

Alert Medic 1
Alert Medic 1
Alert Medic 1 is a podcast developed by EMS professionals with strict physician oversight focused on educating EMS providers on all aspects of the sciences and medicine. We accomplish our goal through blog entries, case studies, video lectures, and social media interaction. We encourage and welcome health care providers of all backgrounds to join in our discussion.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 42min
Current Trends in the Management of Traumatic Cardiac Arrest w/ Zaffer Qasim, MD
Summary
In this episode, the hosts discuss the current challenges faced by healthcare professionals, particularly in trauma care. They highlight recent incidents involving assaults on medical staff and the need for stricter penalties for such actions. The conversation shifts to the management of traumatic cardiac arrest, introducing the HOT algorithm, which emphasizes the importance of addressing hypovolemia, oxygenation, and tension physiology. The hosts also explore the cultural aspects of trauma care, particularly the instinct to perform compressions, and the importance of hemorrhage control techniques, including the use of pelvic binders and TXA. They conclude by emphasizing the need for individualized care in trauma situations and the evolving understanding of fluid resuscitation. In this conversation, the speakers discuss advancements in trauma care, focusing on the administration of TXA and calcium, the importance of access strategies in resuscitation, and the evolving approach to airway management. They explore the nuances of treating obstructive shock and the potential of non-invasive solutions like junctional tourniquets. The discussion emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in trauma resuscitation strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Takeaways
Healthcare professionals face significant risks on the front lines.
Traumatic cardiac arrest management requires a different approach than medical cardiac arrest.
The HOT algorithm focuses on key reversible causes in trauma patients.
Cultural norms influence the instinct to perform compressions in trauma cases.
Hemorrhage control is critical in trauma management.
Pelvic binders should be used more frequently in trauma situations.
TXA is essential in managing shock patients effectively.
Fluid resuscitation strategies must be individualized based on patient needs.
Understanding the physiology of trauma is crucial for effective treatment.
The medical community must adapt to new research and evidence in trauma care. The administration of TXA and calcium can significantly impact trauma care.
Logistical challenges in IV access can be mitigated by using IO access.
Basic airway maneuvers should be prioritized over advanced intubation in trauma cases.
Needle decompression techniques need to be re-evaluated for effectiveness.
Open-thoracostomy may provide better outcomes than traditional needle decompression.
Non-invasive junctional tourniquets can be a viable option in trauma settings.
Understanding cardiac rhythms can guide resuscitation efforts in trauma patients.
Rethinking trauma protocols can reduce preventable deaths in emergency situations.
The importance of early volume restoration in trauma resuscitation cannot be overstated.
Collaboration and continuous education are key to improving trauma care practices.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context of Trauma in Healthcare
03:29 The Dangers Faced by Healthcare Workers
06:27 New Research on Traumatic Cardiac Arrest
09:34 Understanding Traumatic Arrest Management
12:26 The Role of Compressions in Traumatic Arrest
15:38 Cultural Challenges in Emergency Response
18:43 Hemorrhage Control and Pelvic Binders
21:43 The Importance of Reversible Causes in Trauma
24:22 Evolving Practices in Trauma Care
27:41 Final Thoughts on Trauma Management
38:55 The Debate on Fluid Resuscitation
41:43 Understanding Systolic Blood Pressure in Trauma
46:06 The Role of TXA and Calcium in Trauma Care
58:13 Access Techniques in Pre-Hospital Settings
01:09:48 Fluid Resuscitation Challenges
01:15:08 Airway Management in Trauma
01:22:00 Understanding Obstructive Shock Pathology
01:30:48 Exploring External Abdominal Constriction Devices
01:39:35 The Importance of Cardiac Rhythm in Trauma
01:43:25 Rethinking Trauma Patient Management

Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 14min
Sepsis Fundamentals with Michael Winters, MD
Summary
In this conversation, Mustafa Sidik and Dr. Mike Winters delve into the complexities of sepsis, discussing its definitions, sources, symptoms, and treatment strategies. Dr. Winters shares his extensive experience in emergency medicine and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and appropriate management of sepsis. The discussion covers the pathophysiology of sepsis, the role of lactate in assessing severity, and the various scoring systems used to identify septic patients. They also highlight the significance of clinical judgment over standardized scoring systems and explore the future of sepsis treatment through phenotyping.
Takeaways
Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction due to infection.
The lung is the most common source of sepsis, followed by genitourinary and intra-abdominal sources.
Tachypnea is a critical sign of sepsis and correlates with poor outcomes.
Early administration of antibiotics is crucial in septic shock cases.
Fluid resuscitation should be tailored to the patient's condition, especially in cases of hypoperfusion.
Lactate levels are important indicators of sepsis severity and mortality risk.
Current sepsis scoring systems have limitations and should not replace clinical judgment.
Sepsis phenotyping may lead to more individualized treatment approaches in the future.
Understanding the pathophysiology of sepsis helps in better management and education.
Continuous education and awareness are key to improving outcomes in sepsis management.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sepsis and Guest Background
03:46 Journey into Medicine and Emergency Care
06:32 Understanding Sepsis: Definitions and Criteria
09:43 Sources of Sepsis: Top Five Locations
12:33 Pathophysiology of Sepsis: From Localized Infection to Systemic Response
18:33 SIRS Criteria and Its Implications
20:53 Symptoms of Sepsis: Fever, Tachycardia, and More
27:56 Lactate Levels and Their Significance
30:59 Sepsis Scoring Systems: SOFA, QSOFA, and More
35:47 Treatment Approaches: Fluids, Antibiotics, and Vasopressors
44:46 Fluid Resuscitation: Guidelines and Considerations
52:53 Sepsis Phenotyping: The Future of Treatment
01:06:45 Closing Thoughts on Sepsis Management
Early Physician Gestalt Versus Usual Screening Tools for the Prediction of Sepsis in Critically Ill Emergency Patients:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38530675/

Nov 11, 2024 • 56min
Journal Club: Analysis of the INTERACT4 Trial w/ Jim Brady, DO
Keywords: prehospital care, stroke management, blood pressure control, INTERACT4, emergency medicine, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, clinical research, medical literature, EMS
Summary: In this conversation, Mustafa Sidik and James Brady discuss the INTERACT4 trial, which investigates blood pressure management in pre-hospital settings for stroke patients. They explore the trial's methodology, results, and implications for clinical practice, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and the importance of understanding the differences between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. The discussion also highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the study, the significance of negative findings, and the necessity for better diagnostic tools in emergency medicine.takeaways
Pre-hospital providers need to stay updated on current literature.
The INTERACT4 trial focused on blood pressure control in stroke patients.
No significant difference was found in outcomes between treatment groups.
The odds ratio of 1.0 indicates no effect of the intervention.
Blood pressure management varies significantly between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Negative research findings can provide valuable insights.
Generalizability of research is crucial for clinical application.
The study's high percentage of hemorrhagic strokes raises questions about its applicability in other regions.
Future research should focus on improving diagnostic tools for stroke.
Effective blood pressure management is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 1min
Toxicology Fundamentals with Andrew Stolbach, MD
In this conversation, Mustafa Sidik interviews Dr. Andrew Stolbach, an emergency physician and medical toxicologist, to discuss the fundamentals of toxicology, including definitions, toxidromes, and management strategies for various overdoses. They explore the mechanisms of common antidotes like naloxone, sodium bicarbonate, and glucagon, emphasizing the importance of treating the patient rather than just the poison. The discussion highlights the complexities of toxicology in emergency medicine and the critical role of understanding symptoms and treatment protocols.
Takeaways
Toxicology focuses on treating poisonings and overdoses.
The dose of a substance determines its toxicity.
Toxidromes are key in identifying specific overdoses.
Cholinergic and anticholinergic toxidromes present opposite symptoms.
Sympathomimetic toxidromes are often caused by stimulants like cocaine.
Benzodiazepines are crucial in managing sympathomimetic overdoses.
Opioid overdoses can lead to respiratory failure.
Naloxone is an effective antidote for opioid overdoses.
Sodium bicarbonate is used in TCA overdoses to normalize EKG findings.
Glucagon can be used in beta blocker overdoses to bypass receptor blockage.
Keywords
toxicology, toxidromes, overdose management, medical toxicology, emergency medicine, naloxone, sedative hypnotics, opioid epidemic, glucagon, sodium bicarbonate
Link to Naloxone and Patient Outcomes in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests in California:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2822449

