If It Goes by Air, Should a Doctor Not Be There? Pre-Hospital Care with Dr. Mike Christian

May 13, 2025

Dr. Mike Christian, a specialist in pre-hospital and critical care medicine with a military background, shares valuable insights on transforming emergency services in Canada. He discusses his unconventional journey from paramedic to physician, highlights the integration of AI in emergency dispatch, and contrasts Canada’s pre-hospital care with global models like the UK's. Mike emphasizes the critical role of physician-led teams, mentorship, and emerging technologies in improving patient outcomes and survival rates during emergencies.

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ANECDOTE

Mike's Unconventional Medical Path

Mike Christian started his career as a paramedic with no initial plans to become a doctor.
His exposure to critical care during hospital rotations inspired him to pursue internal medicine and critical care training.

INSIGHT

Evolving Canadian Pre-Hospital Care

Canadian HEMS currently involves fewer physicians compared to global models, but this is evolving.
Bringing critical care outside hospital walls to pre-hospital settings is crucial for improving mortality.

ADVICE

Improve Dispatch with AI and Clinicians

Utilize clinicians in dispatch to improve triage precision and individualization.
Incorporate AI and video technology, like the GoodSAM app, to enhance early identification and response.

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Dr. Mike Christian is a critical care and pre-hospital medicine specialist with extensive experience in aeromedical transport and military medicine. His diverse career spans work as a paramedic, internal medicine and critical care training, and roles as a flight physician with London Air Ambulance and the Canadian military. He is a leading advocate for integrating interprofessional teams and advancing physician-led pre-hospital care in Canada. Currently, he is involved in the MedResponse BC initiative, which aims to enhance critical care delivery outside of hospitals.

In this episode, Peter and Leon sit down with Mike to explore the evolving landscape of pre-hospital critical care. From his unconventional career path to the integration of AI in emergency response, he shares insights on improving outcomes in pre-hospital medicine and the lessons Canada can learn from global high-performance systems.

Key Topics & Chapters

Mike’s Career Journey

From paramedic to physician: an unconventional path

Military and aviation medicine experience
The shift to leadership in pre-hospital care

Pre-Hospital Critical Care: Canada vs. The World

How Canada’s HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) differs from global models
Lessons from the UK, Australia, and Denmark
The role of AI in dispatch and triage

The Role of Physicians in Pre-Hospital Medicine

The evolving need for physician-led care outside the hospital
The impact of interprofessional teams on survival rates
Mentorship, coaching, and cultural change in pre-hospital systems

The Role of the Physician in Pre Hospital Medicine.

AI-powered dispatch and GoodSAM app in improving CPR and trauma response
Scoop and run vs. stay and play: What actually saves lives?
Addressing Canada’s geographical challenges with rural and remote care

Future Directions in Pre-Hospital Medicine

The rise of telemedicine and virtual ICUs
Developing triage physicians and training programs
MedResponse BC: A new model for interprofessional pre-hospital care

Keywords:

Pre-hospital care, critical care transport, HEMS, trauma response, paramedics, physician-led pre-hospital medicine, telemedicine, AI in emergency medicine, interprofessional teams, rural emergency care, GoodSAM app, London Air Ambulance, MedResponse BC.

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