Medic Materials Podcast

In this episode of the Medic Materials Podcast, we take a deep dive into the long term mental and physical effects of chronic stress exposure in EMS and first responder culture. Topics discussed include: The role cortisol and adrenaline play in EMS survival physiology How chronic stress changes the brain and nervous system over time Burnout, PTSD, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and compassion...

HEMS—aka Helicopter EMS—gets talked about in EMS like it’s some mythical level-up. The aircraft, the gear, the crews… yeah, we all know the vibe. When flight walks in, heads turn. But what’s actually behind the hype? In this episode of the Medic Materials Podcast, we finally go all in on HEMS. Our own Emily teams up with special guest Steve to break down what air medical really looks like—from the...

Some patients don’t crash all at once, they decline while providers stay comfortable. In this episode, we feature Status Paramedicus, and the dangerous space where protocol adherence turns into hesitation, and comfort replaces clinical aggression. When respiratory patients are circling the drain, the difference between doing something and doing the right thing matters. We dig into the decision poi...

A motorcycle rider goes down in a serious, almost puzzling crash—and from the moment EMS arrives, the signs of internal bleeding are there. The problem? What happens next (and what doesn’t) sparks a deep dive worth having. In this episode, we break down how bleeding is identified in trauma patients, where providers sometimes hesitate or miss opportunities, and how those decisions impact outcomes....

Every EMS provider is familiar with the tongue-in-cheek acronym EMS: Earn Money Sleeping. This playful jab highlights a pervasive issue within the profession—widespread laziness that has reached alarming levels. We uncover the harsh reality of this laziness epidemic, exploring its root causes and telltale signs when a provider succumbs to the "lazy bug." We also offer practical solutions for both...

We make our return with a crazy call where police lose their suspect and gain a huge headache. Severe trauma, airway compromise, and massive foul ups with scene management are only a few of the troubles these crew face. Oh and a special appearance from Jess Turek (Flight RN, Flight AEMT-P)! Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC, AHA), Emily (Flight RN, EMT, AHA), Phil Foundation (NY AEMT-P), Maha Butchie...

We consistently see the same teaching habits by the same instructors that are holding onto their past glory. Never striving to get out of their own self built rut. In the follow up to our last episode "Stuck In The Mud" we discuss ways to spice up the classroom, engage adult students, understand the psychology and neurology of education and learning and so much more. his is the final part of a two...

Ever wonder why EMS education is stagnant, bland, unoriginal & can't seem to prepare students for the taking an EMS job? We discuss the toils of EMS education and the lack of vision within the classroom. Many of us struggled to get through class, and felt completely unprepared to take a job in the field. We consistently see the same teaching habits by the same instructors that are holding onto the...

A string of strange patient interactions are the source of today's call. Our crew today disregards the basics, but somehow makes it to the hospital without disaster. We discuss a systems RSI protocols as well as facts about a budding overdose culture. Hear from Mike Turek (AEMT-P, CIC), Emily Yates (Flight RN, EMT-B) & Maha Butch (AEMT-P).  Get CE credit here: https://medicmaterialscmeacademy.thin...

After seeing a recent JEMS article we had to discuss the idea of an armed EMS provider. This is a can of worms that if opened gives us more questions then answers. We tackle trust and training, need vs desire, agency or individual, cost and legal, and many other subjects in this hot button topic. What is your opinion? Should EMS providers be armed for their protection and the protection of their p...

We review a fairly benign call today that has the panel completely stumped! Gerard dives into his past a bit and gives a great lesson on plant life. Oh! And Gerard and the Maha have some strong thoughts on this EMS crews lack of professionalism and capacity to fulfill their job description. Hear from Mike (NYS AEMT-p, CIC), Gerard (NC AEMT-P) & the Maha Butchie (NYS AEMT-P).  Get CE credit here: h...

Ever have one of those shifts where  nothing seems to go right? Today's Karen found out the hard way that sometimes you must overlook your patients behavior & ask yourself why are they behaving like that. Facts on this case are still being investigated. All commentary is our own & not based on the facts of this case. Joined by Mike (NYS AEMT-P, CIC), Gerard (NC AEMT-P) & Kelly (Clinical Coordinato...

Oh what a way to start the fourth year of the show! This crew scrambles but never actually accomplishes much on their terrifying scene. A few simple oversights and some actual training could have gone a long way to help this mother and infant. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Gerard (NC AEMT-P) & Emily (NY EMT-B, RN).   Get CE credit here: https://medicmaterialscmeacademy.thinkific.com/ Podcast Li...

