Inside EMS

• Conquering pediatric airway panic: Training, tools and tough truths

  In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive headfirst into one of paramedic's most anxiety-inducing scenarios: the pediatric airway. Despite decades of advancement, pediatric codes still strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned medics. So why hasn’t this gotten any easier? Drawing on their own experience (plus a few nods to Dr. Peter Antevy), the duo emphasize the urgent need for high-fidelity simulation training, ongoing QA and competency-based training. This episode’s packed with insights, strong opinions and a healthy dose of tough love for EMS systems that continue to send underprepared crews into high-stakes situations. If you’ve ever broken into a cold sweat over a pediatric call, this episode is for you. Memorable quotes "When a mother hands you a 3-month-old in cardiac arrest, that’s not the time to figure out you’re uncomfortable." — Chris Cebollero “If you want the medic to intubate kids, you need cadaver labs, you need high fidelity simulation. You need to practice and you need to QA that practice. Most systems just can't provide that and without regular exposure, intubation becomes unsafe. And that's why I'd argue if you can't maintain your competency, you shouldn't carry the skill.” — Chris Cebollero “Kids aren't little adults. They do have more challenges. They do have bigger tongues. They do have floppier epiglottis, they do have smaller airways.” — Chris Cebollero Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback and suggest future guests. 

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• Is AI a partner in EMS — or its unpredictable coworker?

  As artificial intelligence sweeps across industries, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are asking the big question: Is EMS ready? In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, the duo gets into the weeds of how AI could reshape the field, from charting and documentation, to predictive deployment and real-time clinical prompts. They dig into practical use cases, like auto-generating patient care reports from spoken narratives, using smart speakers for on-the-fly drug dosages and deploying AI in dispatch triage. But they’re not AI cheerleaders; both caution against overreliance, false confidence and the risk of replacing critical thinking with shortcuts. It’s a spirited, funny and forward-looking conversation about how EMS can lead, not lag, in adopting this rapidly evolving tech. Because one thing’s clear: AI isn’t coming — it’s already here. Memorable quotes “I think the big issue that people have with AI is that they fear it’s gonna start doing our thinking for us rather than help us with everyday tasks. And to me, that’s a legitimate fear.” —Kelly Grayson “When we open this door of where AI can touch EMS directly, I think there’s a lot of places this can go.” —Chris Cebollero “I learned long ago that one of the tricks to the choreography of a smooth call is to think out loud and to talk, talk, talk your way through everything that you do. It’s interesting thinking about narrating that for the purpose ofan AI client to write your chart as you go.” —Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback or suggest future guests!

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• When kidneys strike back: What every medic should know

  This week on the Inside EMS podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson shine a spotlight on the kidneys and their impact on patient outcomes. What starts as a chat about chronic kidney stones quickly dives into a sharp, clinical breakdown of renal anatomy, physiology and the far-reaching consequences of kidney dysfunction in EMS care. Chris and Kelly unpack the kidneys’ role in fluid balance, blood pressure regulation and acid-base stability, including how the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) system can either save a patient … or make things worse. They outline the key types of acute kidney injury (pre-renal, intrinsic, post-renal), tie them back to underlying anatomy, and explain why perfusion matters long before labs confirm failure. With field-focused tips on what to ask (yes, diaper counts matter), what to look for and how to manage critical complications, this episode gives medics the tools to recognize renal red flags early — and act fast. Additional resources: Acute kidney injury assessment and treatment The science behind shock: Why providers must understand the RAAS Caring for the dialysis patient One for the Road: Is this a kidney stone? Memorable quotes “In EMS, we don't really pay attention to the functioning of the kidneys until everything goes south.” “They're not lying when they say the kidneys are the windows to the viscera.” “Kidney problems don't happen in isolation.” Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode. 

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• We’re not OK: The What Paramedics Want in 2025 report pulls no punches

  This week on the Inside EMS Podcast, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive deep into the What Paramedics Want in 2025 industry report — and let’s just say, it’s not all sunshine and stable shifts. The report, created in partnership with Fitch & Associates and sponsored by Pulsara, lays bare the hard truths: burnout is at an all-time high, staffing gaps are holding steady at crisis levels and confidence in leadership is lukewarm at best. Chris and Kelly get real as they discuss some of the shocking stats — such as, only 59% of agencies report having enough staff to answer 911 calls, and 76% of respondents now cite burnout as a critical issue. But this isn’t just about fatigue; it’s about leadership gaps, lack of support and workplaces that are driving out even the most seasoned medics. From the “mandatory overtime spiral” to why communication isn’t just nice — it’s a necessity — this episode tackles how broken systems are eroding morale and what leaders can (and must) do to change course. You’ll hear why stay interviews matter more than exit interviews, how marijuana use is creeping up as a stress escape, and the simple steps agencies can take to rebuild trust and retention. Memorable quotes “If one-quarter of your work workforce says ‘we don't enjoy our jobs anymore’ and ‘we don't enjoy working for you anymore,’ you got a hell of a problem on your hands.” — Kelly Grayson “This isn't just burnout because of the things we're seeing.  This is because of staffing shortages. This is because of lack of funding. This is because of working overtime. This is because agencies are mandating overtime. And that's gonna lead to burnout.” — Chris Cebollero “What we have is a shortage of people who are willing to work for chump change and horrible working conditions.” — Kelly Grayson Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at [email protected] to share your feedback and suggest future guests.

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• White shirts, real talk: When the badge gets heavy

  You’ve just been promoted — congrats, right? Not so fast. In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson get real about what it actually means to step into a leadership role. Spoiler alert: it's not just a new title and a gold badge. It’s a complete shift in responsibility, from caring for patients to caring for your people. Together, they break down how new leaders often swing too far: either trying to be everyone’s buddy or going full micromanager. They talk servant leadership, earning trust daily, the power of listening and what “protecting your people from bad decisions above” really looks like. If you're stepping into a new role — or trying to recover from a rocky start — this episode is packed with hard truths, some laughs and solid advice from two guys who’ve lived it. Memorable quotes “Ask a lot of questions and give your subordinates some ownership over how decisions are made. They didn't get stupid overnight when you got a white shirt. They're still the good people they were before.” — Kelly Grayson “Leadership isn't a title, it's not a reward, it's a responsibility.  It’s a verb, not a noun, and you have to be able to show your leadership every day.” — Chris Cebollero “Leadership's not about perfection. It's about showing up every day and trying to get better. It's being present in the moment. You show up for your people, you help them be their very best, and you never stop learning how to lead better.” — Kelly Grayson Rate & review Inside EMS Enjoying the show? Contact the Inside EMS team at  [email protected] to share ideas, suggestions and feedback, or let us know if you’d like to join us as a guest.

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