Prolonged Field Care Podcast

Dennis and Josh discuss ventilator training on the PFC Podcast. Josh, a former ranger medic now working in a level one ICU, shares insights. They emphasize the importance of proper ventilation in the field and address common mistakes, like setting inappropriate rates that lead to patient agitation. Josh advises cautious opioid use, balancing sedation with patient needs. They delve into adjusting P...

Dennis and Doug discuss the fundamentals of ventilatory management in trauma cases. They emphasize the distinction between the need for an airway and the need for a ventilator. Patients requiring an airway may have issues like swelling or trauma obstructing their airway, while those needing a ventilator typically have respiratory failure. They explain the importance of monitoring compliance, tidal...

Dennis interviews Thomas Trust Have, a former Danish Special Forces operative turned doctor, discussing the challenges of providing medical care in Arctic environments. Thomas emphasizes the extreme conditions, highlighting a hypothetical scenario involving a special operations team enduring frigid temperatures and harsh winds. He underscores the importance of preparation, teamwork, and proper gea...

Dennis and Doug discuss the critical importance of effective team dynamics when dealing with critically injured patients. They highlight the challenges faced by medical teams who often work in silos, failing to communicate and coordinate efficiently. Doug, drawing from his experience at Baltimore Shock Trauma, emphasizes the value of well-organized roles and protocols in high-volume trauma facilit...

In today's episode, we're diving into the topic of tourniquet conversion. With conflicts happening globally, it's crucial to understand the difference between tourniquet conversion and replacement. Conversion means finding an alternative to control bleeding when the tourniquet is no longer needed. Replacement involves swapping a tourniquet for a more effective one. Conversion timing de...

Today, we're diving into the crucial topic of medical contingency planning. Evan and I discuss the importance of planning for medical emergencies in various scenarios, emphasizing that timely evacuation is often more effective than improvised solutions. We stress the significance of conducting thorough risk assessments, considering factors like location, climate, endemic diseases, and enemy th...

Dennis hosts a discussion with various military medics. They explain the role of Special Operations Forces (SOF) medics, emphasizing their training and responsibilities. Each guest represents different SOF units, such as Rangers, Navy SEALs, and Special Forces. They discuss the extensive training, medical capabilities, and the need for trust and support from other team members and medical professi...

In this podcast, Dennis discusses cold weather injuries, particularly frostbite and non-freezing cold injuries like trench foot. He highlights their historical significance, citing examples from military campaigns. Prevention is emphasized, including proper clothing, buddy checks, and staying hydrated. Dennis explains the stages of frostbite, the importance of rapid rewarming, and the risks of ref...

Dennis welcomes his friend Pac to discuss S-Ketamine. Pac, an anesthetist with extensive experience, shares insights on using S-Ketamine in various medical settings. He highlights its potential advantages, such as improved analgesia and reduced hallucinogenic effects in mid-doses. They discuss its use in austere environments, especially during military operations, and Pac emphasizes the importance...

Welcome back to the PFC Podcast. Mark and I chat about feeding the critically ill. Now, look, when you're done stitching folks up and pumping them with antibiotics, there's a point you'll need to feed them. Mark shed light on how crucial nutrition is, whether you're in a remote outpost or a high-end trauma center. Nutrition aids in healing, plain and simple. We dove into the nitty-...

Today, we've got Brett, a paramedic legend from El Paso County Search and Rescue. The mountains? Tricky business. One moment it's beach weather, the next it's a frigid winter wonderland – and that’s in the summer! Know what you're packing; it's not a weekend getaway! And those space blankets? Not the lifesavers you might think. Weight's your enemy up there, but be smart. An...

Today, on the PFC Podcast, we dived deep into altitude illness with the experienced Dr. Moon from Duke University and Patrick O'Boyle, a senior medical instructor. Dr. Moon's been to Everest Base Camp, studies altitude physiology, and works with the Navy. He shared that altitude illness, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and insomnia, is not fully understood. The dangerous forms li...

