Shows
EMTpro PodcastEMS JeopardyIn this episode, the whole team is back for a spirited round of “EMS Jeopardy.” Steve takes on the role of game show host as Dan and Holly face off, answering questions across categories like airway and breathing, cardiology and resuscitation, medical emergencies, trauma and shock, EMS protocols and safety, and basic pharmacology. Tune in for a fun and informative review of EMS topics at all difficulty levels, brought to life by the lively banter of some of the field’s most respected and well-known professionals.
References:
Caroline, N. L., Pollak, A. N., Elling, B., & S...
2025-07-0839 minEMTpro PodcastSurviving Workplace ToxicityEMS is notorious for the high stress, long hours, and repeated exposure to trauma that leave an alarming number of burned-out professionals in its wake. Whether you work for a private ambulance, fire department, or in a hospital setting, burnout is a real and pervasive threat to the well-being of any EMS provider. And, where burnout is often found, so is a toxic workplace. In this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly talk about their experiences in toxic environments or around toxic individuals. They discuss how easy it is to become part of the toxic culture, and why that makes...
2025-06-0555 minEMTpro PodcastTrauma Death TriadIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly are back in the studio as Holly leads the team through an in-depth discussion on the trauma death triad (diamond). They discuss each component – hypothermia, acidosis, coagulation – and that tricky final component that plays a role in all three, calcium. Holly provides a scientific breakdown of each component, and then the team discusses the practical implications of each component in the “real-life” management of a trauma patient in the field. Holly also touches on some longer-term implications of trauma management for those providers who end up on scene with a patient for longer th...
2025-04-251h 02EMTpro PodcastBurn InjuriesIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly are joined by guest Matt Shamrell, a burn unit ICU nurse. Matt discusses treatment processes for burn patients, including fluid resuscitation, pain management, and wound care. Matt answers questions about risk factors for, and the in-hospital management of, compartment syndrome as well as the potential for severe and life-threatening infections in burn patients. The team discusses how EMS providers can best treat burn patients to ensure the transition of care from pre-hospital to in-hospital is as seamless as possible.
2024-10-1756 minEMTpro PodcastChemical Sedation and Legal RamificationsSteve and Dan co-host their first show without Holly as they welcome special guest Eric Jaeger. Eric is an RSI Paramedic and Attorney from New Hampshire who leads the discussion on best practices for physical restraint and chemical sedation and the legal ramifications these interventions carry. Eric shares his knowledge of the tragic circumstances surrounding George Floyd and Elijah McClain’s deaths and discusses improvements to consider when it comes to protocols and guidelines for these procedures.
2024-09-0551 minEMTpro PodcastRural MCI Case StudyIn today’s episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly have the opportunity to discuss an interesting MCI call with guest, Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Snider. At the time of the incident, Kyle was a new paramedic graduate with wilderness medicine training who was working in a rural department with limited resources. Kyle discusses the call from the point of dispatch to call completion and reviews what he felt went well and what he would have changed. This episode gives the team a chance to discuss how we often leave chaotic scenes feeling overwhelmed and discouraged; however, reviewing the call with others in...
2024-04-261h 10EMTpro PodcastEMS Administered BuprenorphineIt is no secret that we, as a nation, are experiencing extreme implications of opioid abuse. In this episode, Holly talks about a new program she is helping head, whose goal is to provide treatment to patients suffering from opioid addiction. This cutting-edge program utilizes a medication called buprenorphine to initiate treatment in the field and provide ongoing care for willing patients. While there is still much to learn, Holly discusses the research behind the foundation of this program, its successes thus far, and some learning points. The team discusses how this information is helping shape the current program...
2024-04-0152 minEMTpro PodcastDelivering Effective Ventilations Part 2In this follow-up episode, Bruce and the team continue discussing ventilation and airway management. This episode goes into greater depth on how ETCO2 can be used to manage an array of patients effectively and how a thorough understanding and monitoring of end-tidal during a resuscitation attempt can help ensure a patient remains neurologically intact, assuming ROSC is achieved. Bruce covers case studies on this topic, and the team has the opportunity to look at the “oscillations” in end-tidal and how they provide vital information on the efficacy of CPR and PPVs. This episode provides unique insight and information on the...
2024-02-071h 00EMTpro PodcastDelivering Effective Ventilations Part 1In this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly talk with Bruce Opsal, a long-time firefighter and paramedic who has spent years leading training programs centered on effective airway management and ventilation. Bruce first emphasizes the importance of airway management in any patient, especially those in cardiac arrest. The team talks about how the previous line of thought was to assign the airway to the least experienced provider and then forget about it. However, this is evolving in pre-hospital management as we better understand the importance of careful and attentive airway management. Bruce then introduces his 6-step process for confirming effective...
