Pre-Hospital Care Podcast

In this episode, we explore the challenges and contrasts of implementing innovation across the NHS and the private healthcare sector with expert guest Hannah Browning. As the founder of Beyond Excellence, Hannah brings a rare dual-sector insight, having held senior leadership roles in major private providers including Nuffield Health, Spire Healthcare, and HCA, as well as leading on transformative projects like the £120m development of KIMS Hospital.Innovation within the NHS often grapples with structural rigidity, limited funding, and bureaucratic hurdles, whereas the private sector—while faster-moving and more agile—must navigate investor expectations, profitability, and intense market competition. Hannah discusses how both sectors have unique strengths: the NHS offers scale, consistency, and population-wide data, while the private sector excels in responsiveness, customer-centric models, and speed of delivery.She reflects on what each can learn from the other: the NHS could benefit from private-sector pace and accountability, while the private sector might adopt some of the NHS’s commitment to equity and long-term population health outcomes. With real-world examples, including her strategic role in the acquisition and launch of Sevenoaks Medical Centre, Hannah brings a grounded, commercial, and compassionate view on how healthcare systems can evolve—together—for better patient care. You can read more of Hannah's consultancy business here: https://www.alphahealthpartners.co.ukhttps://www.getbide.co.uk

In this episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in trauma care, focusing on the AI Risk Prediction and Decision Support System (AI-TRiPS)—a cutting-edge AI tool designed to enhance decision-making in high-pressure trauma settings.AI-TRiPS is built on Bayesian networks for clinical decision support, bridging the gap between AI development and real-world application. But how do we ensure AI tools are accurate, usable, and trusted by frontline clinicians? We cover:🔹 How AI-TRiPS is being trialled in London’s Major Trauma Centres & Air Ambulance Services🔹 The impact of AI-TRiPS on clinician performance and cognitive load in trauma care🔹 Can AI-driven decision support improve outcomes in stroke, sepsis, and cardiac arrest?🔹 The challenges of integrating AI into pre-hospital care and the resuscitation bayJoin us as we discuss the potential of AI to revolutionise trauma care and what this means for the future of pre-hospital medicine. You can read more about AI-TRiPS here: https://www.londonsairambulance.org.uk/news-and-stories/charity-news/bold-step-forward-our-patients-new-ai-study

In this episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we’re joined by Sarah Edwards to explore the most frequently encountered paediatric emergencies seen in the field. Sarah Edwards is a Consultant in Adult and Paediatric Emergency Medicine and the RCEM Learning Chair. She is Senior Editor for the Emergency Medical Journal, RCEM Learning Chair and Honorary Secretary for ASME. She also teaches on the Master's of Medical Education course at the University of Sunderland.In this wide-ranging conversation, we examine respiratory infections to asthma exacerbations to gastroenteritis, dehydration, febrile illnesses, and seizures. We unpack the presentations that paramedics and pre-hospital teams face on a daily basis together with some of the red flags for each disease. We’ll discuss how to identify and prioritise care for these conditions in the often-challenging pre-hospital environment, using practical strategies to deliver safe and effective interventions. Sarah shares key insights into assessing sick children, highlighting subtle clinical signs, red flags, and common pitfalls in decision-making under pressure.We also examine trauma in children, including how injury patterns vary across age groups and what immediate management steps are most critical. Finally, the episode touches on the vital role of caregivers and parents in the assessment process. Some useful links that Sarah mentions in the episode include: https://spottingthesickchild.com/The Westley Croup Score: https://handbook.bcehs.ca/clinical-resources/clinical-scores/westley-croup-severity-score/The Big 6 The Most Common Conditions That Children Present With For Urgent Care:https://www.improvingme.org.uk/media/1141/childurgentcaredocument2020.pdfThis 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/⁠

