

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

Jan 1, 2026 • 29min
#4 of 2025 Top Ten: Ready for the other 19%?
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dan McGraw discusses the critical need for gender-specific medical training in military settings, drawing from personal experiences and extensive research. He highlights the disparities in treatment outcomes between male and female patients, the physiological differences that affect trauma care, and the cultural challenges faced by medical personnel when treating patients of the opposite sex. Through case studies and real-life scenarios, Dan emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences to improve survival rates and ensure equitable treatment for all service members.TakeawaysDan shares a personal story about losing a friend due to medical negligence.The importance of gender-specific medical training is emphasized.Research shows that female casualties have different treatment needs.Physiological differences between genders affect trauma care.Cultural challenges hinder effective medical response to female patients.Case studies reveal biases in treatment during emergencies.Medical errors often occur due to gender biases in treatment protocols.Training must address the discomfort of treating opposite genders.The military must adapt to increasing numbers of female service members.Future training programs need to incorporate gender-specific considerations.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Story02:57 The Importance of Gender-Specific Medical Training06:11 Research Findings on Female Casualties08:54 Physiological Differences in Trauma Treatment12:06 Cultural and Training Challenges in Medical Response15:08 Case Studies and Real-Life Scenarios18:07 Addressing Medical Errors and Gender Bias21:03 The Future of Gender-Inclusive Medical TrainingFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Dec 31, 2025 • 35min
#6 of 2025 Top Ten: Females in Combat
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Master Sergeant Dan McGarra discuss the evolving role of females in combat and the challenges faced in medical treatment for female casualties. They explore discrepancies in medical protocols, cultural implications, and the need for gender-neutral approaches in military medicine. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding physiological differences and social dynamics that affect treatment outcomes, as well as the necessity for training that prepares medics for real-world scenarios involving female patients. Dan proposes solutions to improve medical protocols and training to ensure that all soldiers receive appropriate care, regardless of gender.Listen ad free with membership.TakeawaysThe percentage of females in the military is increasing, necessitating discussions on their treatment in combat.Studies show discrepancies in trauma treatment between genders, affecting outcomes for female casualties.Cultural and social factors influence how medics respond to female patients in emergencies.Training scenarios often fail to prepare medics for the realities of treating female casualties.Gender biases can lead to inappropriate prioritization in triage situations.Medical protocols need to be updated to reflect the physiological differences between genders.There is a need for gender-neutral training in military medical education.International military practices can provide insights into better treatment for female soldiers.The Sharp training program must include medical emergency protocols to protect both patients and medics.Open discussions about gender and medical treatment are essential for improving care in the military.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Female Participation in Combat02:48 Challenges in Medical Treatment for Female Casualties06:06 Discrepancies in Medical Protocols and Gender Bias09:56 Cultural and Social Implications in Medical Emergencies17:01 Learning from Global Military Practices21:12 Addressing the Sharp Training and Medical Protocols28:46 Proposed Solutions for Gender Neutral Medical TreatmentFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Dec 30, 2025 • 28min
#5 of 2025 Top Ten: Death of the Golden Hour
This podcast episode delves into the complexities of unconventional warfare, particularly focusing on the historical context, the evolution of medical support within special forces, and the challenges faced in modern warfare. The speaker discusses the importance of guerrilla warfare tactics, the role of medical personnel in combat situations, and the concept of the 'Golden Hour' in trauma care. The conversation also highlights the need for adaptability in military medicine as warfare evolves.TakeawaysThe Army has historically struggled with unconventional warfare (UW).20% of special forces are dedicated to medical roles.Guerrilla warfare has a rich history that continues to influence modern tactics.Medical support is crucial for maintaining morale in guerrilla forces.The concept of the Golden Hour is vital for trauma care in combat.Modern warfare presents unique challenges for medical support teams.The future of military medicine may require a return to guerrilla tactics.Special Forces medics have evolved significantly since their inception.The importance of local medical support in prolonged field care is increasing.Adaptability in medical practices is essential for effective combat medicine.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Unconventional Warfare02:33 Historical Context of Guerrilla Warfare05:54 Medical Support in Guerrilla Warfare08:59 Evolution of Special Forces Medics11:46 The Golden Hour Concept14:42 Challenges in Modern Warfare17:39 Future of Medical Support in WarfareFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Dec 29, 2025 • 49min
