The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast

The audio is not studio-crisp beautiful. This was the first outdoor podcast I've ever recorded. Thanks to the crew for Heavy Lies the Helmet for coming onto the show and debriefing the Crash and Learn Conference. Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised. @medicmagill and @ordinaryopsmedic come on to the podcast and discuss a topic I know absolutely nothing about: community paramedicine.

Explore the vital advantages of video laryngoscopy and its role in modern intubation practices. Discover humorous and frustrating tales of dealing with incompetent supervisors in high-stakes environments. Learn about the importance of maintaining professionalism and clear communication during stressful medical calls. Dive into the tension between technology and personal patient interactions in emergency care, emphasizing the need for human connection while navigating modern demands.

Kayla Katt, an experienced EMS provider with over 11 years in the field, shares her wisdom on precepting and the realities facing new EMS professionals. She discusses the evolving methods of training, advocating for empathy over authoritarianism. Pressure in emergency medicine, especially during airway management, is explored, emphasizing patient safety. Katt highlights the importance of building a supportive environment for new recruits and delves into the unique challenges of flight medicine, where adaptability is essential.

Delve into the complexities of diagnosing ventricular tachycardia, where misdiagnoses can have serious implications. The discussion emphasizes the need for emergency providers to confidently identify VTAC in symptomatic patients. Listeners learn about historical perspectives and current algorithms for differentiating wide complex tachycardias. It’s a deep dive into critical decision-making that can save lives, making it a must-listen for those in the medical field.

The termination of the National EMS Advisory Council stirs discussion on its effectiveness in EMS advocacy. New paramedics share personal stories about managing anxiety during high-pressure calls, emphasizing the need for calm and coping strategies. The importance of critical interventions in saving lives is highlighted, along with the ongoing necessity for education. The benefits of attending medical conferences, particularly ResusX, are explored, showcasing how they foster networking and professional growth for EMTs and paramedics.

In this insightful discussion, Dan Rauh, a seasoned paramedic and medical director, shares his vast experience in emergency and critical care. He dives into the complexities of diagnosing overlapping physical and neurological pain, highlighting the emotional hurdles in the process. Dan also emphasizes the vital skills of scene management for new paramedics and addresses the challenges of toxic leadership within organizations. Their anticipation for an upcoming conference on drowning patients adds an exciting layer to this engaging conversation.

Listener discretion is advised. References: Cook AM, Morgan Jones G, Hawryluk GWJ, Mailloux P, McLaughlin D, Papangelou A, Samuel S, Tokumaru S, Venkatasubramanian C, Zacko C, Zimmermann LL, Hirsch K, Shutter L. Guidelines for the Acute Treatment of Cerebral Edema in Neurocritical Care Patients. Neurocrit Care. 2020 Jun;32(3):647-666. doi: 10.1007/s12028-020-00959-7. PMID: 32227294; PMCID: PMC7272487. Desai A, Damani R. Hyperosmolar therapy: A century of treating cerebral edema. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2021 Jul;206:106704. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106704. Epub 2021 May 20. PMID: 34045110. Mount CA, Das JM. Cerebral Perfusion Pressure. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537271/ Susanto M, Riantri I. Optimal Dose and Concentration of Hypertonic Saline in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review. Medeni Med J. 2022 Jun 23;37(2):203-211. doi: 10.4274/MMJ.galenos.2022.75725. PMID: 35735001; PMCID: PMC9234368.

Listener discretion is advised. Jake Potter from Scope Education and Josh Cooke from The Alert Medic One Podcast joined me for an agendaless discussion.