Here's the lowdown from the PFC Podcast episode 150 with Dennis and Alex, diving into ETCO2. Dennis chats with Alex, who's had a colorful career, from being a 68 Whiskey and a paramedic to now working with Massimo. They discuss the Emma capnograph, a handy gadget that monitors exhaled CO2. It's essential to keep everything sealed, or the readings might be off. The device runs on batter...

Bryce joined the podcast to share insights on training non-medics. Why bother? Well, Bryce emphasized the value of cross-training within teams. While it's not always easy to motivate folks to grasp medical tasks, it's a lifesaver. Literally. The key? Make it competitive! And remember, it's not just about the skills, but the trust built within the team. If teammates can handle tasks without needing...

This is part 2 of our 2.5 hour conversation with Aebhric OKelly the founder and Dean Emeritus of the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine (COROM) about Improvised medicine. I will be the first to say, as cool as it is to learn Improvised techniques, this is an emergency plan, not a way to lighten your ruck. We run through items for PFC when the gear starts running out. Thank you to Delta Develo...

Today, we're diving deep into pneumothorax and hemothorax. Pneumothorax can quickly become an emergency, especially when it's not about the pressure but the declining SPO2. But where's the line between tension and hemothoraces? Our ICU doc expert clarifies that it's all about the impaired blood return to the heart. When your preload drops, it affects the cardiac output. If vitals are stable, thoug...

Today's podcast is part one of a 2.5 hr chat with Aebhric OKelly the founder and Dean Emeritus of the College of Remote and Offshore Medicine (COROM) about Improvised medicine. I will be the first to say, as cool as it is to learn Improvised techniques, this is an emergency plan, not a way to lighten your ruck. We run through items for MARCH and principles to apply to this problem. This is onl...

Now, let's dive into treating tension pneumothorax. Joined by Andy Fisher, our favorite surgery resident and social media provocateur. We're talking IFAC essentials and the needle decompression debate. Andy's been stirring the pot, suggesting ditching Needle D's from the IFAC due to lack of official backing. The IFAC's about saving lives for non-medics, but is it hemorrhage, no...

Welcome back, folks! Had a chat with Ephraim Matto, who's seen the thick of things in Burma. He spent the last six months there, amidst security crises and medical emergencies. Burma's ethnic minorities are resisting subjugation, and the mountainous borders provide relative safe areas. Still, things are pretty dire. On top of internal conflicts, there's interference from the Russians a...

Let's cut to the chase about field blood transfusion. Dr. Andrew Cap came on the PFC Podcast to drop some knowledge. We talked about a high-stakes op in Afghanistan where two soldiers suffered intense injuries. First patient? Lost both legs and showed clear signs of shock. Second guy? Shot in the gut and leg, started strong but slowly faded out. Dr. Cap then gave us the rundown on resuscitatio...

Today's episode, is all about "Versed." We've got Kevin and Paul here, chatting about patient positioning and the intricacies of using Versed, a benzodiazepine, for sedation. They touch on how different patients react to the drug, emphasizing the art of medicine over strict calculations, especially in challenging scenarios. The podcast delves into dosing strategies, dealing with...

Today, I'm chatting with Colin about the new Prolonged Fieldcare Airway CPG. Basically, it's a guideline for managing airways in tough situations. Colin's a special ops medic and he helped put this thing together. CPGs are like gold for medics, so Google "PFC CPG" for info. Airway's vital, but sometimes overlooked. We're diving into the details, from procedures to training. It's not just about sti...

Welcome back to the PFC podcast! Today, it's Dennis here with Casper and Paul. We're discussing a leadership tool called the Tactical Timeout, which helps teams ensure everyone is on the same page. Casper, a NATO Special Operations combat medic, gives a shout-out to the timeout used in the medical community, ensuring correct procedures. Using the Tactical Timeout, they discuss the tactical...

Kevin schools me up on Ketamine and it's use in the field.

Hey there, it's Dennis from the Prolonged Field Care Podcast, episode 144. Today, Winston and I dive into pain pathways. You know, those definitions of pain like visceral or psychogenic, they've never helped me treat pain practically. So, understanding the nervous system might just boost my pain management skills. The pain pathway consists of transduction, where energy turns into nerve imp...