EMSconnect On Shift

Send us Fan Mail In this must-listen episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we dive into one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of EMS care: pediatric patients. Joining us are Dr. Karina Dierks, a seasoned pediatric emergency physician, and Sheri Worle, an experienced flight nurse with a deep passion for pediatric transport. Together, they share invaluable insights into best practices for ass...

Send us Fan Mail Burn injuries are among the most complex and critical cases EMS providers encounter. This course equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills to assess, treat, and manage burn patients in the prehospital setting. Topics include identifying burn types and severities, understanding the pathophysiology of burns, rapid airway and fluid management, and strategies to mini...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we tackle a question that often goes unspoken in high-stakes professions: "Can you train too hard for a job that could cost you your life?" Nic joins us to explore the delicate balance between intense training, physical limits, and mental toughness. He shares insights into his mindset, setting high standards, and how he stays motivated to push himself co...

Send us Fan Mail In this gripping episode, we dive into the world of the EMS detective—those first responders who don't just stabilize patients, but also play a crucial role in piecing together the puzzle of emergencies. From uncovering hidden medical conditions to identifying signs of foul play, EMS providers often find themselves investigating the unknown. Whether it’s spotting subtle clues...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into the critical topic of chest and abdominal trauma, essential knowledge for all EMS providers. Join us as we explore the mechanisms of injury, key assessment techniques, and life-saving interventions. We'll discuss common conditions such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and abdominal injuries, highlighting the importance of rapid assessment and tr...

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the Dunning-Kruger Effect—a cognitive bias that causes individuals to overestimate their own knowledge and abilities while undervaluing those of others. We’ve all encountered that new firefighter or EMS provider who seems full of confidence but struggles to deliver results. They can be tough to work with! But here’s the kicker: you mig...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into "Seen Safety." Yes that is the wrong version, of "scene" that is intentional! We’ve all learned the mantra "BSI, scene safe," treating it like a checkbox to tick off. While we generally avoid unsafe scenes, how often do we evaluate the situation ourselves? Are you practicing habits on every call that ensure your safety? W...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to become the hero of the scene when it comes to heartbeats and bellyaches? This high-energy, hands-on course is designed to transform EMS providers into masters of managing cardiac and abdominal emergencies. From chest pain to that "something doesn’t feel right" abdomen, we’ll walk (or sprint!) through the must-know signs, symptoms, and quick-thinking strategies t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the growing interest in ketamine as a potential treatment for various mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Join us as we speak with the team from Illume Wellbeing, who explain how ketamine works in the brain, why it's different from traditional antidepressants, and what patients can expect from a ketamine treatment ses...

Send us Fan Mail In this riveting episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we dive deep into the critical concepts of Crew Resource Management (CRM) and the Culture of Safety within Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Join us as we explore how these essential practices are transforming the way emergency medical teams operate, ensuring not only effective patient care but also a safer working environment for f...

Send us Fan Mail  In this eye-opening episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we tackle a critical topic in emergency medical care: managing allergies and anaphylaxis in the field. Join us as we explore life-saving strategies and protocols that can make a significant difference when responding to allergic reactions and severe anaphylactic emergencies.  https://www.facebook.com/EMSconnectonline https://www...

Send us Fan Mail We’ve all heard the phrase in EMS: “Well, we’ve always done it this way.” And we’ve all faced the frustration of implementing change in our agencies. But where do we start? What research should we rely on, and is it even accurate? Join Dr. Ryan and Dr. Ken as they cover Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM/EBP). This lecture will empower you to understand the studies and stacks of papers...

Send us Fan Mail  "The A$$hole in the Room" is a podcast that tackles the often uncomfortable yet relatable topic of dealing with difficult people, particularly those who exhibit challenging or abrasive behaviors in various settings. The episodes aim to provide EMS providers with insights and strategies for managing interactions with such individuals, whether in personal relationships, w...

Send us Fan Mail "Broken Keys" is a comprehensive course designed to equip EMS professionals with the essential tools and strategies to effectively manage diabetic emergencies in the field. From recognizing the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia to implementing rapid intervention protocols, this course covers everything you need to know to navigate diabetic emergencies...

Send us Fan Mail The epic showdown, EMS vs Opioids. Dr. Stanton covers all the way from the street use of opioids to the medical benefits. He also takes aim at routine treatments given to overdoses and cautions you on some overuse of Naloxone.   Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, our esteemed medical directors showcase their wealth of knowledge and experience, addressing a diverse range of topics that span from traditional practices to cutting-edge advancements in medical research. From questioning conventional approaches to exploring the forefront of innovation, our experts navigate the full spectrum of healthcare discussions, providing y...

Send us Fan Mail EMSconnect On Shift Host Shaun Pitts engages in a compelling conversation with author David Givot, delving into his transformative book, "Sirens, Lights, and Lawyers." David Givot, a seasoned EMS Defense lawyer with a background as a paramedic, offers an enlightening and refreshingly candid perspective for EMS providers at all career levels. "Sirens, Lights, and Law...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Dierks sit down and breaks up the clogs about CHF management, and what EMS providers can do to help these patients. Also on this episode, he navigates the twist, turns, and blockages with encountering LVAD devices in the field!  Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail Get ready to dive into the world of obstetric and gynecological emergencies with a healthy dose of humor! This course is designed to equip EMS professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to handle situations where storks are nowhere to be found. From unexpected meconium mishaps to surprise labor parties, we've got you covered! Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Socia...

Send us Fan Mail So, this may be a first! Shaun sits down with the fire educators of EMSconnect and their WIVES! So what does that mean for you? Grab your spouse, and listen to this one together. This is not therapy, but I hear from two great couples who have lived through what this job does to families and made it work!   Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https:...

Send us Fan Mail We've all heard the saying, "If it's icky, sticky, brown, and not yours, don't touch it." But let's face reality, in EMS, we often don't have the luxury of choice. Patients deteriorate, wound dressings must be changed, and sick individuals call 9-1-1. We administer airway adjuncts and medications that increase our exposure to aerosolized particle...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Are you Altered? Hypothermia Has Become Cool, Right?" we dive deep into the critical topic of hypothermia management within the realm of EMS. Join us as we explore the intricacies of identifying, assessing, and treating hypothermic patients in the field. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail Well, this one sure caught our attention. Shaun Pitts and Dr. Travis Dierks dive into the recent article published in The New Yorker: "The Hidden Harms of CPR" by Sunita Puri. This raises the ethical question, should EMS be doing CPR on patients that are VERY unlikely to survive? We know that all patients have the right to refuse care, and on the flip side, have the righ...

Send us Fan Mail Drop the Narcan! Are you sure this is the right medication and the right time? And let's get real, not every overdose gets Narcan. Join Dr. Dierks talking about ALL kinds of overdoses, poisonings, and toxicological emergencies!  Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail Thought biases, also known as cognitive biases, refer to systematic errors in thinking that can influence our decision-making processes and judgments. Understanding these biases is essential for EMS professionals as it helps in recognizing and mitigating potential errors in critical situations. Understanding these biases can help EMS professionals be more aware of their own thinki...