

Prolonged Field Care Podcast
Dennis
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This podcast and website is dedicated to the healthcare professional who needs to provide high quality care in a very austere location.
For more content: www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us on: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective
This podcast and website is dedicated to the healthcare professional who needs to provide high quality care in a very austere location.
For more content: www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us on: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2025 • 42min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast: Calcium and Trauma
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, host Dennis speaks with Steve Schauer, a lieutenant colonel in the US Army and a critical care fellow, about his research on calcium levels in trauma patients. They discuss the importance of understanding calcium derangements, the challenges of correlating civilian and military trauma, and the impact of pre-hospital care on calcium levels. Steve shares insights from his study, including data collection methods, patient enrollment, and the physiological implications of calcium in trauma care. The conversation also covers the prioritization of interventions in trauma management, the role of TXA, and the need for ongoing research in this critical area of medicine.TakeawaysCalcium derangements are common in trauma patients.Pre-hospital care can significantly affect calcium levels.Understanding the correlation between civilian and military trauma is challenging.Data collection in trauma studies is complex and requires careful planning.TXA is crucial for preventing the breakdown of clots in trauma patients.Calcium administration must be approached cautiously in trauma care.Blood products are the top priority in trauma management.The physiological role of calcium in coagulation is critical.Future research is needed to clarify the role of calcium in trauma care.Medicine is constantly evolving, and practitioners must stay updated.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Calcium Study in Trauma02:48 Understanding Calcium Derangements in Trauma Patients05:47 Challenges in Correlating Civilian and Military Trauma08:32 Pre-Hospital Factors Affecting Calcium Levels11:31 Data Collection and Patient Enrollment14:29 Retrospective Data Insights on Calcium Levels17:04 Calcium Administration in Trauma Care20:16 Prioritizing Interventions in Trauma Management23:25 The Role of TXA in Trauma Care26:19 Physiological Implications of Calcium in Trauma29:17 Final Thoughts and Future Research DirectionsFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Oct 1, 2025 • 9min
SOMSA '25 (Research) - Transfusion Reaction Data
This presentation at SOMSA'25 discusses the analysis of transfusion reactions in trauma patients, focusing on data from military settings. It highlights the importance of blood transfusions in improving survival rates, the rates of transfusion reactions, and the limitations of the current data. The conversation emphasizes the need for further research to understand the implications of transfusion reactions and improve patient outcomes.TakeawaysPatients who need massive transfusions are likely to develop reactions.The benefits of transfusions far outweigh the risks.Transfusion reaction rates are around 1%.We can't conclude causation from retrospective data.The rate of transfusion reactions was 23%.Higher rates of explosive mechanism injuries were noted.We need more data on transfusion reactions.The registry is not generating patient data points.Most reactions occurred on day one of transfusion.We need to rely on civilian counterparts for data.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Transfusion Reactions02:52 Data Analysis and Findings05:35 Limitations and Future DirectionsFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgFor CME credit for this presentation, go to: https://specialoperationsmedicine.org/Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Sep 29, 2025 • 54min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast 249: Area Assessment
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Mike Hetzler delve into the intricacies of mission planning, particularly in the context of medical operations in foreign environments. They emphasize the importance of thorough preparation, understanding local medical infrastructures, and the necessity of proactive planning to ensure successful outcomes in high-stakes situations. The conversation covers various aspects of pre-deployment planning, including site surveys, gathering medical intelligence, and the critical need for validation of resources. The speakers share personal experiences and lessons learned, highlighting the importance of communication, collaboration, and attention to detail in military medicine.TakeawaysPlanning and preparation are crucial for success in medical missions.Assumptions can lead to critical failures in planning.Validating medical resources on the ground is essential.Pre-deployment site surveys provide vital information for mission success.Understanding local medical infrastructure is key to effective operations.Proactive planning helps mitigate risks in high-stress environments.Communication with local facilities is necessary for effective patient care.Rehearsing evacuation plans ensures readiness for emergencies.Civilian transportation options can complicate medical evacuations.Attention to detail can make the difference between success and failure. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mission Planning and Preparation03:00 Understanding the Importance of Pre-Mission Analysis06:00 Planning for Medical Operations in Foreign Environments08:55 The Role of Intelligence in Medical Planning11:37 Navigating Medical Resources and Facilities14:47 Confirming Medical Assets and Avoiding Assumptions17:45 Creating a Common Operating Picture for Medical Operations20:29 The Importance of Communication and Coordination23:46 Enhancing Host Nation Medical Capabilities26:40 Utilizing Running Sketches for Effective Planning27:40 Proactive Risk Mitigation in Medical Operations29:44 Assessing Medical Facility Capacity32:18 Understanding Patient Movement Requests35:47 Navigating Civilian Transportation for Medical Evacuations40:26 The Importance of Rehearsals and Planning52:18 Professionalism in Medical PreparednessFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Sep 26, 2025 • 53min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast: Medical Education
