Bones break. Joints dislocate. Ligaments stretch and tear. In this episode, Mike, Max, and Jonathan dive into musculoskeletal trauma, one of the most common injury categories EMS providers encounter. The crew breaks down the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system, the difference between fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations, and how EMTs assess and stabilize extremity injuries in the field.
Along the way, they explore compartment syndrome, the six P’s of extremity injury, traction splints, pelvic stabilization, and the real-world priorities of splinting without delaying lifesaving care.
This episode also features a Tools of the Trade segment sponsored by SAM Medical, where the team looks at one of the most recognizable pieces of equipment in EMS: the SAM Splint — a simple but incredibly versatile tool used to immobilize fractures and stabilize injured limbs in the field.
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Visit our sponsor, SAM Medical!
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Episode Breakdown
00:00 — Episode intro
01:44 — Sponsor spotlight: SAM Medical
07:43 — Catch-up and EMS stories from the field
28:05 — Medical Term of the Week: The Six P’s
30:09 — Compartment syndrome
50:08 — Chapter discussion: Musculoskeletal Trauma
01:25:12 — Assessment priorities, life threats, and splinting principles
01:45:26 — Pelvic injuries and pelvic binders
01:50:10 — Femur fractures and traction splints
02:05:02 — Tools of the Trade: The SAM Splint
02:15:22 — Student Tip of the Week: NREMT practice questions
02:34:23 — Episode wrap-up
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.
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