EMSconnect On Shift

Send us Fan Mail EMS training is designed to build competence, but it often fails to prepare providers for the chaos, complexity, and human side of real-world calls. In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we break down insights from EMS1’s reader response article: https://www.ems1.com/ems-training-and-education/ems1-readers-respond-whats-the-biggest-gap-between-training-and-real-world-calls and b...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we sit down with Zac — a firefighter/EMT with both volunteer and career experience — to explore what it truly takes to serve at a high standard in the fire and EMS world. From his early days on the rig to navigating the chaos of high-stakes calls, Zac shares how faith has guided him, grounded him, and helped him stay resilient on shift. We...

Send us Fan Mail Why are so many EMS providers exhausted—even when they “sleep”? Why does stress feel constant, recovery impossible, and burnout unavoidable? In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we’re joined by Haley Scellick, ARNP from First Responder Health and Wellness to break down what’s really happening inside the bodies of first responders. We dive into chronic fatigue, cortisol dysregu...

Send us Fan Mail Poisonings and overdoses are a growing portion of EMS calls, and rapid recognition can mean the difference between life and death. Toxicology 101 is designed to give BLS providers a practical, field-focused approach to identifying and managing common toxidromes. This course breaks down the five core toxidromes, common substances involved, key assessment findings, and critical BLS...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we sit down with Patrick Pianezza, former Paramedic and Writer of the film Code 3, for an honest, inside look at telling EMS stories from someone who has actually lived them. Patrick shares how his time on the streets shaped the characters, calls, and emotional weight of Code 3, why authenticity matters when portraying EMS on screen, and how...

Send us Fan Mail Join Shaun Pitts on EMSconnect On Shift as he sits down with Dr. Travis Dierks for an essential deep dive into ECG interpretation. Whether you’re an EMT, paramedic, or just looking to strengthen your cardiac knowledge, this episode breaks down rhythm strips and ECG fundamentals in a clear, practical way. Dr. Dierks shares expert tips for identifying key patterns, avoiding common p...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we sit down with Ian—a seasoned paramedic and flight clinician whose journey started with Ada County Paramedics back in 2012. After earning his paramedic certification in 2014, Ian set his sights on the sky, launching his flight career in 2018. Since then, he’s flown with several programs, spending four years with Air Idaho Rescue in Driggs...

Send us Fan Mail In this essential pre-clinical briefing, veteran educator and field provider Shaun Pitts breaks down the mindset, expectations, and professional habits every EMT student needs before stepping onto an ambulance or walking into a clinical site. This episode is designed to be listened to before your first ride-along and revisited before every shift throughout your training.  Shaun la...

Send us Fan Mail The geriatric population is one of the fastest-growing patient groups EMS providers will encounter, and caring for these individuals requires unique knowledge and skills. Prehospital Care for the Aging Population equips EMS professionals with the tools to recognize, assess, and manage the complex needs of older adults in the prehospital setting. This course explores age-related ph...

Send us Fan Mail Seizures don’t follow the rules—and in the prehospital setting, neither can you. Join Dr. Maika Dang, Emergency Medicine Physician and EMS Medical Director, as he unpacks the unpredictable world of seizure emergencies in this dynamic and engaging webinar. From subtle partial seizures to full-blown status epilepticus, EMS providers are often the first on scene during some of the mo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , Quinn dives deep into one of the most common and critical calls in prehospital care: respiratory emergencies . From asthma and COPD to CHF and pneumonia, Quinn breaks down the “Big 4” respiratory issues every EMS provider encounters and explores how to assess, treat, and manage these patients at the BLS level. Join us as we review key anato...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , Shaun Pitts dives deep into one of the most common—and most challenging—calls in EMS: abdominal pain . From appendicitis to pancreatitis, this discussion explores the anatomy, physiology, and assessment strategies behind those mysterious belly aches that can quickly turn critical. You’ll learn how to distinguish between somatic, visceral, p...

