Pre-Hospital Care Podcast

In this session, we reflect on the experiences, challenges, and growth that define a career in Paramedicine. Paramedics have the privilege of caring for individuals during some of the most vulnerable and difficult moments of their lives—a privilege that carries profound meaning but also significant emotional demands. This episode explores the essence of resilience: what it truly means, whether our current definitions are sufficient, and how we can better frame it to support those working on the front lines of care. We also examine the cumulative impact of vicarious trauma, the toll of witnessing human suffering over time, and how these experiences shape those in the profession. Importantly, this conversation is not just about challenges—it’s about growth. We discuss the concept of post-traumatic growth, exploring how adversity and trauma can lead to profound personal transformation and a renewed sense of purpose. Guests Keir Rutherford and Lisa Burrell share their journeys, offering insights into the emotional landscape of emergency care. Happy new year from the PHCP and we will see you in 2025!

In this episode, we speak with Zoe Hitchcock, whose life took a dramatic turn 11 years ago in 2013. While walking along Oxford Street in London, Zoe experienced a cardiac arrest caused by a cardiac myopathy, resulting in ventricular fibrillation. That day, the saying "it takes a system to save a life" became strikingly evident. Zoe shares her firsthand account of the cardiac arrest, the events leading up to it, and how that moment became a pivotal turning point in her life. We explore what Zoe remembers from that day, the role her husband played in the circumstances leading her to Oxford Street, and the critical challenges faced by the pre-hospital team on the pavement. We’ll also discuss the involvement of the HEMS team, her transfer to St. Mary’s, and the recovery process that followed. Zoe reflects on how her perspective on life and family has shifted since that day and shares key take-home messages for listeners. This conversation highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of pre-hospital care systems in saving lives. For more insights, listen to Zoe’s original account in the linked episode: S02E01 - Zoe Hitchcock, Cardiac Arrest Survivor. This podcast is sponsored by PAX. Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range please click here: ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

As we wrap up 2024, this special year-in-review episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast feels particularly personal. It’s been a year full of challenges, breakthroughs, and moments that tested and redefined what staff can achieve. This episode isn’t just a summary of achievements or struggles—it’s about the real stories and the people behind them. From reflections to fresh approaches to training to the emotional toll on the workforce, 2024 has been a journey of resilience and adaptation. For us, this is a chance to celebrate the human side of pre-hospital care—the ingenuity, the teamwork, and the quiet but profound moments of care that often go unseen. It’s also a moment to acknowledge that while progress has been made, there’s still so much work to do. I hope this episode offers you a meaningful perspective on 2024 from the hosts at the PHCP.

In this episode, we explore the deeply personal and often overlooked journey of cardiac arrest recovery. Joining us is Paul Swindell, a cardiac arrest survivor, advocate, and co-founder of Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK.  In 2014, Paul’s life changed in an instant when he experienced a sudden cardiac arrest. While he was fortunate to survive, his recovery brought challenges that went beyond the physical. Today, we’ll delve into Paul’s experience, exploring the physical, emotional, and psychological hurdles he faced. We’ll discuss the role of pre-hospital care, gaps in support systems for survivors, and the mission of Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK to provide a sense of community for others navigating this journey. You can find their website here: https://suddencardiacarrestuk.org/ The 10 Years Together Event can be found here: https://suddencardiacarrestuk.org/10-years-together/ This podcast is sponsored by Wel Medical: Wel Medical, is a leading provider of life-saving medical equipment. Known for their cutting-edge defibrillators, including the widely trusted iPAD SP1, Wel Medical is dedicated to making emergency tools accessible in public spaces, schools, and businesses. Their defibrillators are designed for ease of use, with clear voice prompts and visual aids, empowering anyone to help in a cardiac emergency. Wel Medical also offers a comprehensive range of first aid supplies and provides expert training, ensuring that organizations are well-prepared for any emergency. With a strong focus on customer support, they are passionate about helping people feel confident in saving lives. Tune in to learn how Wel Medical is making a difference in emergency preparedness. For more information, visit welmedical.com and discover how you can make your environment and workplace safer today. This podcast is sponsored by PAX. Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range please click here: ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this episode, we explore Professor Will Broughton’s inaugural lecture, Beyond the Sirens: The Unique and Evolving Nature of Paramedicine. As the UK’s second-ever “Paramedic Chair,” Professor Broughton challenges the outdated perception of paramedics as mere “ambulance drivers,” instead highlighting the profession’s evolution into one of sophisticated clinical expertise. He discusses the broadening role of paramedics, from complex medical interventions to their increasing involvement in community health. His insights shed light on how paramedicine has progressed since the days of "urban mobile resuscitation" in 1976, and the future potential of the field. Tune in as Professor Broughton shares his journey from his early experiences with the Red Cross to founding the UK’s first student paramedic conference, and how his time with the London Ambulance Service prepared him for his roles in education and research. We also hear his thoughts on the shifting gender dynamics within paramedicine and how technology will shape its future. In a lighthearted moment, Professor Broughton recounts an unexpected New Year’s Eve shift where he found himself acting as an emergency plumber, illustrating the flexibility paramedics must now possess. Additionally, he reflects on the importance of asking, “What is our brand?” and the key research areas that will continue to propel Paramedicine forward.

