RideAlong: EMT School

Bones break. Joints dislocate. Ligaments stretch and tear. In this episode, Mike, Max, and Jonathan dive into musculoskeletal trauma, one of the most common injury categories EMS providers encounter. The crew breaks down the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, the difference between fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations, and how EMTs assess and stabilize extremity injuries in the field....

Burn injuries are some of the most dramatic trauma patients EMS providers encounter — but the real danger often isn’t the burn itself. In this episode, we break down the different types of burns, how to assess burn severity, and why airway compromise, fluid loss, and infection risk make burn patients especially dangerous. Mike, Max, and Jonathan walk through thermal, chemical, and electrical burns...

Soft tissue injuries are some of the most common calls in EMS — and some of the easiest to underestimate. In this episode, we break down contusions, abrasions, lacerations, hematomas, crush injuries, and bleeding control, focusing on what’s happening beneath the surface and why even “minor” trauma can become serious if reassessment is ignored. Mike and Max walk through DCAP-BTLS, distraction injur...

In this special interview episode of the RideAlong: EMT School Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. John Croushorn, Emergency Medicine Physician, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Compression Works, and co-inventor of the AAJT-S. Dr. Croushorn sits down with us to discuss the AAJT-S (Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet – Stabilized) — what it is, why it was developed, and where it fits into the...

The trauma block starts now. In this episode, we dive into one of the most time-critical topics in EMS: bleeding and shock. From arterial spurters to sneaky internal hemorrhage, we break down how blood loss kills, how shock develops, and what we can actually do about it in the field. We revisit the lethal trauma triad, talk tourniquets (including junctional applications), and walk through why “tre...

Chris & Spencer - EMS 20/20 (RideAlong Interview) In this special interview episode of the RideAlong: EMT School Podcast, we sit down with Chris Pfingsten and Spencer Oliver, the hosts of the hit podcast EMS 20/20. Chris and Spencer join us to talk about their individual paths into EMS, how their friendship evolved through paramedic school, and how those experiences ultimately shaped the creat...

I Don’t Need Your Civil Warfarin – Hematologic & Renal Emergencies Some of the most dangerous emergencies in EMS don’t look dramatic when you first arrive on scene. In this episode, we dive into hematologic and renal emergencies — the “quiet” problems involving blood, kidneys, dialysis, and anticoagulants that can deteriorate rapidly if key details are missed. Mike, Max, and Jonathan break dow...

Step Back From That Ledge My Friend (Psychiatric Emergencies) Psychiatric and behavioral emergencies are some of the most complex, emotionally charged calls EMS providers will ever respond to. In this episode, we take a deep dive into mental health crises, suicide, and behavioral emergencies—why they’re becoming more common, how they present in the field, and how EMTs can approach these patients s...

Let The Fear Take the Wheel and Steer (Graduation & EVOC) In this episode, we’re officially on the other side of EMT school — but not without one last gut check. We break down our EVOC experience, what we thought emergency vehicle operations would be versus what actually matters, and why “due regard” isn’t just a legal phrase — it’s a mindset. We also reflect on graduation, testing anxiety, an...

ROSC You Like a Hurricane (Resuscitation) Resuscitation is one of the heaviest and most misunderstood topics in EMS. In this episode, we break down what resuscitation really looks like in the prehospital environment — from recognizing cardiac arrest and organizing a response, to understanding rhythms, defibrillation, and when transport versus continued on-scene care makes sense. We also talk candi...

Four Quadrant Death Hunch (Abdominal Emergencies) Abdominal pain is one of the most common — and most underestimated — complaints in EMS. In this episode, we break down abdominal emergencies through anatomy, assessment, and red flags that should immediately raise concern. From peritonitis and appendicitis to abdominal aortic aneurysms and referred pain, we focus on what EMTs need to recognize earl...

The Bitter Taste of Poison (Poisonings & Overdose) Poisonings and overdoses are some of the most common — and most dangerous — calls EMS providers will face. In this episode, we break down how poisons affect the body, the different routes of exposure, and how EMTs recognize and manage overdose emergencies in the field. We also talk toxic syndromes, scene safety, and why airway management and r...

Get Down with the Sepsis (Infectious Disease & Sepsis) In this episode of RideAlong: EMT School, Mike and Jonathan break down infectious diseases and sepsis, focusing on what sepsis actually is, why early recognition matters, and how EMTs play a critical role in patient outcomes. Real-world transport experience, historical context, and EMS-focused decision-making come together to turn a dense...

