Back In Quarters

What do CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilators really do—and how do you know when to use each one in the field? In this episode of  Back in Quarters , Dustin Weber sits down with Thomas Krueger, critical care nurse and paramedic, to break down respiratory distress in a practical, street‑level way. They explore the difference between oxygenation failure and ventilation failure, why BiPAP is a game‑changer in...

This month on Back in Quarters , Dustin and Stephanie sit down with the St. Mary’s Stroke Team to uncover what really happens behind the scenes when a stroke patient hits the door—and why EMS is the spark that sets the whole system in motion. From FAST-ED scores to “glorified plumbers,” we explore how field impressions shape hospital pathways, why a 20‑gauge IV above the wrist can change everythin...

What happens when EMS errors meet empathy? In this season opener of Back in Quarters , we sit down with Dr. Aurora Lybeck and Stephanie Lehman to unpack Just Culture —a philosophy that’s more than a checkbox on a training sheet. From medication mishaps to near-miss celebrations, we explore how shifting from blame to curiosity can transform teams, improve patient safety, and even turn mistakes into...

Every EMS provider has  that  call they replay intheir head on the drive back to the station: the surprise needle stick, the bloody splash to the eye, the coughing mystery illness in the back of the rig. In this episode of  Back in Quarters , Dustin and Stephanie sit down with infectious disease physician  Dr. Amanda Carlson  and infection preventionist  Lauren Watson  to unpack what actually coun...

In this Back in Quarters episode, Dustin sits down with  Dr. Kacey Kronenfeld, MD , an EMS & Emergency Medicine physician, to tackle a spicy idea that makes new providers sweat: sometimes the safest, most effective move is… not moving. They break down the  art of intentional inaction —how to pause, reassess, and let physiology do some of the heavy lifting—without missing the moment when you  s...

Guest: Stephanie Lehmann, BSN, RN, NRP In this episode, Dustin Weber is joined by seasoned emergency nurse and paramedic Stephanie Lehmann, whose more than 23 years of EMS and ER experience bring a wealth of practical wisdom to the mic. Together, they explore the art of identifying critically ill patients from across the room —without relying on monitors or machines. From subtle visual cues to han...

In this episode of  Back In Quarters , we’re joined byDr. Nick Wleklinski to unpack the world of prehospital protocols. We explore what protocols really are, how they’re developed, and why they matter on the front lines of EMS. Whether you’re a new EMT or a seasoned medic, thisconversation sheds light on the clinical reasoning, collaboration, and challenges behind the guidelines we follow in the f...

In this episode of Back In Quarters, Dustin sits down with Chief Joe Pulvermacher and Lt. Rob Kunze of the Fitchburg Fire Department to discuss their pioneering peer support program.  The guests discuss the purpose of peer support, and how their agency provides it.  We learn about FFD's road to create their program, and their advice to others on starting their own. DISCLAIMER: This podca...

On the next episode of Back In Quarters, Dustin sits down with Chief Joe Pulvermacher and Lt. Rob Kunze of the Fitchburg Fire Department to discuss first responder mental health, well-being, and how to maintain it through a peer support program.

Today, as we arrive Back in Quarters, host Dustin Weber and Dr. Aurora Lybeck discuss ketamine, a medication that has become controversial after recent media attention in some high profile cases.  Dr. Lybeck will review the uses of ketamine for the dangerously agitated patient, and discuss why giving this mediation should be such a big deal to EMS providers.  We'll take an evidence based...

Dr. Aurora Lybeck sits down with host Dustin Weber to discuss Ketamine, a medication that has become controversial after recent media attention in some high profile cases.  Full episode available on November 1.

Dustin sits down with Dr. John Aguilar and get's to know this new EMS physician and fire fighter.  In a fun conversation we'll learn about Dr. Aguilar's background and what it means to be an EMS Fellowship trained physician.  We discuss how that training benefits the EMS community and can contribute to better EMS systems and care.  Plus, Dr. Aguilar talks about where he see's EMS in...

A preview of what's coming up as we arrive back in quarters in episode two of our podcast.

In this episode of Back in Quarters, Dustin & Dr. Kronenfeld discuss medical decision making capacity with Dr. Melanie Heniff.  Dr. Heniff is an emergency physician who is about to complete her studies in law school and brings a unique perspective to the conversation.  How do EMTs and Paramedics determine if a patient has the capacity to refuse medical care and transport?  What...

Check out this preview of our very first episode.  In episode one of Back in Quarters Dustin & Dr. Kronenfeld talk with Dr. Melanie Heniff, an emergency physician who is about to complete her studies in law school about medical decision making capacity.  This episode will cover the issues EMS providers and other first responders face when trying to determine if a patient has the capa...