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Mike discuss the complexities of providing medical care in austere environments, focusing on the importance of understanding requirements, building relationships, and executing effective educational processes. They emphasize the need for thorough planning, cultural awareness, and continuous assessment to ensure successful outcomes in humanitarian missions.TakeawaysUnderstanding the requirement is critical for success.Building a common language enhances collaboration.Cultural interpretation is essential in medical missions.Assessment should be continuous throughout the process.Planning and preparation account for 80% of success.Under promise and over deliver to manage expectations.Engaging with local partners is vital for effective training.Utilizing local resources can enhance understanding.Measuring both performance and effectiveness is necessary.Perfecting the basics is crucial for impactful education.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:43 Understanding Requirements in Humanitarian Medical Care05:09 Analyzing the Environment and Common Language12:14 Building Relationships in Medical Missions20:15 Executing the Educational Process38:59 Measuring Success and Effectiveness in Training49:38 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Sep 24, 2025 • 28min
SOMSA '25 - Prolonged Combat Lifesaver
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Benjamin Ingram discusses the evolving landscape of military medicine, focusing on the challenges and innovations in medical training and care during combat. The conversation highlights the shift from the traditional 'golden hour' concept to a more nuanced understanding of medical capacity in warfare, the development of the Pickles concept for enhanced medical training, and the need for adaptive strategies to address unique injury patterns in modern conflicts. The episode concludes with a call to action for continued innovation and training in combat medicine.TakeawaysThe golden hour concept is becoming outdated in modern warfare.Military medical capacity is facing unprecedented challenges.Innovative training programs are essential for effective combat care.The Pickles concept aims to bridge gaps in medical training.Understanding unique injury patterns is crucial for improving outcomes.Collaboration among nations is key to effective medical training.Rapid response and adaptability are vital in combat situations.Technology and innovation can enhance medical interventions.Training must be embedded into operational frameworks.Future directions in combat medicine require ongoing research and development.Chapters00:33 The Concept of the Golden Hour in Medical Care02:35 Challenges in Military Medical Capacity05:09 Innovations in Medical Training and Interventions08:06 The Development of the Pickles Concept11:04 Evolution of Medical Training Programs13:46 Addressing Unique Injury Patterns in Modern Warfare16:39 Improving Patient Outcomes in Combat Situations19:37 Future Directions in Combat Medicine22:16 Conclusion and Call to ActionFor CME credit for this presentation, go to: https://specialoperationsmedicine.org/For more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Sep 22, 2025 • 43min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast 248: FAST-U
This conversation explores the advancements in point-of-care ultrasound for combat abdominal trauma, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The speaker discusses the limitations of traditional ultrasound protocols and introduces innovative approaches to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Through case studies, the importance of timely detection of injuries is emphasized, along with the necessity of training combat medics in ultrasound techniques. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced in modern warfare and the critical role of ultrasound in improving patient outcomes.TakeawaysUltrasound is crucial for emergency trauma diagnosis in combat situations.The FAST protocol is not sufficient for all types of injuries.Innovative ultrasound techniques can improve diagnosis of colon injuries.Timely detection of injuries can significantly reduce mortality rates.Training for combat medics in ultrasound is essential for effective care.The new FAST-U protocol enhances the standard FAST protocol.Portable ultrasound devices are vital in combat zones.Understanding retroperitoneal injuries is key to trauma management.Collaboration and support are necessary for effective medical training.Combat medicine education needs more recognition and resources.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Combat Ultrasound00:37 The Importance of Ultrasound in Combat Trauma02:32 Challenges of Modern Warfare and Trauma06:07 Innovations in Ultrasound Protocols12:19 Case Studies and Practical Applications16:56 Training and Support for Combat Medics19:02 Understanding Retroperitoneal Injuries27:20 Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy with FAST-U35:02 Future Directions in Combat MedicineFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Sep 19, 2025 • 38min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast: Remote Damage Control Resuscitation