#7 of 2025 Top Ten: Airway Decisions
In this episode of the PFC podcast, Dr. Jim Ducanto, an experienced anesthesiologist, discusses the critical aspects of airway management in emergency situations. He emphasizes the importance of decision-making, assessing neurological status, and effective communication with patients. The conversation also covers the necessity of planning and preparation for airway interventions, as well as the significance of thorough physical examinations. Dr. Ducanto shares valuable insights and advice for new practitioners in the field, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities they face in high-pressure environments.TakeawaysAirway management is a critical skill for anesthesiologists.Effective decision-making is essential in emergency situations.Assessing neurological status is the first step in airway management.Planning and preparation can prevent complications during procedures.Communication with patients is vital, even when they are unconscious.Physical examination is key to understanding a patient's condition.Practitioners must be ready to act when necessary, as no one else may be available.Wounds in the neck generally heal well and are not usually disfiguring.Understanding the tools and techniques available is crucial for success.New practitioners should focus on thorough assessments and clear communication. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Airway Management03:32 Decision-Making in Emergency Situations10:26 Assessing Neurological Status17:12 Planning for Airway Management23:33 Communicating with Patients During Emergencies32:04 The Importance of Physical Examination38:42 Advice for New PractitionersFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 40min
#8 of 2025 Top Ten: Progression of Shock
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Max delve into the complexities of hemorrhagic shock, discussing its classifications, the importance of understanding compensated versus uncompensated shock, and the vital signs that indicate a patient's condition. They explore resuscitation strategies, emphasizing the need for careful assessment and decision-making in trauma care. Special considerations for different populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are also highlighted, providing valuable insights for medical professionals in emergency situations.TakeawaysUnderstanding the progression of hemorrhagic shock is crucial.Compensated shock allows the body to maintain organ perfusion despite blood loss.Classifications of shock help in assessing the severity of blood loss.Vital signs are key indicators in evaluating a patient's condition.Resuscitation decisions should be based on multiple data points, not just one.Children have different vital sign norms and require special attention.Pregnant women can compensate for blood loss better than non-pregnant individuals.Elderly patients may not tolerate shock as well due to comorbidities.Communication with EMS about blood loss at the scene is vital.Continuous reassessment of the patient is essential in trauma care.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hemorrhagic Shock02:57 Understanding the Classes of Hemorrhagic Shock05:51 Compensated vs. Uncompensated Shock08:40 The Importance of Blood Loss Assessment11:57 Physiological Responses to Blood Loss14:47 Evaluating Shock: Key Indicators17:57 Tachycardia and Its Implications20:51 Blood Pressure and Compensation Mechanisms23:42 Understanding Pulse Pressure Dynamics36:01 Understanding the Four Gears of Compensation39:23 Assessing Orthostasis in Trauma Patients43:53 The Importance of Urine Output in Trauma46:42 Mental Status Changes in Trauma Patients49:38 Classifying Shock: From Compensated to Decompensated01:00:19 The Transition from Class Two to Class Three Shock01:10:19 Class Four Shock: The Final Stage of Decompensation01:12:14 Assessing Hemorrhage Control and Decision Making01:19:54 Understanding Classifications of Shock01:31:42 Special Considerations for Pediatric and Elderly PatientsFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 12min
#9 of 2025 Top Ten: Penetrating Neck Trauma
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Max discuss the evolving landscape of modern combat injuries, focusing on neck and upper chest injuries. They delve into the anatomy of the neck, the importance of understanding different zones for surgical intervention, and effective hemorrhage control techniques. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of teamwork in trauma care and the necessity of airway management in emergency situations. A case study of a traumatic incident illustrates the practical application of these concepts in real-world scenarios.Link to Video Kentucky Ballistics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1449kJKxlMQ&t=983sTakeawaysModern combat injuries have evolved, necessitating updated medical responses.Neck and upper chest injuries present unique challenges in trauma care.Understanding the anatomy of the neck is crucial for effective treatment.Zone classification helps determine surgical approaches to neck injuries.Upper extremity junctional injuries are particularly difficult to manage.Effective hemorrhage control requires teamwork and quick decision-making.Airway management is critical in trauma situations, especially with neck injuries.Hands-on techniques, such as packing and suturing, are essential skills for medics.Training and preparation are key to successful trauma interventions.Real-world case studies highlight the importance of timely medical responses.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Modern Combat Injuries02:43 Understanding Neck and Upper Chest Injuries05:38 Anatomy of the Neck: Zones and Surgical Considerations09:50 Upper Extremity Junctional Injuries15:36 Management of Hemorrhage in Neck Injuries21:37 Airway Management in Trauma26:24 Effective Hemorrhage Control Techniques30:35 The Importance of Teamwork in Trauma Care36:22 Surgical Interventions and Techniques42:25 Case Study: Kentucky Ballistics Incident48:27 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 29min
