EMTpro Podcast

Steve, Dan, and Holly bring Nate and Andrea from the Guardian Group into the studio to discuss Sex Trafficking Awareness. As EMS providers, Nate and Andrea walk listeners through what to look for on scene, best practices when you find evidence of trafficking, and how to protect your loved ones at home. 

Steve, Dan, and Holly discuss the background and use of Ketamine in EMS. The trio interviews their guest, Oregon Firefighter/Paramedic Isaiah Burkhart, an Army Ranger veteran, about his experience with Ketamine personally and professionally. Various calls are discussed outlining what went well and what could have gone better when it comes to chemical restraint. Various doses and indications for the drug are discussed along with what the future of Ketamine use could look like in depression and psychotherapy treatment modalities. 

Steve, Dan, and Holly are joined by Dr. Ed Racht to discuss humor and its role in EMS. Gallows humor is discussed as well as the concept of looking at humor as a different language for EMS providers. Dr. Racht reviews when to know you've crossed the line and how to test your humor out with your co-workers, friends, and family if you're unsure if it will be received well. 

Steve, Dan, and Holly are joined with their colleague Chad who works full time in human trafficking in the Portland area. Chad describes his work, defines trafficking for listeners, and outlines what EMS providers can do when their "spidey senses" are going off.  Mental health awareness is discussed when it comes to first responders who are constantly faced with gut-wrenching calls and cases. Steve and Dan discuss calls where they felt something was off and took various actions which may have helped get their patients the resources they needed. 

Steve, Dan, and Holly discuss the fundamental differences and pros and cons between private ambulance EMS and Fire-Based EMS. The trio is joined by two Firefighter Paramedics from Washington State - Eric Chamberlain and Jeff Wright, who have a unique outlook on EMS compared to the average of their peers. 

Steve, Dan, and Holly return to discuss the generational gaps in EMS and the workforce in general. The trio talks about the common stereotypes and strengths of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Xennials, Millenials, and Gen Z. The trio details their own personal experiences working with people across all generations and how those differences can make work fun. The differences between millennials and the other generations in the workplace are examined. 

Steve, Dan, and Holly are back after an extended hiatus due to COVID-19. Listen as the trio discuss how COVID has impacted their lives both professionally and personally.  Compassion fatigue and the impact of the Coronavirus on healthcare workers across multiple disciplines are discussed. Steve discusses one of his recent COVID-related cardiac arrest calls and the changes EMS is facing in the waking of the pandemic. 

Steve, Dan, and Holly return to discuss the pathway to a successful internship. The trio talks about how formative internship is for students and begin answering questions submitted by prospective students. The trio details the stress of the first day of internship, and what students can expect. Adaptation is key; different agencies operate differently and have their own unique challenges. Steve reminisces about his internship, and how the system he worked in operated. Holly, Dan, and Steve each give their number one tip for success during the internship. The importance of attitude is discussed, as well as being open to learning from professionals with years of experience. To wrap up the podcast, the trio discusses common issues paramedics can run into, and the importance of self-care.

Dan, Holly, and Steve return to discuss resiliency and its importance in emergency medical services. Dan and Holly open by highlighting their attendance at the Train the Trainer course for the FBI Officer Resiliency course. Holly and Dan further detail the organizational components of their course, and its emphasis on teaching resiliency early. Story-telling was focused on in the course, as a way to help everyone open up. Holly and Dan review the science behind dealing with stress and building resiliency. Setting goals that correspond with one’s values will make reaching those goals easier. The trio calls Scott, a fire chief from Texas, who recounts a story about finding peace and appreciating our individual journeys. The group highlights the importance of practicing gratitude. The trio wrap up the podcast reflecting on the material discussed in the FBI Officer Resiliency course, and how they apply the philosophies outlined into their own lives. 

Steve, Dan, and Holly are joined by a special guest, Dr. Brenda Tillman of Readiness Group, to discuss how we as first responders can deal with chronic stress. In today's world of Covid, natural disasters, social unrest, and political division, it's hard to maintain our sanity when you throw in a stressful job on top of it. Dr. Tillman reviews ways we can practice good self-care to stay sane and improve our resilience.