Outside the Box: A Fire & EMS Podcast

In this episode of Outside the Box , we dig into the art and the struggle of giving and receiving feedback. Leaders in fire and EMS know it is uncomfortable, but it is also essential for fostering growth, building trust, and cultivating a strong culture. From “you should know better” frustrations to timely, specific coaching, we unpack how feedback can build people up instead of breaking them down...

In this episode of Outside the Box, host Kevin sits down with Ret. Chief Ken Prillaman, a veteran fire service leader with nearly five decades of experience, to discuss something every leader needs to master: seizing opportunities. From career growth to training, mentorship, and seizing the right moment to step up, this conversation explores why saying “yes” matters and how leaders can model oppor...

In this episode of Outside the Box, we explore how Fire and EMS Leaders can intentionally shape workplace culture. Whether you lead a station, a shift, or a department, culture is happening whether you design it or not. Our host, Kevin, sits down with returning guest and school principal Kathy, whose leadership in education mirrors many of the same challenges faced in fire and EMS, including limit...

Welcome to this essential episode of "Outside the Box," where host Kevin and guest Ashley Stakes, a licensed professional counselor and former paramedic, explore the psychological impacts of traumatic stress experienced by first responders. Discover how traumatic events can overwhelm the coping capacities of those in emergency services, leading to conditions such as PTSD. In this informa...

In this episode of "Outside the Box," join host Kevin and guest Ashley Stakes, a licensed professional counselor and former paramedic, as they discuss the critical issue of burnout among first responders.  Ashley brings her dual expertise to illuminate the psychological and physiological impacts of stress and burnout in high-stress professions, particularly those in emergency services. T...

In this episode of Outside the Box, Kevin is joined again by Mary to discuss the power of resilience and facing life's toughest challenges. Mary shares her journey from overcoming cancer twice and a difficult childhood to becoming a successful businesswoman. Despite her introverted nature and anxiety, she transitioned from a technical oil and gas role to a thriving real estate career. Mary em...

In this episode of "Outside the Box," Kevin and guest Kathie Leverence explore the essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills in educational and emergency service contexts. With her rich experience in public education, Kathie discusses the parallels between teaching strategies for children and adults, highlighting the importance of developing these skills for functional decis...

In this episode of "Outside the Box," Kevin and his guest, Mary, reflect on the universal significance of first impressions and how they matter across vastly different industries. The conversation reveals the undeniable impact of presenting oneself with intention and professionalism, regardless of the field. We explore the parallels between selling homes and providing emergency services,...

Welcome to another episode of "Outside the Box," the EMS podcast dedicated to enhancing clinical performance and more in Sugar Land and beyond. This week, we delve into a critical skill set every EMS provider and leader must master: making decisions. Not just any decisions, but the right ones, swiftly and confidently, even when the stakes are high and the information is limited. Battalio...

In this episode of 'Outside the Box,' we go into the critical topics of setting standards, expectations, and embracing failure. Joining us is Adriel Ramirez, a former Marine and a local CrossFit gym owner, who shares his valuable perspectives and experiences. Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of establishing clear standards and their role in personal and professional...

Welcome to another episode of the Outside the Box - EMS podcast, where we delve into the fascinating intersection of journalism and the Fire/EMS industry, bringing unique insights from the world of news reporting. Our special guest, Keith Garvin, an experienced local television news anchor and reporter, shares his journey from behind the camera to the frontline of news reporting. Dive into a discu...

Welcome back to "Outside the Box," the podcast that sharpens your clinical judgment. In this episode, our host, Kevin, delves into the crucial topic of the Shock Index with special guest Dr. Amanda Humphreys, the Sugar Land Fire Department Medical Director. With her rich ground and air EMS background, Amanda brings an insightful perspective on this pivotal tool in patient assessment. Tun...

In this episode of "Outside the Box," we sit down with Firefighter/ Paramedic Michael Dimitri to discuss the MARCH acronym — a critical approach for trauma patient assessment. Michael guides us through the life-saving techniques for handling massive bleeding, airway management, respiratory support, circulation, and hypothermia, along with the crucial identification of head injuries. List...

