"No One Dies From Pain" An Unhelpful EMS-ism with Radu Venter

In this episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we explore Radu Venter’s powerful piece “No One Dies From Pain”, written under his pseudonym The Paramedic Philosopher. The article challenges one of the most common sayings in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the idea that “no one dies from pain.”

While the phrase may have originated from a focus on rapid transport and prioritising life-saving interventions, Venter argues that this mindset risks neglecting an essential part of paramedic practice: the management of human suffering.

Pain is not just a symptom; it’s a physiological stressor that can worsen shock, elevate heart rate, and impede recovery. By dismissing it, we not only overlook patient comfort but also potentially compromise outcomes. Venter calls for a more compassionate, patient-centred approach that recognises pain management as integral to modern paramedicine.

In this discussion, we unpack how our attitudes toward pain reflect broader cultural values within EMS and consider how clinicians can balance speed with empathy. Join us as we challenge traditional thinking, explore evidence behind pain’s physiological impact, and discuss practical ways to ensure comfort and care coexist in the pre-hospital environment.

Read the full article here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-103748534