The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast

Al (Sal) Cortez, President and CEO of the International School of Tactical Medicine and longtime tactical/EMS leader, discusses ISTM’s shift to short, scenario-driven training. He covers integrating core medical skills with tactics, rescue task force concepts, training civilians for bleeding control, and the importance of hands-on, realistic drills and experienced instructors.

A conversational check-in covering a personal health scare and new wearable tech for heart monitoring. Regional debates over prehospital blood policies and air medical expansion spark political talk. Practical gear chat highlights everyday carry, shears, holsters, and favorite flashlights. Creative work advice covers handling critique and staying resilient as a content creator.

Listener discretion is advised.

A late Sunday coffee chat covers tactical medicine topics like TEMS, rescue task forces, and casualty collection points. The speaker defends why civilian TEMS medics should remain unarmed and shares three practical reasons. There is praise for Sacramento firefighter-paramedics and leadership lessons drawn from sports culture. Clinical questions about stable versus unstable patients and when to cardiovert are raised without detailed medical advice.

Listener discretion is advised.

Casual talk about how winter storms have strained EMS and even led to a bizarre SWAT parking standoff. A big win: statewide approval of prehospital blood and praise for advocates who pushed through backlash. Frustration with costly recertification and the pros and cons of two-tier EMS systems. Practical reminders on when to perform 12-lead ECGs and lessons from a missed STEMI.

Listener discretion is advised.

A wide-ranging conversation about when lights and sirens are truly needed and the data on emergency vehicle crashes. They debate dispatch scripts, overtriage, and how culture and metrics shape risky response habits. A dramatic helicopter crash report and a paramedic’s improvised landing raise questions about training and inconsistent risk tolerance.

Sal Cortez, a veteran paramedic and law enforcement officer with 40+ years including flight medic and executive protection work. He recounts responding to major active shooter incidents, building tactical medical programs, and evolving training at the International School of Tactical Medicine. Conversations cover realistic scenario training, integrating medicine with shooting drills, Rescue Task Force challenges, and modernizing tactical med courses.

Casual catchup and gear talk including boots and pants. A free critical care conference in Letts, Indiana is announced. Deep dive into EKG debates with focus on practical priorities for medics. Discussion of ondansetron, when ALS is warranted, and using inhaled isopropyl alcohol for nausea. A warning about protocol stagnation and the need for continuous QA and improvement.