Rash Against the Machine (Allergic Reactions) Allergies are common. Anaphylaxis is not — and knowing the difference can save a life. In this episode, we break down allergic reactions from mild rashes to full-blown anaphylaxis, why symptoms can escalate fast, and what EMTs need to recognize and act on immediately. From histamine release to airway compromise, epi administration, and transport priori...

Stroke Me, Stroke Me (Stroke and Seizures) This week, the crew dives into one of the most time-critical topics in EMS: strokes. Building on the previous episode’s discussion of altered mental status and diabetic emergencies, Mike, Max, and Jonathon break down stroke recognition, seizures, syncope, and why rapid identification and transport are the most important interventions EMTs can provide. Fro...

Pour Some Sugar Down Me (Diabetic Emergencies and Altered Mental Status) This week, the crew breaks down diabetic emergencies — from hypo vs. hyperglycemia to how sugar levels affect brain function and behavior. Mike, Max, and Jonathon dive into altered mental status, the role of insulin and glucose, and how EMTs assess and manage diabetic patients in the field. -----------------------------------...

Kickstart My Heart (Cardiac Emergencies) This week, the crew digs into one of the most intense and time-critical topics in EMT school — cardiac emergencies. From understanding how the heart actually feeds itself to recognizing the early signs of ACS, Mike, Max, and Jonathan break down what really happens during a heart attack and why seconds matter more than anything. They cover STEMI vs. NSTEMI,...

I'm Down to One Last Breath (Respiratory Emergencies) This week, the crew breaks down respiratory emergencies — from dyspnea and lung sounds to asthma, COPD, pneumonia, CHF, and pulmonary embolisms. Mike, Max, and Jonathan explore what respiratory distress looks like, how to differentiate major causes, and the tools EMTs use to treat breathing problems in the field. -------------------------------...

I Don't Try the Drugs, but the Drugs Try Me (Pharmacology) This week, the crew dives into one of the most information-heavy chapters in EMT school — Pharmacology. From oxygen to naloxone, Mike, Max, and Jonathan break down the EMT’s limited but life-saving drug box and the rules that govern every dose. They explore the difference between indications and contraindications, introduce the Five Rights...

The Write Stuff (Reassessment, Communication & Documentation) This week, the crew digs into one of the least glamorous but most critical parts of EMS: communication and documentation. From giving clear radio reports to writing legal patient charts, Mike, Max, and Jonathan explore how every word you say (and every note you write) can impact patient care and your career. They break down what mak...

Steven Norman - Indianapolis Paramedic (RideAlong Interview) In this bonus interview, Mike sits down with Steve Norman, Paramedic and District Medic with Indianapolis EMS, for an inspiring look at mentorship, growth, and the journey from small-town EMT to big-city provider. From his first ride-along in West Virginia to coordinating a multi-agency Complex Coordinated Terror Attack (CCTA) workshop a...

The interview of a lifetime (Secondary Assessments) This week, the crew dives into one of the most conversation-driven parts of EMT work — the secondary assessment. After handling life threats in the primary survey, now it’s all about communication, connection, and collecting details that actually tell a patient’s story. Jonathan returns from night shift to rejoin Mike and Max as they break down O...

RideAlong Update (EMS World Expo) In this special bonus episode, Mike goes solo to bring you an inside look at EMS World Expo 2025 in Indianapolis — the largest gathering of EMS professionals, innovators, and educators in the world. From the classroom to the show floor, Mike shares what it’s like to step into the deep end of the EMS industry before even finishing EMT school — the lessons, the surp...

First Impressions Matter (Scene Size-Up, Primary Assessment) In EMS, your first impression can literally save a life. This week, the crew breaks down the scene size-up and primary assessment—the first steps every EMT takes when arriving at an emergency. From assessing safety and forming that “doorway impression” to managing life threats with the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), Mike and Max...

Proof of Life (Vital Signs) Vital signs are the foundation of every patient assessment—and this week, the crew gets hands-on with the “proof of life.” Mike and Max break down the five core vitals (pulse, respirations, skin, pupils, and blood pressure), plus the “bonus” indicators like oxygen saturation and blood glucose. With Jonathan out this week, the guys tackle class solo—sharing lessons from...