The conversation delves into the complexities of providing medical care in remote areas, particularly focusing on the challenges faced in replicating hospital procedures. It emphasizes the critical nature of understanding hemorrhagic shock and the importance of timely resuscitation techniques, including blood transfusions, to improve patient outcomes.TakeawaysThere are limitations in replicating hospital care in remote areas.Non-compressible torso hemorrhage is a significant concern in trauma care.Many potentially survivable deaths occur due to inadequate resuscitation.The MARCH algorithm is essential in trauma management.Recognizing hemorrhagic shock is crucial for effective treatment.Airway, respiration, and circulation are fundamental in resuscitation.Starting blood transfusions early can save lives.Remote medical care requires adaptation of hospital protocols.Training for remote care must address unique challenges.Effective communication is key in emergency medical situations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Combat Medicine and Remote Resuscitation00:52 Innovations in Hemorrhage Control: The ERAPTOR CourseFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Sep 17, 2025 • 21min
SOMSA '25 - Beyond The Golden Hour Thoughts On SOF Blood Protocols In The Era Of Peer Adversaries And Austere Environments
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, discusses the evolving landscape of military medicine, particularly focusing on blood transfusion protocols in combat situations. They emphasize the need for optimizing blood management practices, adapting to dynamic conflict environments, and the potential benefits of implementing type-specific transfusions. The conversation highlights the importance of training medics to be independent thinkers and the necessity for systematic approaches in medical decision-making during deployments.TakeawaysWe see a need for optimizing our blood protocol.The conflict environment is becoming more dynamic.Medics need to stabilize patients for longer periods.Type-specific transfusions can increase available blood supply.Training medics to be independent thinkers is crucial.A systematic approach is needed for medical deployments.The benefits of type-specific transfusions may outweigh risks.More tools in the toolbox can enhance medical care.Understanding logistics is vital for blood management.Research is needed to compare transfusion methods.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Speakers01:56 The Need for Optimizing Blood Protocols03:47 Understanding the Evolving Conflict Environment07:48 Tools for Blood Component Management13:31 Implementing Type-Specific Transfusions17:05 Conclusions and Takeaway PointsFor CME credit for this presentation, go to: https://specialoperationsmedicine.org/For more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Sep 15, 2025 • 26min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast 247: Plasma for Burns
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis interviews Jennifer Gurney, an Army general surgeon specializing in trauma and burn care. They discuss the evolution of burn resuscitation practices, particularly the historical use of plasma and its potential benefits over crystalloid solutions. Gurney emphasizes the importance of plasma in treating burn shock, the timing and dosage of plasma administration, and the challenges faced in burn resuscitation. The conversation highlights the need for a shift back to plasma therapy to improve patient outcomes in burn care.TakeawaysBurn resuscitation has evolved significantly over the years.Historical use of plasma in burn care was effective but fell out of favor due to safety concerns.Current practices often rely too heavily on crystalloid solutions, which can lead to complications.Plasma therapy can address the plasma deficit seen in burn shock.The anti-inflammatory properties of plasma can aid in recovery.Timing of plasma administration is crucial for effective resuscitation.Monitoring clinical parameters is essential for determining fluid needs.Dried plasma could revolutionize burn resuscitation in the field.Over-resuscitation with crystalloid can lead to long-term complications.A return to plasma therapy may improve outcomes for burn patients.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Burn Resuscitation00:59 Historical Context of Plasma Use05:11 The Case for Plasma in Burn Resuscitation11:08 Understanding Resuscitation Endpoints14:44 Timing and Dosage of Plasma Administration19:54 Practical Considerations in Burn CareFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Sep 12, 2025 • 39min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast: Abdominal Trauma
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Colonel Stacey Shackelford discusses the critical aspects of managing abdominal trauma, particularly in battlefield settings. The conversation covers the statistics of battlefield casualties, current practices in trauma management, innovations in hemorrhage control, surgical techniques, and the challenges faced in trauma care. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of post-operative care and the need for future research in trauma medicine.Takeaways90% of casualties died before reaching a surgical hospital.Two thirds of pre-hospital deaths were from torso hemorrhage.Advanced pre-hospital care options are limited.RoboA and other techniques are being explored for hemorrhage control.Retropartennial packing is primarily for pelvic fractures.Basic skills in trauma care are essential for success.Chest tubes may play a larger role in reducing hemorrhage.Ongoing resuscitation and electrolyte management are critical post-surgery.Team dynamics are crucial in trauma surgery.More clinical exposure for medics is necessary for better outcomes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Abdominal Trauma02:38 Understanding Battlefield Casualties05:21 Current Practices in Trauma Management08:42 Innovations in Hemorrhage Control11:21 Surgical Techniques and Decision Making14:30 Challenges in Trauma Care17:14 Post-Operative Care and Complications20:10 Future Directions in Trauma ResearchFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care