SRTC Rogue Medic Podcast

Ever wonder what a Position Task Book actually is and why so many emergency services and Search and Rescue organizations rely on them? In this episode, we break down the purpose of PTBs, how they are used to develop competent leaders and responders, and why demonstrating skills in the field is far more important than simply attending a class. We also take a closer look at the National Association...

Episode Description: In this episode, we take a hard look at a mindset that’s quietly undermining field training programs and the idea that an FTO’s job is just to sign off skills while the trainee manages everything else. That’s not how this works. Field Training Officers aren’t checklist managers. They are facilitators of the entire training process. From administrative oversight and documentati...

Episode Description: Getting the patch (or the job) isn’t about charm, scripted answers, or checking boxes. It’s about proving you’re ready to be trusted with the job, the team, and the mission. In this episode, we dive into what interview panels are really evaluating when they sit across from you. From mindset and preparation to professionalism under pressure, we unpack how candidates either earn...

Episode Description: In this episode, we dive into one of the most critical yet often overlooked skills in austere and wilderness medicine—patient packaging. Whether it’s a multi-system trauma on a scree slope, a hypothermic hiker deep in the backcountry, a caver with unstable chest trauma, or a mountain biker with a TBI, how you secure, protect, and move your patient can make or break their outco...

In this episode, we dive into the power of mentorship in EMS and why it matters now more than ever. Every provider remembers what it felt like starting out—unsure, overwhelmed, and hoping for someone to show them the ropes. This conversation challenges you to step into that role for the next generation: to be the mentor you once wished for. We’ll explore what makes an effective mentor, how to bala...

 Boots, Brains, and Backbone: The Weight of the FTO In this episode, we get real about one of the most critical — and often underappreciated — roles in EMS: the Field Training Officer. Whether you're training fresh recruits or shaping seasoned providers, being an FTO isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about leadership, mentorship, accountability, and setting the tone for a provider’s entir...

Venom and Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Ben Abo In this thrilling and insightful episode, we’re joined by the legendary Dr. Ben Abo — emergency physician, medical toxinologist, and venomous animal expert. We dive deep into the world of envenomation's, snakebite medicine, and the vital role of medical voice and advocacy in wilderness and austere environments. From his frontline experiences w...

Episode Title: “The Principles of Search: Art, Urgency, and Strategy in SAR” When a person goes missing, time is critical—and so is the strategy. In this episode, we break down seven foundational truths that every Search and Rescue professional, volunteer, or agency must understand to be effective in the field. From treating search as a true emergency to knowing when (and when not ) to deploy a gr...

In this episode, we delve into the Wilderness Medical Society’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Medical Direction of Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams. Join us as we explore the critical role of medical direction in SAR operations, uncover the development process behind these essential guidelines, and discuss their impact on the safety and effectiveness of SAR missions. In Part 1 we spoke with ex...

In this episode, we explore the use of "Kobayashi Maru" style no-win scenarios in medical training—situations designed to be unwinnable to teach providers about death, dying, and the emotional challenges of patient loss. Just like in Star Trek’s infamous test, these scenarios push medical professionals to confront the reality that sometimes, despite their best efforts, they cannot save e...

SAR Legalities: Navigating the Legal Landscape of Search and Rescue Search and Rescue (SAR) isn’t just about skill, courage, and determination—it’s also about understanding the legalities that can impact every mission. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the often-overlooked legal complexities of SAR operations. From liability and jurisdictional authority to the challenges of Good S...

Are you ready to elevate your paramedic skills to thrive in the most challenging environments? In this episode, we dive into the Wilderness Paramedic Upgrade Course —a dynamic hybrid program that blends hours of online learning with 30 hours of immersive, scenario-based training in the field. Join us as we unpack what makes this course a game-changer for paramedics looking to master wilderness res...