In this conversation, we will examine the prevalence, causes, types and critical issues of violence against paramedics. Justin Mausz shares his insights on the growing prevalence of violence in the pre-hospital environment, examining the kinds of violence paramedics face, including verbal, physical, and emotional abuse. He highlights the contributing factors and offers practical strategies for mitigating these risks, drawing from his extensive research. We also explore how to protect paramedics while maintaining care delivery in high-risk environments​.   To do this I am joined by Dr Justin Mausz. Justin is an accomplished professional in paramedicine and healthcare research. He serves as a research scientist at the University of Toronto, with a focus on improving paramedic education and patient care systems. Justin’s research interests include clinical decision-making, prehospital care, and performance optimisation for emergency services. A dedicated academic, he contributes to advancing paramedicine by combining his practical experience as a former paramedic with rigorous scholarly research to drive improvements in healthcare delivery. His work has significantly impacted the academic and practical fields of pre-hospital care. You can find some of his research here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36928257/ This podcast is sponsored by PAX. Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range please click here: ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this episode, we're diving into the critical topic of major trauma networks in the UK. These networks have revolutionised trauma care, significantly improving patient outcomes since their inception. We'll explore the positives and challenges faced by these networks, with insights into their impact on patient survival rates, and the integration of advanced technologies.   To do this I am joined by Dr Ash Vasireddy, Ash is a Trauma Surgeon at King’s College Hospital. He is also works as a HEMS (Air Ambulance) Pre-hospital Care Doctor. As part of the trauma lead at Kings College Ash also ensures the MTCs function effectively from an Orthopaedic perspective and fosters relationships with network partners in facilitating orthopaedic trauma care.  Please find an informative review on Trauma Networks here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7732139/ This podcast is sponsored by PAX. Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range please click here: ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this episode, we will examine the fundamentals of training and education of high-performing teams. We discuss the role of real-world scenarios and high-fidelity training simulations in better-preparing trainees. We'll also discuss the role of high-fidelity simulation in enhancing the learning experience and the metrics used to evaluate training effectiveness. We will share strategies for continuously improving training programs and offer take-home points on harnessing those crucial one percent improvements in training.   To do this we have Dr. Clare Richmond with us. Clare is a Retrieval Specialist and the Director of Emergency Medicine Training at Sydney HEMS. She also serves as a State Retrieval Consultant for NSW Ambulance and as an Emergency Physician VMO at Royal Prince Alfred and Canterbury Hospitals. A graduate of Sydney University, Dr. Richmond trained in Emergency Medicine at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and completed a fellowship at the Sydney Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre. She has taught and worked in PHEM in diverse locations including Sydney, Alice Springs, and London. Clare mentions a number of resources in the interview, this is the podcast on debriefing that she mentions: https://debrief2learn.org/blended-approaches/ Sydney HEMS publish a debrief podcast that can be found here: https://sydneyhems.com/category/podcasts/ More can also be found here: https://sydneyhems.com/ Podcast Recommendation:  Join Steve Wood on the Tac Medic Whiskey Podcast. The Podcast is for up-to-date information on all things Tactical Medicine, Pre-Hospital Medicine and more. The podcast explores life-saving techniques, and real-world experiences, and discusses strategies for handling high-pressure situations. Whether you're a seasoned professional, an aspiring tac medic, or just curious about this critical field, this podcast offers expert insights, practical tips, and stories from the front lines. Listen here:  https://www.podbean.com/pu/pbblog-v4wd8-12cb369

This is the third and final part of the PTSD series looking at the empirically proven talking therapies. In this episode we examine CBT with Seth Gillihan. Seth J. Gillihan is a clinical psychologist, best-selling author, podcast host, and creator of the Think Act Be Online School. He specialises in mindfulness-centered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). In this episode, we define what CBT is, and examine anxiety both from its origins and common patterns. We also look at some of the fundamental components of CBT to offset anxiety and restoration of equilibrium. We speak about the power of being present and living a content life with uncertainty. We look at some of the cognitive distortions and thinking errors that can occur in our day-to-day lives and how we can address these. We finish by looking at some anecdotal experiences and cases from Seth’s perspective and what he's learnt as a consequence. We take the examples from Seth's new book: The CBT Deck for anxiety, rumination and & worry - where he gives 108 strategies to tackle the practical issues of worry. I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I enjoyed speaking with Seth as he is both insightful and engaging as a guest and author. Seth's new book can be found here: https://sethgillihan.com/books/the-cbt-deck-for-anxiety-rumination-worry/ More on Seth can be found here: https://sethgillihan.com/

In this conversation, we will examine the important and often overlooked aspect of paramedicine—caring for elderly patients in care homes. As the population ages, more and more paramedics are being called to care homes to respond to complex medical emergencies involving frail, elderly patients. These scenarios present unique clinical, ethical, and logistical challenges that demand specialised skills and approaches. In this episode, we'll be talking to Lance A. Slatton about the specific issues paramedics face in care homes, including effective communication with care staff, managing chronic conditions, and the ethical complexities surrounding end-of-life care. We'll also explore best practices and discuss how we can improve the pre-hospital experience for both paramedics and elderly patients in these settings. As the population ages, paramedics are increasingly called to these settings, facing unique challenges that demand specialised skills and approaches. In our discussion, we explored the specific issues paramedics encounter, such as effective communication with care staff, managing chronic conditions, and the ethical complexities of end-of-life care. Lance A. S. , the host of the Award-Winning podcast and YouTube show All Home Care Matters, shared invaluable insights based on his role as a senior case manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. His remarkable achievements, including being named a 50 under 50 for 2023 and recognition as the 'Top Influencer for Healthcare and Advocacy for 2024', underscore his expertise in the field. Together, we explored best practices to enhance the pre-hospital experience for paramedics and elderly patients in care home settings.