Inside EMS

In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, Chris and Kelly are joined by paramedic student April McKenzie — aka “April Anonymous” — for a deep dive into the buffer system and CO2 mapping.

April’s in the thick of paramedic school and like every good learner, she’s asking “why?” — so the guys break down the physiology behind capnography, acid-base balance and the lungs-vs.-kidneys showdown that keeps our patients alive. Plus, they throw in old-school war stories, rant about naloxone misuse and admit that bicarb is no longer the go-to cardiac arrest drug.

If you've ever tried to explain respiratory vs. metabolic acidosis in under 10 minutes, this episode is your cheat sheet. April will be back throughout the year with more student questions, so buckle up for the ongoing EMS education you didn’t know you needed.

Quotable takeaways

“Just because you see somebody with signs and symptoms and the protocol says, do this; that's OK, but that just makes you a protocol paramedic.”

“My friend Romy Duckworth calls [capnography] the MVP of vital signs, and that's a good way to remember it — MVP: Metabolism, Ventilation and Profusion. And it will tell you derangement about all three of those things very well once you're proficient at interpreting the waveforms.”

“Basically, the buffer system is the body's way of keeping the pH stable. So, if we're blowing out, if we're having problems with respiratory acidosis — and let's talk about CDKA, where they're trying to blow off — it's the respiratory systems’ way of making sure that we have homeostasis.”

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This week on Inside EMS, Chris Cebollero kicks off 2026 with a heartfelt conversation featuring Eric Morrison, vice president of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride and EMS director for Iredell County, North Carolina.

The ride, founded 26 years ago, exists to honor the memory of EMS providers who died in the line of duty, from illness or mental health struggles. Each rider wears a dog tag bearing the name of a fallen provider, often connecting with their families along the journey.

Eric shares his personal journey from lifeguard to leader and how his rekindled love for cycling — along with the loss of friend and EMS wellness advocate Brian Fass — led him to the ride. He breaks down what it takes to join (hint: it’s more doable than you think), the logistics of the ride, and how EMS agencies and individuals can support the cause, even off the bike.

Quotable takeaways from Eric Morrison

“All of us are focused on the idea that our providers matter. They matter to their families, they matter to their communities, and they should matter to all of us.”

“People that didn't even know that person are recognizing their service. They're recognizing their commitment to the community, and they're honoring them and remembering them.”

“Once you come out and see what the ride is really about, you understand the mission and you see the impact it has on these families that we're able to meet with.”

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In this end-of-year special, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson wrap 2025 with their trademark mix of humor, insight and zero sugarcoating. From venomous bites to venomous behavior, the Inside EMS duo continue counting down the top EMS stories that had the industry buzzing this year — and occasionally cringing.

As always, the guys don’t shy away from the tough stuff, but they make sure to end on a note of gratitude for the everyday EMS pros out there doing the job with compassion, competence and quiet heroism.

Quotable takeaways

“Every day, EMS providers go out there, do their jobs and bring some kindness and some comfort to a really bad day for their patients. And I think we need to look forward to more of that in 2026.”

“Sometimes we've done things that maybe we shouldn't have, because it isn't in our scope of protocols, but I think we make a difference. Where's the line?”

“Most of the advantages of mechanical CPR are not advantages at all.”

The top EMS1 stories of 2025

Representatives Glenn Thompson and John Mannion introduced the EMS Counts Act

Social Security Fairness Act signed into law, boosting retirement benefits for first responders

Kentucky EMTs face KBEMS hearing for administering antivenom after mamba bite

Elkhart firefighter appeals loss of paramedic duties after nurse’s harassment complaint

American Heart Association's 2025 CPR guidelines: Choking, opioids & survival chain

Ill. city council makes $500 lift assist fee permanent

Warren-Wentworth Ambulance shuts down after entire staff quits

'Shut the f**k up!': North Babylon Fire Chief Peter Alt on leave after video shows him cursing at patient

Orange County fire chiefs demand removal of EMS director for halting blood transfusions, ketamine use

Colo. paramedic charged with manslaughter after sedating, restraining man

National EMS Advisory Council board members terminated

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In this special Christmas edition of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson unwrap five of the biggest EMS stories of 2025 — and it’s not all eggnog and cheer. This year delivered more than its fair share of gut punches to the profession, from a paramedic who was charged with manslaughter, to footage of a fire chief yelling at a 10-year-old patient (yeah, that happened).

Next week’s show will break down the final five EMS stories of the year, but in 2026, we’re flipping the spotlight. Chris and Kelly are calling on you to step up and share your real EMS stories — the funny, the frustrating, the calls that changed you. Got a moment that shaped your career? Our cohosts want to hear it, and you might even get an invite to appear on the podcast. ‘Tis the season to be heard; email [email protected] to share your story!

Quotable takeaways

“You're the grownup. You can't pitch a fit. You gotta be the grownup in the situation and diffuse it.”

“If your only incentive for doing the right thing is that somebody might catch you being a jerk on video, then it's time for you to get out of the profession.”

“The cost of readiness is hugely expensive.”

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What do you do when someone on your team is struggling — and it’s on you to say something? In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive headfirst into one of leadership’s toughest challenges: holding people accountable without losing your humanity.

This episode challenges leaders to ditch outdated progressive discipline models and start leading with clarity and empathy. Whether you’re a seasoned supervisor or new to the hot seat, this one hits home. And if you’ve been avoiding a conversation, consider this your nudge to stop choosing comfort over your own integrity.

Quotable takeaways

“Firing people with compassion, managing your ego, their ego, admitting mistakes and just being human — these are the places where real leaders show up.”

“One of the things I try to teach is that I don't fire anybody — I just process the paperwork. People fire themselves.”

“EMS is a very egotistical business, and it's that ego that keeps us from asking questions. Because we don't want to look like we don't know what we're talking about in front of our peers.”

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