A paramedic faces a patient with significant shortness of breath and no help! The symptoms are clear, & we can all see the natural progression of this disease process. How does this medic fare by themselves? Listen & find out! Oh! We also get the Phil Foundation on his soapbox! Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Phil Foundation (NY AEMT-P) & Kelly (Clinical Coordinator). Intro Music: http://bit.ly/3...

What a way to celebrate our 75th episode! The crew reviews a fairly straightforward call that dangles on the fence between an Alpha & Bravo priority. We discuss cardiac rhythms and the PROPER treatment of an EMT student. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Maha Butchie (NY AEMT-P), Phil Foundation (NY AEMT-P) & Gerard (NC AEMT-P). Intro Music: http://bit.ly/3wIaSbA Outro Music: https://rb.gy/tais0a ...

A BLS crew responds to a chest pain, but chose to stop at a local fast food restaurant on their way there. We discuss the news article, the fallout & more importantly the comments sections of multiple sources, where fellow providers defend & condemn the actions of these providers. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Maha Butchie (NY AEMT-P), Phil Foundation (NY AEMT-P) & Emily (NY EMTB & RN). Intro M...

Maybe this patient would have just been better off in the hands of a BLS provider. We are all pretty critical of this call, a passive medic and a crew that believes they hear nothing when it just isn't adding up. Sometimes we all just wish we could eat a taco. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Maha Butchie (NY AEMT-P), Phil Foundation (NY AEMT-P) & Gerard (NC AEMT-P). Intro Music: http://bit.ly/3wI...

When all you hope is that a simple syncopal episode is just that SIMPLE, and it turns out it never is. However these providers today are fans of the show and take an idea we showcased to help determine what really is causing the issues with their patient. This is one of the cooler episodes that hits close to all of us! Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Maha Butchie (NY AEMT-P), & Gerard (NC AEMT-P)...

Warning! Get your Kleenex ready for this one. We say goodbye to a dear friend of ours and a fan favorite of the show. Then we discuss a topic never before heard on the show. Warning the topic we discuss can be upsetting for some people. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Maha Butchie (NY AEMT-P), Phil (NY AEMT-P), Kelsey (NY AEMT-P) & Gerard (NC AEMT-P). Intro Music: http://bit.ly/3wIaSbA Outro Musi...

The Maha does not disappoint with a call he brings to the table. For the first time in a long time this patient steers the panel in a very wrong direction. Yet even being majorly wrong the clues were starring us all in the face. Sometimes the Zebra is a Zebra and other times the Zebra is a Leopard. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Maha Butchie (NY AEMT-P), & Gerard (NC AEMT-P). Intro Music: http:/...

Issues arise with Airway, Breathing & Circulation with an unresponsive patient. The crew must first discover the root cause of the patient's downfall, but soon make miscalculations. No matter what the crew finds or does they are fighting an uphill battle with their very critical patient. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Phil (NY AEMT-P), Emily (NY EMT-B / RN) & Gerard (NC AEMT-P). Intro Music: htt...

The two EMTs on todays call are quick to recognize the problem at hand on this weeks call review. But they are quicker to render aggressive medication treatments to help this patient who without them surely would have suffered from respiratory arrest. Pharmacology is the backbone of todays episode! Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Phil (NY AEMT-P), Emily (NY EMT-B / RN) & Butch (NY AEMT-P). Intro...

The Geriatric population is one of our most frequent patient. In knowing that we had to dedicate an entire episodes discussion to the elderly patient. Med errors, communication and respect and a deep dive into how important asking the right questions and not neglecting your assessments are all discussed in this episode. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Phil (NY AEMT-P), Gerard (NC AEMT-P) & Butch...

The special challenge patient at times can be difficult for the EMS provider. In this episode we discuss some of the more frequent special challenge patients, including the obese patient, LVAD patient, and MR patient. Learn techniques to help in the care of these patients as well as a deep dive into how the LVAD device works. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC), Phil (NY AEMT-P), & Butch (NY AEMT-P)....

A female is complaining of symptoms that point directly to a cardiac issue. Yet the paramedic deems her not worth their time. These generalized symptoms may come back to haunt providers. We talk abdominal pain, nausea and other GI complaints in this episode. Hear from Mike (NY AEMT-P, CIC),  Emily (NY EMT-B, RN), Phil (NY AEMT-P), Gerard (NC AEMT-P) & Butch (NY AEMT-P). Intro Music: http://bit.ly/...