The person-centred approach to counselling is built on the foundation of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. Developed by Carl Rogers, this approach shifts the focus from the therapist as an expert to the client as the central figure in their own healing journey. Rather than directing or diagnosing, the counsellor provides a non-judgmental, supportive space, allowing the individual to explore their thoughts and emotions freely.At its core, this method recognises that each person has the capacity for growth, self-awareness, and healing when given the right environment. The role of the counsellor is to listen deeply, reflect, and validate, helping clients to find their own solutions rather than imposing advice.In pre-hospital and emergency care, where professionals often witness distress and trauma, adopting person-centred communication can make a profound difference. Whether supporting patients in crisis, speaking with families, or debriefing colleagues, approaching conversations with genuine empathy, active listening, and emotional presence fosters trust and resilience.On today’s episode, we’ll explore how this approach applies to medicine, emergency response, and mental health, and how we can all integrate person-centred principles into our professional and personal interactions.Chris Molyneux has spent more than a decade as a counsellor working alongside people who are rediscovering their frame of reference after trauma, and supervising other counsellors who do the same. Chris brings great authenticity through his work and has already had a hugely powerful impact for many healthcare workers. Chris's work can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwrbmKtOAGYChris The Counsellor on YouTube www.youtube.com/christhecounsellor and reach out to Chris on the following email chris@chrismolyneux.co.ukThis is a paid advertisement from BetterHelp In the demanding field of pre-hospital care, having reliable support is crucial. Whether you're a first responder, healthcare professional, or simply facing life's everyday stresses, therapy can equip you with strategies to manage pressure, strengthen resilience, and enhance your mental health.BetterHelp, the world’s largest online therapy platform, connects individuals with licensed therapists via video, phone, or messaging—available anytime, anywhere. With more than 5,000 therapists in the UK, it’s easy to find the right match for your needs. Strengthen your support network with BetterHelp.Listeners receive 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/CAREPOD 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 continue our deep dive into decision-making under pressure with Olly Sapsford, a Firefighter and Commander as well as a Lecturer in Disaster & Emergency Management at Coventry University.We explore the mental models, training, and strategies that support effective decision-making in extreme environments. How do emergency responders manage stress, maintain clarity, and strike the right balance between experience and instinct?Olly shares insights into leadership, teamwork, and the ethical dilemmas professionals face in high-stakes situations. From navigating risk and resource limitations to post-incident reflection, we examine how decision-making frameworks from firefighting can be applied in paramedicine—and vice versa.With a research focus on human factors, socio-cognitive influences, and fast decision-making, Olly sheds light on the role of intuition and expertise in high-pressure environments. Drawing from his talk at the College of Paramedics Emergency and Critical Care Conference, titled ‘From the Fireground: Demystifying Extreme Decision Making for Emergency Responders’, Olly brings a fresh perspective on how responders can refine their approach to critical decision-making when every second counts.Join us as we unpack the strategies that can make the difference between a good decision and a great one in emergency settings.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 of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we are focusing on the vital topic of paediatric assessment in the pre-hospital phase of care. Assessing and managing a sick or injured child is one of the most challenging scenarios for pre-hospital teams. Our guest breaks down the key components of paediatric assessment with the subtle red flags that may indicate a child is critically unwell. We’ll also explore practical approaches to airway management, assessing breathing and circulation, and understanding neurological status in children of all ages.Beyond the clinical side, we discuss the softer skills required when working with paediatric patients, like engaging with caregivers, managing a child’s fear, and staying calm under pressure. Whether you’re new to pre-hospital care or an experienced provider looking to refine your skills, this episode will provide valuable insights and actionable takeaways. Anna Dobbie is a consultant in emergency medicine at The Royal London Hospital and the lead clinician with London’s Air Ambulance. With a special interest in paediatrics and teaching, Anna plays a key role in advancing pre-hospital care. In this episode, we explore her journey, insights, and experiences in emergency and pre-hospital paediatric medicine.* Please note, the content of this podcast is for information purposes only. Please stay within your scope of practice and services operating practices at all times * 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 take an in-depth look at one of the world’s leading HEMS services—London’s Air Ambulance (LAA) Charity. This conversation centres around the lesser-known challenges of sustaining and growing a top-tier HEMS service within the UK. From community engagement strategies to high-impact fundraising and marketing campaigns, we uncover what it takes to raise over £16 million to fund two new helicopters. We also go behind the scenes to examine the efforts that brought these aircraft into service, the obstacles the charity faces, and the vital role public support plays in its mission.Joining us is Jayne Clarke, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at London’s Air Ambulance Charity. With a strong background in strategic leadership across the charity sector, Jayne brings expertise in marketing, advertising, and ethical banking. She previously worked with McCann Worldgroup before transitioning to purpose-driven roles, including leading major campaigns at the RNLI and serving as Director of Income Generation at St Peter’s Hospice. Now, as she steers the charity into an exciting new chapter in 2025, Jayne shares her insights on what it takes to keep this lifesaving service in the air. To see more of LAA's work, engagement and fundraising, see here: https://www.londonsairambulance.org.uk/