2024-02-021h 00EMTpro PodcastMystery Diagnoses and HyperkalemiaDr. Selbak joins Steve, Dan, and Holly to discuss a few unique case studies. The episode begins with Steve walking the team through a call that raises many questions for his crew. As the case is discussed, the listener is encouraged to critically consider the patient’s history, symptoms, presentation, and additional lab values as they are given. At the same time, Dr. Ramsay discusses his process for assessing and managing this patient and ultimately comes to a diagnosis.
The second half of this episode provides an overview of hyperkalemia – what it is, how it happens, how it o...
2023-08-2847 minEMTpro PodcastCalls That Catch Us Off GuardIn this episode, Steve presents two trauma case studies for the group to discuss. While patient care in both of these calls went well, and these scenarios provide an overview of successful extrication and patient management following both an MVA and significant blunt force trauma, the distinguishing factor in each is a very specific element that caught Steve "off guard" and forced him to revisit the call days or weeks later.
2023-06-2451 minEMTpro PodcastTrauma and Art with Special Guest Daniel SundahlIn today's episode, the team talks with Daniel Sundahl, a 20-year Firefighter/Paramedic, and artist. Daniel discusses how his experiences navigating PTSD led him to create powerful artwork, which is now helping open the conversation around mental health for first responders.
2023-05-0148 minEMTpro PodcastAortic Dissection Case ReviewIn this episode, Steve, Dan, Holly, and Dr. Selbak review a few of their calls involving aortic dissections. Because aortic dissection is a relatively uncommon disease process, and many severe cases never make it to the hospital, reviewing these cases provides a unique opportunity for the listener to gather abundant knowledge in one sitting that may otherwise take years to gather in the field.
2023-04-1946 minEMTpro PodcastViolence in HealthcareIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly talk with Dr. Ramsey Selbak about the increasing prevalence of violence in healthcare. They each take a turn providing examples of dangerous situations they've been involved in, how they handled them, and how they have adjusted their tactics as providers since. This episode introduces a much-needed conversation about provider safety in healthcare and how it has long been neglected. The team touches on why violent incidents seem to be more commonplace, why they often go unreported, and the lack of debriefing many EMS providers have following these events.
2023-02-2201 minEMTpro PodcastTools for Success in EMSIn this episode, the team discusses specific ways efficiency can be improved in the field of EMS. The team discusses cardiac arrest response, checklists, and managing equipment on chaotic scenes. This episode encourages all providers to think critically about how we can each advocate for change that has the potential to dramatically improve patient outcomes.
2023-01-0950 minEMTpro PodcastComplex Case Review with Dr. SelbakIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly have the opportunity to chat with Dr. Selbak in the studio. Dr. Selbak introduces an exciting case he came across while working in the emergency department and discusses with the team how he went about treating it.
2022-12-1549 min
EMTpro PodcastMy Craziest OB CallIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly discuss their experiences with OB calls, specifically field deliveries, that were outside a typical “textbook” experience. They dive into the aspects of the scene, patient, transport, and crew to discuss what made their experiences stand out. Each provider will also take the time to address a unique OB emergency related to the patient in their story or that they have experienced and how they treated that patient to benefit both mom and baby.
OB calls, specifically those in which deliveries are imminent, are low frequency with the potential to be very high risk. So th...
2022-09-2949 minEMTpro PodcastAll About DanIn this special episode, we celebrate our co-host, Dan Livengood, on his retirement after 27 years in the fire and EMS service. Dan is one of the most selfless and caring people you'd ever hope to have show up at your door during your time of need. We learn from his co-workers just how much fun it was to work with Dan and what life in the firehouse with him was like.
2022-09-0552 minEMTpro PodcastThe State of EMS EducationIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly discuss EMS education with Adam Culbertson, a current educator in North Carolina. The team has the opportunity to ask Adam about EMS education and how it is changing, as well as some trends we can expect to see in the coming years.
2022-05-1949 minEMTpro PodcastChasing Numbers with Dr. Ramsey SelbakIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly are joined by Dr. Ramsey Selbak, EMTprep's Physician Advisor. Dr. Ramsey discusses his background in emergency medicine as well as his experience and relationship with field providers. The team then delves into an age old rut into which many EMS providers fall - chasing numbers. What do we mean by this? Trying to correct specific lab values or vitals without taking into account the entirety patient. What do they look like? Why might this vital or value be skewed? How long did it take the patient to get to where they are now? A...
2022-05-1155 minEMTpro PodcastOperating in the Gray ZoneIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly discuss calls that are not "black and white", and have forced them to think outside the box. Steve provides Dan and Holly with a case he encountered and has them walk through their decision making. He then reflects on how he and his crew responded to the scenario. Holly reviews a call she had that presented a variety of challenges and forced her to work in the "gray zone" and defend clinical decisions she made. The team closes by reviewing the importance of critical thinking and its application in the world of emergency...
