Pre-Hospital Care Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Abigail Pamich, an experienced clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in therapy and mental health. Dr. Abigail runs a private practice in the UK, leading a team of 12 skilled therapists who offer remote therapy to clients nationally and internationally. She also has a growing YouTube channel where she explores different types of therapy, making me...

In this conversation, we will examine and explore the complex dynamics of teamwork in UK healthcare. Effective teamwork is crucial for delivering safe, high-quality patient care, yet numerous factors can either enable or hinder its success. In this episode, we delve into the findings of a comprehensive study commissioned by the General Medical Council (GMC), uncovering the key enablers, such as ef...

In this episode, we explore the history and development of ECG algorithms with a leading expert in the field. We'll cover the early days of ECG interpretation, the hurdles in creating automated algorithms, and how this essential technology has evolved. Our guest, with decades of experience, will discuss his role in establishing an ECG Core Laboratory for clinical trials and epidemiological studies...

In this conversation, we will examine the concept and skill of Front of Neck Access (FONA)and also the Suction Assisted Laryngoscopy and Airway Decontamination (SALAD) technique.  Join us as we dive into this high-stakes procedure with pre-hospital retrieval specialist Cliff Reid. We'll explore the indications, complications, and potential risks of FONA. Cliff will talk us through the innovative S...

In this conversation, we will examine the second part of the conversation with Krissie Stiles. In this episode, we look at the pain management, cooling, and safe transportation of burns. We then examine the complications, prevention strategies, coordination with burn centres, psychological impacts on patients and families, and continued care and rehabilitation in the conversation. We finally look...

In this conversation, we will explore the key aspects of burn care, beginning with the prevalence, causes, and classification of burn severities. We'll dive into understanding the physiological responses to burns and the potential complications that can arise, ranging from infections to organ failure. Emphasising evidence-based management, we will discuss the critical priorities in burn care, incl...

In this episode, we delve into the surge in alcohol consumption during the pandemic, the rise of digital health innovations in addiction treatment, and the crucial role of medication in supporting recovery. Alcohol misuse costs the NHS in England approximately £3.5 billion annually, covering hospital admissions, treatments, and A&E visits related to alcohol-related issues. With over 1.1 millio...

In this episode, we review the historical literature around spinal trauma, the actual prevalence of spinal trauma, and guidelines from RCSEd, NICE, NEXUS, and Canadian C spine rules. Critical Care Paramedic Jim Walmsley, with 19 years of experience at South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, joins us to discuss the cultural and clinical evolution of spinal immobilisation. Topics in...

In this conversation, we will examine the role of TRiM (Trauma Risk Management). This is a trauma-focused peer support system designed to assist individuals who have experienced traumatic or potentially traumatic events. In the UK Armed Forces, TRiM is based on the principle of "active monitoring," where trained non-medical personnel, known as TRiM Practitioners, keep a watchful eye on those expos...

Today, we're diving into a crucial tool that has recently been released by GWAAC for emergency personnel: the STAB5 mnemonic. This simple yet powerful framework is designed to guide staff through the complex and often chaotic scenarios of penetrating trauma they face in prehospital care. The STAB5 pneumonic helps ensure that nothing is overlooked within penetrating torso injury, and that care...

In this episode, we explore the evolution and achievements of Scotland's Emergency Medical Retrieval Service (EMRS), a lifeline for critically unwell patients in rural and remote areas. The EMRS, established in 2004, has transformed emergency care in Scotland, expanding its reach nationally in 2010 and opening a second base in Aberdeen in 2019. This service operates within the Scottish Special...

Part 3 in the Trauma Series: In this session, consultant neurosurgeon Mark Wilson discusses the fundamentals of head injury, focusing on brain injury, primary and secondary injury, venous drainage, and optimising pre-hospital management. Mark, a specialist in acute brain injury at Imperial College and an Air Ambulance doctor, shares insights from his extensive experience, including work overseas a...

