FASTReplay: Double Feature - Brittney Bernardoni + Elizabeth Garcher

This week’s FAST Replay is a double feature! Two talks that tackle high-stakes medicine from completely different angles, but with the same underlying theme: thinking differently when the usual approach isn’t enough.

First up, Brittany Bernardoni takes us into the rapidly evolving world of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR). From the limitations of conventional CPR to the growing use of ECMO in cardiac arrest, this session explores what may become the next major leap forward in resuscitation care. Brittany walks through the physiology, patient selection, timing, and the real-world programs already bringing ECPR directly to patients in the field.

Then, Elizabeth Garcher dives into one of the most intimidating areas in prehospital and critical care medicine: pregnancy-related emergencies. This talk focuses on “errors of omission.”  The treatments clinicians hesitate to give because of fear of harming the baby, even when delaying care, can seriously harm both patients. From airway changes and hypertensive emergencies to eclampsia, DKA, blood products, and seizure management, this session is packed with practical pearls and critical reminders for managing pregnant patients in the field.

Two completely different topics. Two incredibly practical talks.
One common thread: understanding the physiology well enough to act decisively when it matters most.