2022-04-2242 minEMTpro PodcastDisaster MedicineSteve, Dan, and Holly are back in the studio after a 6-month hiatus. The team reviews disaster medicine, how to get in the door, and what to expect on deployments. Dan Livengood is interviewed and discussed his multiple deployments that started in 2001 in El Salvador up to his most recent deployment to Ukraine.
2022-04-0551 min
EMTpro PodcastShow UpdateSteve is back in the studio to give you a quick update on our friend and guest, Debbie Bailey. Steve gives a timeline for when the trio will be back in the studio again to record the next episodes of the show.
2021-09-2301 minEMTpro PodcastOn Death and DyingSteve, Dan, and Holly bring special guest Debbie Bailey on the show to discuss the process of dying and death itself. The trio listen as Debbie describes her battle with a terminal illness and what her recommendations are for EMS providers who are called to treat those in their final days and moments.
2021-08-0550 minEMTpro PodcastKetamine Use Part 2 of 2Steve, Dan, and Holly bring in Dr. Ramsey Selbak to discuss Ketamine use from an ER Physician's perspective. In addition to some case reviews, key aspects of Ketamine dosing, indications, and side effects are discussed.
2021-07-1951 minEMTpro PodcastSex Trafficking Awareness with Guardian GroupSteve, 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.
2021-07-1355 minEMTpro PodcastKetamine Use Part 1 of 2Steve, 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.
2021-06-1854 minEMTpro PodcastEMS Humor with Dr. Ed RachtSteve, 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.
2021-06-0754 minEMTpro PodcastHuman Trafficking Awareness and EducationSteve, 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.
2021-05-2455 minEMTpro PodcastPrivate Ambulance vs. Fire-Based EMSSteve, 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.
2021-05-101h 02EMTpro PodcastGenerational Gaps in EMSSteve, 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.
2021-03-3056 minEMTpro PodcastCOVID Check InSteve, 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.
2020-12-2357 minEMTpro PodcastTips for a Successful InternshipSteve, 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...
2020-11-0448 minEMTpro PodcastResiliency and Dan’s StoryDan, 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 fi...
2020-10-2853 minEMTpro PodcastDealing With Chronic Stress With Dr. TillmanSteve, 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.
2020-09-231h 00EMTpro PodcastLung Sounds and Case ReviewIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly discuss lung sounds, their treatment modalities, and common misconceptions. Steve leads a Lung Sound recognition game while Dan and Holly square off to see who's the best. After listening to the lung sound, they then discuss the correct sound by reviewing the textbook definition of it and the treatment options for it in the field.
2020-09-1644 minEMTpro PodcastCardiac Arrest Survival with Joe PowellIn this episode, Steve, Dan, and Holly talk about cardiac arrest response with the EMS coordinator at Rialto Fire, Joe Powell. After looking at Rialto Fire departments stats, Joe realized they had to do something different. At Rialto Fire, they have committed to the ‘wheel of survival’ which is a regularly evolving set of steps designed to maximize the interventions of EMS personnel with their patients who are experiencing cardiac arrest. Their stats on cardiac survivability have improved significantly since implementing this and they have multiple studies published in JEMS.
2020-09-091h 13EMTpro PodcastIO’s with Co-Inventor Scotty BolleterSteve, Dan, and Holly introduce Scotty Bolleter, one of the co-inventors of the EZ-IO. Scotty details how he got started in EMS, and what led him to help create the EZ-IO. Scotty discusses his time as a flight paramedic, and how his time spent training in hospitals pushed him into EMS business ventures. Steve touches on his business ventures in EMS.
Scotty walks the trio through his team’s process of modifying older devices to create their version of the EZ-IO. Scotty talks about his inter-disciplinary team of physicians, engineers, and others. The correct process of placing a humeral IO is...
2020-09-021h 06EMTpro PodcastVent Settings & LessonsSteve, Dan, and Holly introduce their guest speaker, Kari, a respiratory therapist/paramedic from Washington. Kari discusses the endotracheal tube and the importance of having a correctly sized and placed tube. Kari highlights how critical it is to understand the disease processes that resulted in the patient being intubated. Ventilation and oxygenation issues are reviewed, along with the importance of PEEP in intubated patients.
Kari talks about PEEP in intubated patients with asthma or COPD, as well as variations in tidal volume settings for various disease processes. The group discusses minute volume, and how a patient’s minute volume is ca...