In the latest episode of "Outside the Box," join Chief Kevin Leverence and Firefighter/ Paramedic Sean Lackey as they cover the complexities of asthma and other reactive airway diseases. They discuss the efficacy and application of treatments like Albuterol, Magnesium, and the emerging use of Ketamine in respiratory emergencies. Through the conversation, they shed light on some common qu...

In this episode of "Outside the Box," Kevin dives into the world of effective education and training methodologies. Joined by education expert Jennifer Perry, they explore the intricacies of group instruction, the transformation to more personalized teaching approaches, and the pivotal role of instructional coaches. From her 22 years of teaching experience, Perry emphasizes the importanc...

Welcome to another episode of "Outside the Box", where we delve into vital skills that can enhance clinical performance in the EMS sector. Join our host as he engages with Marcello Perez, a veteran in customer service with over 20 years in the insurance industry, in a candid discussion on the art of effective communication. In this episode, Marcello shares wisdom from his career, drawing...

Welcome to another episode of "Outside the Box," our EMS podcast designed to elevate clinical performance within Sugarland. Chief Atripaldi, an accomplished combat medic, paramedic, firefighter, and educator, joins us as our distinguished guest in this installment. He places the spotlight on a fundamental yet often underestimated subject: ventilation.     We explore the world of patient...

Welcome to the latest installment of Outside the Box! In today's episode, we're venturing beyond the clinical horizon into the dynamic realm of coaching, cuing, and feedback. Come along as we delve into proven techniques aimed at enriching our communication and bolstering support, not just within training and education but also on a personal level. Whether you're an experienced fiel...

In this episode of "Outside the Box," we dive into the crucial topic of hemorrhage control, exploring various life-saving techniques, including the drug Tranexamic Acid (TXA). Join us as we examine various hemorrhage control strategies utilized by pre-hospital teams. From tourniquets and hemostatic agents to quick-thinking interventions, we uncover the essential tools that can make all t...

In this episode of "Outside the Box," we delve into the EMS Education and Training world. Returning to our studio is the esteemed Jay Barrera, a passionate advocate for continuous learning, teaching, and mentoring. Jay shares his invaluable insights and embracing a "crawl, walk, run, sprint" approach. He highlights his ever-evolving teaching philosophy, dedicated to nurturing t...

In this episode of "Outside the Box," we explore the world of prehospital stroke care. Learn about the latest advancements and best practices EMS providers employ to enhance stroke response. We share insights on early recognition, rapid assessments, the latest stroke scales, and seamless transitions to specialized stroke centers. Sources: https://tinyurl.com/kskepd63 Disclaimer: The Suga...

In this episode of "Outside the Box," we explore the incredible impact of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) within the Sugar Land Fire Department. This episode focuses on POCUS in cardiac assessments and "FAST" exams for traumatic injuries. Discover how POCUS enhances cardiac assessments, aids in rapid diagnosis, and guides critical interventions. Hear firsthand accounts from ou...

In this thought-provoking episode of "Outside the Box," we delve into crucial critical thinking skills in EMS.  We sit down with an inspiring teacher who explains her transformative approach to fostering critical thinking skills in students. Discover how she guides learners from a foundation of basic recall to empowering them to analyze and contemplate topics in analytical and abstract w...

In this episode of “Outside the Box,” we dive into an essential topic in EMS: Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP). Join us as we explore the significant impact of PEEP on respiratory management in the prehospital setting.  Our expert guest shares their extensive knowledge and practical insights on using PEEP to improve oxygenation and ventilation in patients experiencing respiratory distress....

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of prehospital care for congestive heart failure (CHF). Join us as we explore the intricacies of managing this common cardiac condition in the field of EMS. Our guest, Captain Michael Bell, shares his knowledge, experience, and practical insights on effectively assessing and treating CHF patients before they reach the hospital doors.  Discover the l...