Send us Fan Mail When the chest takes the hit, everything changes—fast. From blunt force impacts to penetrating trauma, thoracic injuries can rapidly become life-threatening, leaving EMS providers with seconds to act and no room for error. "Crushed, Collapsed, Compromised: Thoracic Trauma Triage" is a high-impact course designed to sharpen your skills in identifying, managing, and triagi...

Send us Fan Mail The record button was accidentally left on… and now you get a behind-the-scenes peek at what happens when we’re not being professional or sticking to the script! While we have to cut this from the official course on the website, it would be a crime not to share it here on the podcast. So sit back, relax, and “enjoy” the chaos and utter stupidity. If you are looking to waste 20 min...

Send us Fan Mail Head injuries are unpredictable, high-risk, and often present in ways that challenge even the most experienced EMT. In this fast-paced, BLS-focused podcast, we’ll break down what you must know when responding to patients with suspected head trauma. From altered mental status and pupil changes to airway protection and spinal considerations, this course will sharpen your assessment...

Send us Fan Mail When seconds count and the pressure is on, what really makes the difference in saving a life? In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we sit down with Dr. Eric Ernest—emergency physician, EMS medical director, and resuscitation nerd—to talk all things cardiac arrest . From high-performance CPR and mechanical devices to airway management and post-ROSC care, Dr. Ernest shares pract...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we’re unlocking the mysteries of the human airway. Designed for EMS professionals ready to level up, The Airway Code breaks down complex anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology into real-world street smarts. We’ll follow the journey of oxygen from the nose to the alveoli—and uncover what happens when that journey gets disrupted. You’ll lea...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift ,  to dive deep into one of the most critical aspects of prehospital care— airway management . From basic adjuncts to supraglottic airways, Shaun and Nathan review essential anatomy and physiology, break down the strengths and limitations of airway tools, and help providers understand when and why to use each option in the field.  Support the...

Send us Fan Mail I sat down with David Givot , author of Sirens, Lights, and Lawyers , on the EMSconnect On Shift Podcast , and let me tell you—this one’s a game-changer. This episode is a serious eye-opener about the legal blind spots in EMS. We’re not being taught enough, and David doesn’t hold back. Before you touch your next patient or write another narrative, you need to hear this . 🎧 Hit pl...

Send us Fan Mail Time is brain, and early recognition is key! Clots & Clues: Decoding Stroke in the Field is an essential course designed for EMS providers seeking to sharpen their assessment skills and improve patient outcomes in stroke emergencies. This course dives into the pathophysiology of stroke, critical prehospital assessment tools, and the latest treatment guidelines. Participants wi...

Send us Fan Mail The lecture covers altered mental status for EMTs, focusing on brain anatomy and causes like hypoglycemia, intoxication, and head injuries. It highlights the importance of assessing blood glucose levels, especially in diabetic patients and understanding vital signs in context. Treatment protocols include administering oral glucose or glucagon, with an emphasis on thorough assessme...

Send us Fan Mail In the ever-evolving world of prehospital care, understanding toxidromes and street drugs is essential for EMS providers. This dynamic course offers a comprehensive look into the effects, assessment, and trends of substance use from two distinct yet complementary perspectives. Join Dr. Ryan Stanton, a renowned emergency physician, as he dives into the physiological effects and cli...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , host Shaun Pitts sits down with Nathan Denison to break down the essentials of medical patient assessment for EMTs. From the initial scene size-up to the detailed secondary assessment, we cover the critical thinking and decision-making skills needed to recognize and manage medical conditions in the field. Whether you're new to EMS or a...

Send us Fan Mail Join Dr. Kai Sharbono, MD, in this dynamic and engaging EMS continuing education course that explores the latest field strategies for managing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Designed for EMS providers on the frontlines, this course combines cutting-edge science with practical, real-world techniques to help you make confident, life-saving decisions when seconds count. From rapid...

Send us Fan Mail Join Shaun Pitts and Nathan Denison of EMSconnect for this comprehensive course on the basics of trauma assessment for EMTs. Designed for new and experienced providers alike, this course equips participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to confidently evaluate and manage trauma patients in prehospital settings. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media &amp...