The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast

Listener discretion is advised.

Mike reflects on the podcast's six-year journey and the post-holiday return to routine. He shares his New Year's resolutions, including protecting PTO and avoiding workplace drama. A believer in prehospital ultrasound, he debunks myths about spinal immobilization and the need for proximity over prehospital blood products. Celebrating the shift towards prehospital blood use, he critiques the 2025 AHA updates and advises on handling toxic work cultures. Tune in for practical tips and insights into the complexities of EMS!

Mike kicks off with holiday reflections and the new Stanley tumbler. He previews an intriguing discussion on medetomidine withdrawal. The podcast dives into Tiger Connect's role in improving STEMI communication and the surprising link between flu and heart issues. Mike shares insights on EKG interpretation and the importance of recognizing culprit arteries. A thought-provoking opinion piece argues that OB calls warrant advanced life support. He wraps up by addressing listener income questions and encourages engagement through social media.

The host reflects on the year's podcast journey and thanks supporters, touching on his upcoming speaking engagements. A deep dive into capnography reveals its strengths in monitoring ventilation, despite some surprising pitfalls. Concerns about rising drug adulterants like medetomidine replacing xylazine in fentanyl highlight significant withdrawal issues, prompting a warning for EMS about life-threatening situations. The episode wraps with a chilling personal experience involving a confused patient during transport.

Mike discusses a key trial comparing ketamine and etomidate for intubation, revealing the risks of hemodynamic collapse with ketamine. He critiques slow RSI policy adoption in Pennsylvania and underscores the need for better pre-intubation resuscitation strategies. A surprising study highlights the overuse of helicopter transport for trauma patients, driven by profit motives. He tackles the myth of albuterol causing flash pulmonary edema and shares wisdom for new EMTs on managing pressure in emergency situations.

Listener discretion is advised.

Mike dives into the intricacies of managing atrial fibrillation, emphasizing fluid support over traditional rate control in certain patients. He shares engaging case studies, including one involving a septic patient and a debate on wide complex tachycardia. The conversation expands to the implications of amiodarone in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and the role of rapid AF in triggering dangerous ventricular arrhythmias. Alongside these medical discussions, Mike humorously critiques AI's influence in content creation and highlights the importance of mental health.

Dive into the fascinating world of Tactical Emergency Medical Services with insights from PrepMedic. Discover how he began his journey with SWAT medics and the differences in team structures. The discussion covers high-risk calls in rural versus urban settings, the complexities of organization and funding, and the importance of medics' specialized roles. They debate the pros and cons of arming medics, the utility of dedicated vehicles, and evolving medical kit strategies. This engaging chat unveils the critical integration of medics within tactical teams.

In a lively discussion, Mike reflects on working during Thanksgiving, highlighting a notably quiet shift. He revisits pressing safety concerns in helicopter emergency medical services, arguing for improved transparency and better training. Mike critiques the industry’s pressures leading to accidents, comparing U.S. crash rates to international standards. He passionately advocates for strict safety protocols while discussing the impact of student training and professionalism in the field. In a call for reform, he emphasizes the importance of using chest straps and critiques the ineffectiveness of C-collars.

In this discussion, Dr. Peter Antevy, an expert in pre-hospital resuscitation, and Dr. Mark Piehl, specialized in pediatric trauma, delve into critical topics in pediatric emergency care. They reveal that pre-hospital blood transfusions can significantly lower trauma mortality in children, emphasizing evidence from recent studies. They also debate the pros and cons of whole blood versus component therapy and tackle concerns about transfusion safety. Their insights encourage EMS clinicians to challenge existing protocols based on emerging data.