#10 of 2025 Top Ten: Mastering Shock Management in Trauma
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Max delve into the complexities of managing shock, particularly hemorrhagic shock, in trauma patients. They discuss the importance of mental status as a key indicator of a patient's condition, the critical role of early intervention, and the protocols surrounding massive transfusions. The conversation also covers the use of TXA and calcium in resuscitation, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and resource management in trauma situations. Max shares insights from his experience, highlighting the necessity of adapting protocols to the realities of field medicine.TakeawaysMental status changes in trauma patients indicate hemorrhage until proven otherwise.Calcium is essential in trauma care and should be administered with blood transfusions.Early intervention is crucial to prevent patients from deteriorating further.Massive transfusion protocols should be activated based on specific criteria.TXA can be beneficial in managing hemorrhagic shock but should be administered carefully.Resource management is vital in trauma situations, especially in combat settings.Understanding the physiological responses of trauma patients can guide treatment decisions.Training should emphasize the importance of mental status assessment in trauma care.Calcium administration can significantly impact patient outcomes during resuscitation.Protocols should be flexible to adapt to the unique challenges of each trauma case.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Shock and Its Stages02:52 Understanding Mental Status in Trauma Patients05:41 The Importance of Mental Status in Trauma Assessment08:37 Trigger Points for Blood Transfusion11:50 Massive Transfusion Protocols Explained14:51 Risk-Benefit Analysis of Early Blood Transfusion17:41 Resource Allocation in Trauma Situations33:07 Resource Constraints in Trauma Care35:51 Tissue Management in Critical Situations38:17 The Dilemma of Treatment Decisions39:36 Crystalloids vs. Blood in Resuscitation48:10 The Role of TXA in Hemorrhagic Shock57:32 Calcium's Importance in Trauma Resuscitation01:00:42 Understanding Calcium Leaching Mechanisms01:10:01 Calcium Administration in Trauma Care01:19:21 Innovations in Blood Resuscitation PracticesFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Dec 15, 2025 • 43min
PFC Podcast 259: Mastering Arctic Medicine
The conversation delves into the complexities of medication stability, particularly focusing on how environmental factors can affect the efficacy of pharmaceuticals. It highlights the stringent storage parameters set by pharmaceutical companies and the lack of testing in combat-simulated environments, raising concerns about medication reliability in critical situations.TakeawaysMedications can appear fine but still be ineffective.Pharmaceutical companies set strict storage parameters.Environmental factors can compromise medication efficacy.Combat-simulated environments are often not tested.Temperature and humidity control are crucial for medication.There is a need for more research on medication stability.Pharmacies must adhere to specific storage guidelines.Transportation chains must maintain climate control.The reliability of medications in emergencies is questionable.Pharmaceutical testing should include diverse environments.Chapters00:00 Understanding Medication Stability00:35 Pharmaceutical Storage Parameters and ChallengesFor more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Dec 11, 2025 • 43min
PFC Podcast: Patient Loss in Combat Medicine
The discussion delves into the often-ignored subject of patient death in combat medicine. Cultural sensitivity is highlighted as critical when handling deceased individuals. The importance of effective communication with grieving families is emphasized, alongside the emotional impact on medical personnel. They stress proper documentation and the significance of post-loss processing for team cohesion. Temporary burial practices and logistical considerations in austere settings are also explored, underscoring the need for respectful care throughout the process.

Dec 8, 2025 • 32min
PFC Podcast 258: Medical Safety in Ukraine
Nicholas Samuels, a humanitarian worker in Ukraine since 2022, shares his firsthand insights on medic safety amidst the war. He emphasizes the critical need for medics to prioritize their own safety and stay aware of drone threats. Nicholas discusses the challenges of planning realistic evacuations, advocating for meticulous preparation and local intel gathering. He offers wisdom for new volunteers about patience and proper training, and underscores the war's deeper moral and philosophical implications, reminding listeners that humanitarian efforts extend beyond medical support.


