Prolonged Field Care Podcast

This interview with Aryna, a tactical medic with extensive experience in Ukraine, explores the rapid evolution of battlefield medicine amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Topics include changes in medic training, gear, drone warfare, blood transfusions, and prolonged field care. This podcast was recorded in partnership with Leleka Foundation, an American-Ukrainian charitable initiative committed...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Noel discusses the complexities and challenges of maritime medicine, emphasizing the importance of training, knowledge, and operational flexibility. He shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the necessity of effective communication and integration with host nation partners. Noel advocates for a focus...

In this raw, no-BS conversation, PFC Podcast host Dennis sits down with Justin Ball — licensed clinical social worker, former Green Beret, and one of the most insightful voices on military mental health — to unpack the often-ignored second war. Justin brings both battlefield experience and clinical expertise, while Dennis shares unfiltered war stories and hard-earned lessons. They draw on Homer’s...

This presentation was recorded during SOMSA '25. Register now to get your spot for SOMSA '26. https://specialoperationsmedicine.org/soma-2026/ This conversation highlights a harrowing experience of combat medics during a mission, detailing the challenges faced during a life-threatening incident. The speakers share their personal accounts of injury, rescue, and the critical medical response...

This podcast was recorded in partnership with Leleka Foundation, an American-Ukrainian charitable initiative committed to helping frontline medics in Ukraine save lives. This project creates a vital platform for Ukrainian frontline medics to share firsthand trauma care experience from the battlefield with their American counterparts, strengthening knowledge exchange.  Discover key insights on medi...

This conversation focuses on the implementation of a cold blood protocol for military training, emphasizing the importance of whole blood transfusions in preventing deaths from hemorrhagic shock. The discussion covers the logistics of blood availability, the challenges of storage and transportation, and the establishment of a pilot program for blood donation. The speakers highlight the collaborati...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis interviews Andre Cap, a retired Colonel of the US Army and expert in combat casualty care. They discuss the innovative technology behind spray-dried plasma, its importance in military and civilian medicine, and the regulatory pathways it must navigate. Andre explains the manufacturing process, the safety measures in place, and the potential for this techn...

The conversation revolves around a complex trauma case involving a 26-year-old male who suffered severe injuries from a live round during a training exercise. The discussion covers the patient's initial assessment, the challenges faced during his treatment, the surgical interventions performed, and the lessons learned from the case. The speakers emphasize the importance of timely interventions...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Jesse Tafoya, a Senior Strategic Medical Planner at the US Department of State, discusses the complexities of medical planning within the State Department, particularly in crisis situations. He shares insights on the challenges of reopening embassies, the importance of evaluating local healthcare infrastructure, and the necessity of building relationships with l...

This episode features an in-depth discussion on the use of vasopressors in critical care, focusing on epinephrine, norepinephrine, and fluid resuscitation strategies in sepsis and anaphylaxis. Learn about drug choices, side effects, and practical tips for managing shock in austere settings. Key topics Vasopressor selection in shock management Epinephrine's versatility and side effects Fluid re...

In this episode of the PFC podcast, Dennis and Doug discuss the critical importance of analog monitoring in intensive care settings. They explore how healthcare professionals can effectively assess patients without relying solely on digital tools, emphasizing the need for hands-on skills and clinical judgment. The conversation covers various aspects of patient assessment, including hemodynamic sta...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, the discussion revolves around pneumothorax and hemothorax, focusing on their definitions, causes, and management strategies. The speakers delve into the implications of tension physiology, the importance of patient assessment, and the role of ultrasound in diagnosis. They also explore the complexities of trauma management, emphasizing the need for vigilance and...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and a panel of experts discuss the intricacies of facial trauma management, focusing on the use of anesthesia and nerve blocks. They explore various techniques for achieving effective pain control in trauma situations, emphasizing the importance of understanding facial anatomy and the application of dental blocks beyond traditional uses. The conversation...

In this episode of the PFC podcast, Dennis interviews Steve, an active duty member of the US Army and a critical care fellow at the University of Colorado Denver. They discuss a recent study on calcium levels in trauma patients, exploring the effects of trauma on calcium derangements, the challenges of conducting trauma research, and the importance of pre-hospital care. Steve shares insights on th...

In this episode of the PFC podcast, Dennis and Rick discuss the current state of medic training, improvements made since previous presentations, challenges faced by medics, and the standards and grading criteria that have been established. They delve into common failures observed during training, the selection and training of instructors, and potential future adjustments to the training programs....

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Justin discuss the critical aspects of analgesia and sedation in emergency medical situations. They explore common mistakes made by medics, particularly in drug selection and administration, and emphasize the importance of understanding medications like ketamine. The conversation highlights the necessity of having a solid plan for drug administration,...

In this episode of the PFC podcast, we delve into the critical topic of facial trauma, particularly in the context of modern combat scenarios. Andrew, a program director in oral and maxillofacial surgery, shares his expertise on managing severe facial injuries, emphasizing the importance of pre-hospital care and the need for effective training in jaw wiring techniques. Burjor, with his extensive b...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dr. Lee Cancio, a surgeon and director of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center, discusses the complexities of white phosphorus burns. He explains the mechanisms of injury, initial care, and the urgency of treatment for such injuries. The conversation delves into surgical interventions, wound management, and the importance of monitoring patien...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Emily Johnston delve into the critical topic of cold weather medicine, specifically focusing on the newly submitted Cold Weather Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the Arctic. Emily emphasizes the importance of these guidelines as adjuncts to existing protocols, highlighting the unique challenges posed by extreme cold environments, such as the con...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dr. DeMello discusses the complexities of managing burn injuries in a pre-hospital setting. He emphasizes the importance of following established guidelines, understanding the nuances of fluid resuscitation, and the critical role of pain management. The conversation also covers the indications for escharotomy, the significance of cooling burns, and common mistak...

In this episode, Dennis interviews Jeremy Pamplin, a retired Colonel and program manager at DARPA, who discusses his extensive experience in military medicine and the development of advanced medical technologies. The conversation focuses on the DARPA Triage Challenge, which aims to improve casualty identification and triage using robotics and AI. Jeremy explains the integration of autonomous syste...

This podcast episode explores the innovative use of maggot therapy in wound care, discussing its historical context, benefits, and applications in various medical settings, particularly in austere environments. The conversation highlights the importance of maggot therapy as a cost-effective and efficient treatment option, especially in the face of rising antimicrobial resistance. The speakers emph...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and John Dominguez discuss the complexities of combat medicine, the challenges faced by military medics, and the importance of professionalizing the medical force. They explore the balance between training and operational readiness, the role of paramedic certification, and the lessons learned from historical conflicts. The conversation emphasizes the need...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Rick Kelly, a retired 18 Delta Special Forces medic, shares insights into the unique challenges faced by Special Forces medics in austere environments. He discusses the critical role these medics play in providing life-saving surgical procedures in areas lacking medical infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of understanding their training and operational co...

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis speaks with Rima, a combat medic in Ukraine, about the critical aspects of unit safety, tactical training, and the challenges faced in medical evacuations during an active war zone. Rima shares insights on the importance of personnel over equipment, the necessity of telemedicine, and the realities of training medics under resource constraints. The convers...