
Instagram- @emsloudandclear
YouTube- @emsloudandclear
Website- www.emspodcast.com
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Music sponsored by Audio Library https://youtu.be/JoyIRE5k2Yo
Daylight by Alex-Productions https://soundcloud.com/alexproductionsmusic
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45:41
NEW NAME! The podcast gets a new name, find out what and why...
Hello everyone, we have an exciting announcement. Today we are announcing our brand new name: Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles. My name is Ross, and alongside my co-host, Will, we're thrilled to present this fresh chapter in our podcast journey.
Let's start with why we're rebranding and renaming. For close to five years now, we've been bringing you valuable continuing education through our podcast, originally named EMS Cast. Each year we have become more and more dedicated to our mission. However, as time passed, it became clear that our name didn't quite capture the essence of what we stand for—our mission or our identity as educators in the EMS field.
Will and I devoted significant effort into clarifying our mission this last year. Determining how we could create a framework to help you navigate the inevitable uncertainties in EMS, to put an emphasis on what truly and what principles will guide you through the uncertainty. This framework is going to allow us to bring you even better content with clearer messaging. We wanted a name that resonates with our commitment to provide in-depth discussions that extend beyond paramedic school learning but yet never loses sight of the fundamentals and guiding principles that actually matter. After months of brainstorming and reflection, Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles felt like the perfect match—an embodiment of our dedication to make every lesson resonate strongly and clearly with you, the listener.
In the world of EMS, ‘loud and clear’ is a phrase many of us know very well, whether you’re checking in with dispatch over the radio at the start of your shift or confirming the receiving hospital can clearly understand you. It signifies that there is clarity and understanding in the message that is received. We aim to bring this clarity to every topic we discuss. Reinforcing our commitment to delivering information that is easy to comprehend and apply in real-life EMS situations, even when uncertainty abounds.
While our name may have changed and our episode framework has evolved, our mission has not. We will continue to provide high level education, seeking to teach you principles that enrich your knowledge beyond the textbooks you read in paramedic school, preparing you for the unexpected scenarios you’ll face in the field. You won’t find cookie-cutter approaches here—we’re dedicated to helping you understand and fall back on an understanding of fundamental principles that allow you to navigate the uncertainty and chaos with confidence.
Each episode of Loud & Clear will present high-level discussions about pathophysiology and treatment options. But more than that, every episode will guide you back to those time-tested EMS principles crucial for effective decision-making. This year promises ever more engaging content rich episodes, with an updated name, cover art, social media presence, and more as we embrace this exciting transition.
We can't wait to embark on this new journey with you, our dedicated listeners. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm. Remember—we’re here to ensure your learning experience is loud and clear.
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3:48
Unlocking Syncope: A Harbinger of Hidden Perils, Differentiating Benign from Life-Threatening Causes
Syncope is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Often it's a symptom of a benign etiology but it can indicate a life-threatening condition. So how do we distinguish between the two? We dive into the complex topic of syncope with guest Matt Mendes. We discuss the importance of recognizing syncope, differentiating it from seizures, and identifying who are the high-risk patients and why. The episode covers the guiding principles syncope- a good history, physical exam findings, and the ECG. It also delves into common presentations, risk stratifying strategies, and real-world cases to equip EMS providers with the knowledge needed to manage syncope calls effectively.
00:00 Intro
01:07 Welcome to EMS Cast, host and guest introductions
04:51 Guiding Principles for Syncope Assessment
07:22 High-Risk Syncope Patients
09:14 Initial Approach to Syncope Patients
15:15 Syncope vs. Seizure
20:08 Physical Exam and EKG Importance
25:14 Identifying Arrhythmias in Syncope Patients
26:37 Understanding Wolf Parkinson White Disease
27:46 QT Prolongation and Its Implications
29:49 Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Its Risks
31:28 Recognizing Brugada Pattern
32:02 Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia
33:04 Bifascicular Block and Its Dangers
35:00 EKG Interpretation and Syncope Risk Stratification
39:53 Emergency Department Workups for Syncope
55:49 Case Studies and Memorable Syncope Calls
Resources
The Resus Tailor
EMS Cast Syncope Blog Post
Other episodes you might like: Wide Complex Tachycardia
Podcast announcements- WE'RE RENAMING THE SHOW TO, LOUD & CLEAR: EMS GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Survey- Help us learn what content you want
Gear We Like
Good Stethoscope - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2
Good Shears - https://amzn.to/40FROuF or https://amzn.to/3ChZ4Tn
Notepad for taking notes on calls - https://amzn.to/3Z1X21J
Sunglasses - https://frontline-optics.com/discount/EMSCAST15
Books we recommend -
The Dichotomy of Leadership - https://amzn.to/4fiCAjN
Extreme Ownership - https://amzn.to/3O1FWfa
Managing the Unexpected: Sustained Performance in a Complex World - https://amzn.to/3V7BwYf
Thinking Fast and Slow - https://amzn.to/4fiJG85
A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2
Guest/Cast/Crew information-
Guest- Matt Mendes, EM doc, Resident didactics coordinator, former EMS Cast Co-Host
Hosts- Ross Orpet, Will Berry
Catch up with us after the show
Instagram- @emscast
Twitter- @ems_cast
Website- www.emspodcast.com
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Music sponsored by Audio Library https://youtu.be/JoyIRE5k2Yo
Daylight by Alex-Productions https://soundcloud.com/alexproductionsmusic
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59:01
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 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.
00:00 The Struggles of First Responders
00:53 A Personal Story of Trauma
04:57 The Turning Point: Seeking Therapy
05:42 Introduction to EMScast
06:34 Meet Jessica Nelson: A Pioneer in EMS Mental Health
09:54 The Importance of Confidentiality and Specialized Care
12:17 Effective Mental Health Practices for EMS Providers
19:54 Path for EMS: A Groundbreaking Initiative
30:37 Future Directions and Final Thoughts
Resources
PATH4EMS website
Today's Sponsor- The Resus Tailor
Today's episode blog post
Podcast announcements- We're rebranding! New name will be- Loud & Clear: EMS Guideline Principles. Look out for the changes coming soon.
Survey- Help us learn what content you want
Gear We Like
Good Stethoscope - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2
Good Shears - https://amzn.to/40FROuF or https://amzn.to/3ChZ4Tn
Notepad for taking notes on calls - https://amzn.to/3Z1X21J
Sunglasses - https://frontline-optics.com/discount/EMSCAST15
Books we recommend -
The Dichotomy of Leadership - https://amzn.to/4fiCAjN
Extreme Ownership - https://amzn.to/3O1FWfa
Managing the Unexpected: Sustained Performance in a Complex World - https://amzn.to/3V7BwYf
Thinking Fast and Slow - https://amzn.to/4fiJG85
A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2
Guest/Cast/Crew information-
Guest- Jessica Nelson, PATH4EMS coordinator
Host- Ross Orpet, Will Berry
Catch up with us after the show
Instagram- @emscast
Twitter- @ems_cast
Website- www.emspodcast.com
About 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.
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