Oct 28, 2024 • 46min
EMS Progression: Knowing How & When to Move Forward
Discover the intricate balance between innovation and caution in Emergency Medical Services. The hosts delve into the controversial use of calcium in trauma care and the strategic rollout of new protocols. They stress the importance of hands-on training and clinician involvement in adopting modern tools. Change management emerges as a crucial theme, focusing on the psychological shifts necessary for successful implementation. Continuous education and effective communication are highlighted as key elements in advancing patient care.

Oct 21, 2024 • 59min
Thrombectomy 101 with Paul Singh, MD
Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Paul Singh discusses the advancements in stroke treatment, particularly focusing on thrombectomy. He shares his journey into medicine, the significance of timely intervention in stroke cases, and the evolution of treatment protocols. The discussion covers the types of strokes, the criteria for thrombectomy candidates, and the procedure itself. Emphasis is placed on the importance of time in stroke care, the role of AI in improving outcomes, and the future directions in stroke prevention and treatment.
Keywords: thrombectomy, stroke treatment, ischemic stroke, emergency medicine, neuroendovascular surgery, patient outcomes, AI in healthcare, stroke awareness, EMS protocols, healthcare innovation
Takeaways
Thrombectomy can significantly improve patient outcomes with a low number needed to treat.
Understanding the types of strokes is crucial for effective treatment.
Time is critical in stroke care; every minute counts.
AI technology is enhancing the speed and accuracy of stroke diagnosis.
Community awareness of stroke symptoms can lead to quicker treatment.
The thrombectomy procedure is similar to cardiac catheterization.
Patient outcomes have improved due to advancements in technology and techniques.
Preventative care and awareness are essential in reducing stroke incidence.
The landscape of stroke care is continuously evolving with new research and innovations.
Access to thrombectomy centers is vital for rural areas.
AI and the Future of Stroke Treatment
Innovations in Stroke Care: What’s Next?
"I wanted to work in something where I wouldn't feel like it was a job."
"You only have to treat two to four patients to get a meaningful outcome."
"Time is brain."

Oct 14, 2024 • 52min
Airway Dogmalysis
Summary
In this episode, Josh and Cody discuss common mistakes in airway training for paramedics, emphasizing the need for updated techniques and realistic training scenarios. They highlight the importance of teaching airway management as a comprehensive system rather than focusing solely on intubation. The conversation also covers the significance of proper airway assessment and the dangers of allowing successful poor techniques in training. The hosts provide actionable takeaways for improving airway training programs.
Keywords
airway training, paramedic education, airway management, teaching techniques, simulation training, medical training, emergency medicine, intubation, airway assessment, training mistakes
Takeaways
Poor teaching habits are prevalent in airway management training.
Training should evolve to incorporate current best practices.
High fidelity training is not always necessary for effective learning.
Successful poor technique can lead to dangerous outcomes in airway management.
Airway management should be taught as a comprehensive system.
Realistic training scenarios are crucial for effective learning.
Airway assessment must include BVM and supraglottic considerations.
Training should reflect real-life scenarios encountered in the field.
Success in airway management is built over time through proper training.
Look to high-performing agencies for best practices in airway training.
Sound Bites
"Poor teaching habits are a major issue."
"We need to evolve our training methods."
"High fidelity training isn't always necessary."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Airway Training Mistakes
02:47 Common Teaching Mistakes in Airway Management
11:12 The Importance of Updated Techniques
20:02 Focus on Airway Management as a System
33:40 The Need for Realistic Training Scenarios
49:36 Key Takeaways for Effective Airway Training