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains a critical challenge despite advances in pre-hospital care, with survival rates heavily influenced by early intervention, high-quality CPR, and coordinated response systems.In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Faulkner, a leading expert in resuscitation and emergency care, to explore the key factors that impact survival. We’ll discuss the importance of bystander CPR and public access defibrillation in the crucial early minutes and the benefits of high-performance CPR and effective post-ROSC care. Mark will also share insights into the latest evolving role of the impact of system-wide strategies, from improved community education to better integration between emergency services and hospitals. What steps can be taken to enhance survival rates, and how can healthcare systems work together to drive meaningful change?Join us for this discussion as we discuss system-wide and service-level changes that can make a real difference in patient outcomes.

In this episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we dive into the crucial role of shared learning within the pre-hospital setting. Learning from past experiences, both successes and challenges, is vital for improving patient outcomes and advancing best practices. We’ll explore key moments where shared learning has led to real changes in practice and examine the importance of having a strong central community to ensure that knowledge reaches as many professionals as possible.To explore this topic, we're joined by Sara Orritt, who brings a wealth of experience in emergency medical services and communication. Sara manages the communications and social media for The European Association of Emergency Medical Services (EMS Europe), supports the EMS Europe board in business administration, and helps organise the International EMS Congress. She also works as an Executive Support Officer for Yorkshire Ambulance Service and has previous experience with South East Coast Ambulance Service. Before her career in emergency medical services, Sara worked in television production, including roles with the BBC.Join us as we discuss how shared learning drives change, the role of digital platforms in spreading knowledge, and how EMS professionals can stay connected to a broader learning community. EMS Europe can be found here: https://emseurope.org/The 2025 EMS congress can be found here: https://www.emscongress2025.org/Please find a link to the paper mentioned in the episode here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/european-ems_earlier-this-year-the-european-association-activity-7110352516667592704-8Kxb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAP50dMB5y9DijwQUZNfWmSnqRRiXV2b9mUThis 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 joined by Paramedic Adam Desmond, an experienced paramedic who has been on the frontline of some of the UK’s most devastating major incidents, including the Brixton nail bombing on 17th April 1999, the Soho nail bombing on 30th April 1999, the Ladbroke Grove rail crash on 5th October 1999, the London terror attacks on 7th July 2005, commonly known as 7/7, and the Westminster Bridge terror attack on 22nd March 2017.With 30 years of experience in pre-hospital emergency care, Adam will take us through the evolving landscape of major incident response, unpacking the differences in injury patterns from traditional road traffic collisions to modern blast injuries. We’ll explore the human factors that influence decision-making under pressure, the importance of shared situational awareness, and the critical lessons learned from past events that continue to shape emergency response today. Additionally, we explore the psychological impact of responding to mass casualty incidents, examining how trauma, imposter syndrome, and mental resilience affect the lives of ambulance staff. Through Adam’s insights, we’ll unpack the balance between policy and real-world decision-making.***Trigger Warning*** Adam recollects some detailed accounts of suffering from major incidents in this episode that some listeners may find distressing. 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/⁠