2020-08-261h 13EMTpro PodcastMy Craziest Trauma CallSteve, Dan, and Holly introduce themselves, and today’s focus, trauma. Steve reviews his educational background, and how his university set him up for success in paramedicine. He then transitions into his craziest trauma call, dispatched a potential stabbing. Walking into the scene, Steve sees his patient, a 20-something-year-old who has been stabbed two times in the chest and once left arm. The crew bandages the superficial bleeding chest laceration, and places and tourniquet on the left arm laceration. When the patient loses consciousness, Steve has to act quickly to handle a tension pneumothorax.
Steve, Dan, and Holly discuss the se...
2020-08-1251 minEMTpro PodcastPTSD – Ben’s Story & Dr. TillmanSteve, Holly, and Dan are back with Dr. Brenda Tillman and Ben Wescott in part two of their PTSI series. Dr. Tillman emphasizes how important it is for senior providers to encourage open discussions on mental health. Ben shares his insight on how providers can challenge the stigma of discussing mental health. Ben shares his story and highlights his path to healing. Dr. Tillman and Ben discuss peer support groups and educating departments on PTSI and PTSD symptoms and prevention. Steve, Holly, and Dan field questions to Dr. Tillman and Ben. Dr. Tillman outlines ways departments can implement peer support...
2020-08-051h 02EMTpro PodcastPTSD – Dr. Tillman from Readiness GroupSteve, Dan, and Holly introduce Dr. Brenda Tillman and Ben Wescott in their seventh podcast. Dr. Tillman discusses her experience as a clinician, and Ben introduces himself. Dr. Tillman details the difference between PTSD and PTSI, and why those differences are important when diagnosing first responders. Counseling programs for first responders are overviewed, as well as the training process for counselors counseling first responders.
Dr. Tillman reviews the process of EMDR and why it is effective for improving symptoms of PTSI and PTSD. The physiological effects of PTSD and PTSI are detailed. Steve talks about his experience with EMDR. Coping...
2020-07-2951 minEMTpro PodcastPTSD – Steve’s StorySteve, Holly, and Dan begin their sixth podcast discussing the difference between PTSD and PTSI. Steve touches on his journey with PTSI. The initial triggering call is reviewed, and Steve details the emotional and physiological symptoms he dealt with. Steve talks about his experience with counseling.
The trio overview common emotional and physiological symptoms of PTSI, as well as behaviors that can manifest from it. They describe the difference between debriefing and defusing. The importance of emergency medical responders taking care of themselves is highlighted.
2020-07-2252 minEMTpro PodcastAirway ManagementSteve, Dan, and Holly begin their fifth podcast with a case study on a motorcycle accident. Dan describes the logistics of the call and initial patient presentation. Mistakes made during rapid sequence intubation are discussed. The trio talks about the evolution of airway management procedures, such as the process of intubating patients and pre-oxygenation.
Dan discusses his checklist for successful rapid sequence intubation. Steve reviews his checklist, along with his triggers for backup airway placement and cricothyrotomy. Holly recaps a call where she decided against intubation and describes her thought process.
2020-07-1543 minEMTpro PodcastMy Craziest Cardiac CallSteve outlines his “craziest” cardiac call for Holly and Dan, which was dispatched as a person down. He discusses logistical issues affecting patient care, and how those issues were addressed. Steve, Dan, and Holly review the call and talk about lessons learned.
Dan breaks down his “crazy” cardiac call for Holly and Steve, which was dispatched as a cardiac arrest. The three review patient care rendered prior to arrival and patient care performed by Dan and his team. Lessons learned are discussed.
2020-07-1139 minEMTpro PodcastHelicopter EMSHolly talks about her background as a paramedic and flight nurse. Dan discusses certifications he obtained to become a flight paramedic. Holly discusses her path to become a flight nurse. The trio outlines similarities in protocols for flying a critical patient in the field. Holly touches on the importance of flying patients with time-sensitive presentations, be it medical or trauma-related.
Dan and Holly describe their typical day, and what their crew and individual agencies look like. The two talk logistics when responding to a scene call in the helicopter. The influence of weather on flying is discussed, and Holly goes...
2020-07-0455 minEMTpro PodcastCOVID 19 and Case ReviewIn their second podcast, Dan and Steve discuss what their individual departments have done in response to COVID-19. Current statistics regarding the novel coronavirus are reviewed. Dan walks through what a call at his agency looks like in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve touches on how COVID-19 has changed how departments respond to calls, as well as the mindset of medical providers on scene, exposure protocols, and PPE requirements.
Steve discusses a call where proper PPE prevented him from having a life-threatening exposure. Dan outlines a breathing problem call at a care facility and the process of intubating...
2020-06-2746 minEMTpro PodcastIntroductions and Airway Case ReviewSteve and Dan review their goals for this new podcast and how you can obtain your CE hours through EMT-CE.com. After the introductions, Steve and Dan dive into some interesting case reviews regarding airway management and trauma.
2020-06-2050 min