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 10min
Stroke 101 with Lindsay Goff, RN and Kenny Barajas, DNP
Summary
This conversation delves into the critical role of EMS in stroke care, highlighting the importance of timely assessment and treatment. Experts Kenny Barajas and Lindsay Goff discuss the definitions, types, and symptoms of strokes, emphasizing the need for EMS providers to recognize and act swiftly. They explore the impact of stroke on patients and their families, the differences between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and the protocols for EMS management. The discussion also addresses the importance of communication with hospital partners and the need for ongoing education in stroke awareness and care.
Takeaways
Stroke is a disruption in blood flow to the brain.
The BFAST algorithm is crucial for identifying stroke symptoms.
Approximately one-third of stroke patients die within a year.
Ischemic strokes account for 88% of all strokes.
Hypertension and diabetes are significant risk factors for stroke.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke.
Time is critical; every minute counts in stroke treatment.
Patients can have both vertigo and a stroke simultaneously.
EMS providers must advocate for their patients effectively.
Education and training are essential for EMS providers in stroke care.
Titles
The Critical Role of EMS in Stroke Care
The Impact of Stroke on Patients and Families
Sound Bites
"Stroke is the number one cause of long-term disability."
"Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke."
"Time is brain; the sooner we get treatment, the better."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Stroke Care in EMS
03:35
Understanding Stroke: Definition and Symptoms
07:13
Morbidity, Mortality, and Risk Factors of Stroke
11:18
Types of Stroke: Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic
25:16
EMS Management of Stroke: Assessment and Protocols
40:27
The Role of Education and Training in Stroke Recognition
55:34
Closing Thoughts on Stroke Care and Patient Advocacy
Keywords
stroke, EMS, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, stroke symptoms, stroke care, emergency medical services, stroke assessment, stroke management, patient advocacy

Sep 21, 2024 • 1h 6min
Medical Director's Corner #1
The Alert Medic 1 team sits down with their medical director, Dr. Ben Lawner, to discuss various topics related to EMS medicine.
Keywords: Sudden Ambulance Death Syndrome, EMS, patient transport, clinical decision-making, emergency medicine, treatment protocols, communication, high-stress situations, continuous learning
Summary: In this episode, the hosts discuss the concept of Sudden Ambulance Death Syndrome, exploring its implications for emergency medical services (EMS) and patient care. They delve into the cultural perspectives surrounding patient transport, the nuances of treatment decisions, and the importance of communication in high-stress situations. Through case studies, they highlight the significance of treatment before transport and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of protocols and the management of emotions during emergencies, ultimately advocating for a patient-centered approach in EMS.
Takeaways
Transport is a treatment, and timing is crucial.
Cultural perspectives influence how EMS professionals approach patient care.
There is a need for a balanced approach between staying on scene and rapid transport.
Understanding the nuances of treatment decisions can improve patient outcomes.
Communication is key in high-stress situations to ensure effective care.
Protocols should encourage critical thinking rather than rigid adherence to algorithms.
Managing emotions is essential for effective decision-making in emergencies.
Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for EMS professionals.
The importance of treating through the doors cannot be overstated.
Patient-centered care should guide all decisions in EMS.
Learning from Case Studies in EMS
Cultural Influences on EMS Practices
"Transport is a treatment, right?"
"We can't think in extremes."
"Treat through the doors."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:41 Transport as a Treatment
06:04 Thinking in Extremes
09:31 Treating Through the Doors
15:46 Working the Arrest in the Back of the Unit
18:14 The Hospital as Definitive Care
36:10 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Education 38:30 Immediate Life-Saving Treatments
41:35 Addressing Critical Life Threats
46:10 Managing Emotions and Maintaining a Calm Mindset
49:07Effective Communication and Teamwork

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 9min
Serotonin Syndrome w/ Jim Brady, DO
The Alert Medic 1 team sits down with Dr. Jim Brady to discuss the fundamentals of Serotonin Syndrome.