Part 3: "More Than Just Tools: Advanced Equipment for Rapid Extrication Teams – Part 2" In the second half of our equipment discussion, we explore the specialized and often overlooked gear that can make or break a wilderness rescue mission. From advanced communication systems to technical rope rescue tools, we examine how the right equipment can enhance the performance and safety of REM...

Part 2: "Gear Up: Essential Equipment for Rapid Extrication Teams – Part 1" What should a properly outfitted Rapid Extrication team carry into the wilderness? In this first part of our two-part discussion, we focus on the critical life-saving equipment that these teams need to operate efficiently in remote, hazardous environments. From medical gear to personal protective equipment, we’ll...

Part 1: "Breaking Down Rapid Extrication Modules: Team Composition & Standards" In this episode, we take a deep dive into the NWCG's Rapid Extrication Module (REM) document, analyzing what it lays out for team composition, roles, and responsibilities. We'll examine the standards—or lack thereof—set by the NWCG and why this failure to establish a wilderness rescue protocol l...

In this episode, we delve into the Wilderness Medical Society’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Medical Direction of Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams. Join us as we explore the critical role of medical direction in SAR operations, uncover the development process behind these essential guidelines, and discuss their impact on the safety and effectiveness of SAR missions. In Part 1 we speak with ex...

In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the critical topic of redundancy in rope rescue operations. Redundancy is was a fundamental principle in ensuring the safety and success of rescue missions, providing multiple layers of backup to mitigate risks. Our expert guests, Mike and Sean from EMS On The Mountain, join us to share their invaluable insights and experiences from the field. Together...

In today's episode, we tackle a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of trauma care: minimizing on-scene time to improve patient outcomes. Drawing from leading trauma courses like PHTLS, BTLS, and ITLS, we introduce a new acronym, MAST, designed to streamline your trauma care and response.  Scene time is a critical factor in trauma care, and studies consistently show that longer on-scene durat...

In the high-stakes world of Search and Rescue (SAR), the difference between a successful mission and a tragic outcome often hinges on one crucial factor: certification. Join us in this compelling episode as we unravel the significance of certifications in SAR and other rescue disciplines . What You’ll Discover: Safety First: Learn how certifications ensure the safety of both rescuers and victims,...

What is the Fireline Medical Technician Course? The Fireline Medical Technician Course is an intensive training program designed to equip emergency medical personnel with the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to provide medical care in the challenging and dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. This comprehensive course combines classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, and p...

In this eye-opening episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the unconventional yet profoundly impactful learning tool that is failure, particularly within the realms of wilderness medicine and rescue simulations. Unpack the nuanced benefits and explore the critical role that facing and overcoming failure plays in preparing individuals for the high-stakes challenges of real-world wilderness emerg...

In this episode, 'Pain Management Part Deux,' we continue our deep dive into the critical world of pain relief in emergency medicine. Join us as we explore some different strategies and new ideas from Jeff's perspective relating to  managing pain for patients in the most challenging environments. From cutting-edge pharmaceuticals to innovative non-pharmacological approaches, we cove...

In this episode we dive deep into some concepts in pain management and how we can be more effective with it in the field. Whether that be on the street or in the back country pain is the patients problem and we need to be able to effectively manage that. Listen in as we discuss this multifaceted topic!  Host - Jason "Big J" Tartalone & Jeff Kwiecien Guest: Charlie Machula If you have...

On this episode we are going to explore some concepts to help build proficiency in your training environments. The concept we want to explore with you all today is reflexive task training. Reflex task training, often used in various fields such as sports, cognitive therapy, and military training, focuses on enhancing an individual's reaction times and reflexes. Many different fields have star...

Welcome to Part 2 of the 60% provider. Part 1 was all Jason talking about the care and some safety aspects. In part to Jeff & Jason dive into some very different aspects and concepts of how being a 60% provider can be detrimental to the service and profession as a whole. We all want better conditions and we have seen and read all of the polls...........but are we doing what is needed to change...