
Prolonged Field Care Podcast
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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
Latest episodes

Feb 11, 2025 • 3min
Liver failure and shock PFC Podcast 216: Acute Liver Failure
Management of Liver failure in shock.Link to full podcast:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/episodes/Prolonged-Field-Care-Podcast-216-Acute-Liver-Failure-e2ujj0qThank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.deltadevteam.com For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Feb 10, 2025 • 42min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast 216: Acute Liver Failure
In this episode, Dennis and Doug discuss acute liver injury, its causes, recognition, and management. They explore the liver's vital functions, the implications of liver injury in shock situations, and the importance of early recognition and treatment. The conversation also touches on the role of supplements and heat injury in exacerbating liver issues, emphasizing the liver's resilience and the need for vigilant care in critical situations.TakeawaysThe liver plays a crucial role in toxin clearance and blood metabolism.Acute liver injury can result from hypoxia, heat stroke, and toxins like acetaminophen.Recognizing signs of liver injury early can significantly impact patient outcomes.Supportive care for liver injury includes maintaining glucose levels and managing coagulopathy.The timeline for liver injury can vary, often showing signs later than other organ failures.Preventing acute liver injury involves early recognition and treatment of shock.Supplements can increase the risk of liver injury, especially in heat-related cases.The liver's resilience allows it to withstand significant damage before showing dysfunction.Monitoring lactate and glucose levels can help in diagnosing liver injury.Effective resuscitation is key to preventing progression to severe liver injury.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Acute Liver Injury02:58 Understanding Liver Functions and Injury06:04 Recognizing Acute Liver Injury08:57 Supportive Care for Liver Injury11:47 Challenges in Managing Acute Liver Injury15:04 The Timeline of Liver Injury17:47 Preventing Acute Liver Injury21:13 The Role of Supplements and Heat Injury24:07 Conclusion and Key TakeawaysThank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.deltadevteam.com For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.orgConsider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Feb 8, 2025 • 3min
Attrition from cold weather injuries. PFC Podcast: Cold Weather Injury
Throughout history, cold weather injury has been a major attritor of combat effectiveness.
Link to full podcast:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/episodes/Prolonged-Field-Care-Podcast-Cold-Weather-Injury-e2ua5i8
Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.
deltadevteam.com
For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Feb 7, 2025 • 46min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast: Cold Weather Injury
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis, Paul, and Ian discuss the critical topic of cold weather injuries, focusing on frostbite and trench foot. Ian shares his extensive experience in wilderness medicine and military contexts, providing historical insights into the impact of these injuries in warfare. The conversation covers prevention strategies, treatment protocols, and the importance of buddy checks in cold environments. Ian explains the pathophysiology of frostbite, the classification of injuries, and the role of thrombolytics in treatment. The episode concludes with a discussion on trench foot, emphasizing the need for proper foot care and hydration to prevent these injuries.
Takeaways
Frostbite and trench foot have significant historical military implications.
Prevention is key in avoiding cold weather injuries.
Buddy checks can help identify early signs of frostbite.
Rapid rewarming in warm water is the best treatment for frostbite.
Thrombolytics can help reduce tissue loss if administered early.
Trench foot requires slow, dry rewarming and careful monitoring.
Frostbite classification helps determine treatment and prognosis.
Hydration and keeping feet dry are crucial for preventing trench foot.
Avoid using active heat sources for rewarming frostbite.
Rubbing frostbite with snow is a dangerous myth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cold Weather Injuries
01:49 Historical Context of Cold Weather Injuries
03:14 Understanding Frostbite and Non-Freezing Cold Injuries
05:51 Prevention Strategies for Cold Weather Injuries
09:06 Buddy Checks and Hydration
10:58 Pathophysiology of Frostbite
14:01 Treatment Protocols for Frostbite
20:03 Evacuation Considerations for Frostbite
24:42 Assessment and Classification of Frostbite
30:25 Thrombolytics and Their Role in Treatment
36:11 Trench Foot: Understanding and Treatment
45:39 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.
deltadevteam.com
For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Feb 6, 2025 • 3min
"Worst hallucination of my life" PFC Podcast 215: Surviving Chaos
Ketamine is a great drug for pain control and procedural sedation, but you can screw it up.