In this podcast episode, we explore critical topics that significantly impact maternal and neonatal outcomes, with insights shared by Camella Main, a Consultant Midwife with over 12 years of experience. Camella has extensive experience in both hospital and pre-hospital settings, managing high-risk pregnancies and deliveries. She serves as the Lead Midwife for the London Ambulance Service and a Con...

This is the second in the four-part series on anatomical trauma with some of the world's leading experts in specialist pre-hospital care. In this episode, we are examining pelvic trauma. In this discussion, I speak with Ash Vasireddy, a fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon at King’s College Hospital, London, specialising in complex fractures. We explore the critical nature of pelvic t...

In this episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we chat with Alex Mair, a paramedic who qualified in 2022 after studying in Australia. Alex discusses her journey of starting her career in Australia and continuing it in the UK, far from her home and support systems, and goes on to share insights into the challenges she has faced both clinically and holistically. She highlights the key differences...

This is the first in the four-part series on anatomical trauma with some of the world's leading experts on specialist pre-hospital care. In today's episode, we delve into the complexities of assessing and treating thoracic injuries in pre-hospital care. We'll cover a range of topics, including pneumothorax, haemothorax, and flail chest. Our discussion will span the primary and secondar...

In today's episode, we'll explore some of the key resources around breaking bad news and innovative approaches to building compassionate systems and individuals. Our guest shares her insights on the latest trends and best practices in breaking bad news and treatment of PTSD. We also explore some of the key resources available on EmergencyResilience.com , including Alex's organic story,...

Tracy Nicholls, Chief Executive of the College of Paramedics, joins us in this episode. With over 25 years of experience, Tracy has significantly influenced the evolution of Paramedicine, from her early days as a paramedic to becoming the first registered paramedic on an NHS Trust Board of Directors. This conversation delves into the advancement of paramedicine over the last decade, the College of...

In this episode, we will speak with two distinguished guests who are leaders in critical care. Joining us from Cardiff University is Sharon Norman, the course lead for the Masters in Critical Care program at the Russell Group University. Sharon is a senior nurse by background and has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum and ensuring it meets the evolving demands within critical care. From a...

This episode continues our series on traumatic bleeding, focusing on the use of blood transfusions in prehospital settings. While blood transfusions are life-saving for haemorrhagic shock, evidence on prehospital blood use is mixed. Civilian and military studies show improved outcomes with prehospital blood, but the 2022 RePHILL trial found no superiority over sodium chloride for trauma-related he...

In this episode, we will look at the innovative Walking Blood Donor program as a collaborative effort between the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Blood Services. This program has revolutionised the way blood is provided to troops deployed in remote and austere environments. Today's guest will take us behind the scenes, explaining how troops are pre-screened and readied to become walking blo...

In this episode, we'll delve into the organisational culture of ambulance services; and the unwritten rules, beliefs, and behaviours that shape how we work. From KPIs to mission statements to crew room dynamics, to the disparate social work hours of pre-hospital care. We unpack the insights of what truly makes this unique workplace tick. Joining me is Carl Betts, a fellow co-host of the Pre-Ho...

In this episode, we examine the upcoming Paramedic Norwegian Acute Stroke Prehospital Project (ParaNASPP), a stepped wedge randomised trial evaluating the use of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for stroke screening by paramedics in ambulances. The study aims to enhance early stroke identification and triage, potentially improving outcomes through faster, more accurate prehos...

In this episode, we delve into the Ten Second Triage Tool (TST) to understand its performance in action. We explore the development and impact of the NHSE Major Incident Triage Tools (MITT & TST), designed to prioritise life-saving interventions quickly and effectively. Our guest provides insights into how these tools are transforming emergency response, training for responders, and real-world...

In this episode, we delve into The EXIT Project, an initiative founded by Tim Nutbeam and Rob Fenwick, aimed at improving spinal care, indications for spinal immobilisation and patient outcomes in road traffic incidents and other axial load injuries. The project employs scientific rigour and trial methodology to develop effective strategies for emergency medical services. By collaborating with a r...