Link to full podcast:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/episodes/Prolonged-Field-Care-Podcast-215-Surviving-Chaos-e2u00kk
Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.
deltadevteam.com
For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Feb 5, 2025 • 2min
"Less is more" PFC Podcast 215: Surviving Chaos
You gotta know when the treatment is NEEDED and when is just part of the algorithm. Don't waste time doing stuff for the sake of doing stuff.
Link to full podcast:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/episodes/Prolonged-Field-Care-Podcast-215-Surviving-Chaos-e2u00kk
Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.
deltadevteam.com
For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Feb 4, 2025 • 3min
"Please don't Explode" PFC Podcast 215: Surviving Chaos
This story is crazy, but it's just the beginning.
Link to full podcast:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/episodes/Prolonged-Field-Care-Podcast-215-Surviving-Chaos-e2u00kk
Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.
deltadevteam.com
For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 45min
Prolonged Field Care Podcast 215: Surviving Chaos
In this gripping conversation, trauma surgeon Max Sirkin MD shares his harrowing experience of being a patient in a mass casualty situation following a helicopter crash. He recounts the chaos of the event, the physical and emotional trauma he endured, and the profound lessons learned about resilience, brotherhood, and the importance of being present for others in crisis. Sirkin's narrative highlights the stark realities of military medicine and the bonds formed in the face of adversity. In this conversation, Max shares his harrowing experience in the trauma bay after a serious injury, reflecting on feelings of inadequacy and failure in the face of trauma. He discusses the psychological impact of moral injury and the importance of behavioral health in recovery. The conversation emphasizes the principle of 'less is more' in trauma care, highlighting the need for careful decision-making in chaotic situations. Max also recounts his experience with ketamine during treatment, illustrating the limited situational awareness of patients in trauma. Finally, he underscores the significance of camaraderie and support among peers in the recovery process. In this conversation, Max Sirkin shares his harrowing experiences in a life-threatening situation, emphasizing the importance of training and preparation in chaotic medical environments. He discusses the critical role of behavioral health in recovery from trauma and the necessity of learning from failures in medical practice. The dialogue highlights the need for teamwork, effective communication, and continuous training to ensure readiness in emergency situations.
Takeaways
He shares his unique perspective as a patient in a mass casualty situation.
The chaos of a mass casualty requires quick and effective decision-making.
Surviving a helicopter crash was a life-altering experience for Sirkin.
The importance of brotherhood and support in crisis situations is paramount.
Sirkin emphasizes the need for medical professionals to be present for their patients.
He reflects on the emotional toll of being unable to help others in distress.
The narrative illustrates the unpredictability of trauma care in combat zones.
Sirkin's story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
The conversation sheds light on the realities faced by military medical personnel. It's hard to face the reality of failure in trauma situations.
Moral injury can be as impactful as physical injuries.
Behavioral health is crucial for recovery after trauma.
Less intervention can sometimes lead to better outcomes.
Situational awareness is limited when you're a patient.
Keeping injured individuals together can aid in recovery.
The importance of communication in chaotic medical situations.
Ketamine can provide pain relief but also alter perception.
Understanding the dynamics of trauma care is essential for providers.
Camaraderie among peers is vital for emotional support. Training is essential for managing chaos in medical emergencies.
Behavioral health is crucial for recovery from trauma.
Surgeons should not consider themselves special; everyone is vulnerable.
Daily medical practice is necessary for readiness.
Teaching non-medical personnel basic medical skills saves lives.
Failure in medicine is inevitable; learning from it is essential.
Hope alone is not a strategy in critical care.
Understanding trauma can lead to better coping mechanisms.
Team dynamics and communication are vital in emergency situations.
Every medical provider should be prepared for the unexpected.
Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.
deltadevteam.com
For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Feb 2, 2025 • 3min
Trust yourself and make a decision! PFC Podcast: Airway Decision
You know the indications, but have you made a plan? Have you thought about "What will I do in THIS situation?"...Maybe you should
Link to full podcast:
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/episodes/Prolonged-Field-Care-Podcast-Airway-Decisions-e2u0juk
Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.
deltadevteam.com
For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care

Feb 2, 2025 • 4min
Surviving a MASCAL: PFC Podcast 215: Surviving Chaos
MASCALs are always crazy...Trying being a patient in one. I had a great conversation with Max about his experience.
Thank you to Delta Development Team for in part, sponsoring this podcast.
deltadevteam.com
For more content go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care