MCHD Paramedic Podcast

Join this discussion of some of the recent literature surrounding EMS care of traumatic brain injury with Dr. Al Lulla. This is the perfect confluence of advancing evidence, relatively straightforward interventions, and a patient population where we can definitely improve prehospital outcomes. See where the literature, education, and protocol implementation can meet to improve TBI outcomes in your EMS service. REFERENCES 1. Spaite DW, Hu C, Bobrow BJ, et al. Optimal Out-of-Hospital Blood Pressure in Major Traumatic Brain Injury: A Challenge to the Current Understanding of Hypotension. Ann Emerg Med. 2022 Jul;80(1):46-59. 2. Spaite DW, Bobrow BJ, Keim SM, et al. Association of Statewide Implementation of the Prehospital Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Guidelines With Patient Survival Following Traumatic Brain Injury: The Excellence in Prehospital Injury Care (EPIC) Study. JAMA Surg. 2019 Jul 1;154(7):e191152.

When it comes to exciting educational topics in EMS, oftentimes, the endocrine system, specifically the adrenal glands, can be left off the list. Dr. Patrick is joined by one of our local emergency/trauma nurses, Melanie Gander, to discuss her journey as a parent of a child with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We'll review basic adrenal physiology and discuss the caveats on how to recognize and treat adrenal crises in the field. REFERENCES 1. https://united4rare.org/ 2. https://caresfoundation.org/ 3. https://www.magicfoundation.org/Growth-Disorders/Congenital-Adrenal-Hyperplasia/

Across the world of health care, everyone is wrestling with how to reduce medication errors. With the decision in the Vanderbilt case, there is now the added fear of potential prosecution for giving an incorrect medication. Join the podcast crew as they try to better define the various types of medication errors while looking at what the literature says about medication errors in EMS. REFERENCES 1. Walker D, Moloney C, SueSee B, Sharples R, Blackman R, Long D, Hou XY. Factors Influencing Medication Errors in the Prehospital Paramedic Environment: A Mixed Method Systematic Review. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2022 Jun 27:1-18. 2. Morrow D, North R, Wickens CD. Reducing and Mitigating Human Error in Medicine. Reviews of Human Factors and Ergonomics. 2005;1(1):254-296. 3. Hoyle JD Jr, Crowe RP, Bentley MA, Beltran G, Fales W. Pediatric Prehospital Medication Dosing Errors: A National Survey of Paramedics. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2017 Mar-Apr;21(2):185-191. 4. Misasi P, Keebler JR. Medication safety in emergency medical services: approaching an evidence-based method of verification to reduce errors. Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2019 Jan 21 5. Reason J. Human error: models and management. BMJ. 2000 Mar 18;320(7237):768-70.

Join the Podcast Crew as they answer some recent questions submitted to [email protected]. We discuss a wide range of topics including epinephrine drips, IV Tylenol for pain, Knee-BOA, whole blood in EMS, the green whistle (methoxyflurane), and an awesome "S" for our loss of airway protection teaching files. Thanks to all our listeners out there!! REFERENCES 1. O'Dochartaigh D, Picard CT, Brindley PG, Douma MJ. Temporizing Life-Threatening Abdominal-Pelvic Hemorrhage Using Proprietary Devices, Manual Pressure, or a Single Knee: An Integrative Review of Proximal External Aortic Compression and Even "Knee BOA". J Spec Oper Med. 2020 Summer;20(2):110-114.

The Podcast Crew is joined by MCHD District Chief, Spencer Hall, to discuss a recent trauma patient that Chief Hall delivered to Dr. Patrick's ED care. This one encapsulates many of our recent podcast topics including the tenets of DSI and the importance of maintaining oxygenation and blood pressure in TBI patients.

The MCHD Paramedic Podcast would like to welcome EM/EMS physician Dr. Katherine Luu, to Montgomery County. Dr. Luu joins the podcast to discuss anchoring bias and how this impacts medics in the field. Listen and learn how to describe, recognize, and prevent anchoring bias in your practice. REFERENCES 1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1197/aemj.9.11.1184 2. https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman-ebook/dp/B00555X8OA/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24FYPXSEKVE8Y&keywords=thinking+fast+and+slow&qid=1662524196&sprefix=thinking%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1

Brief resolved unexplained what?? MCHD paramedic, Cpt. Clayton Smith, joins Dr. Dickson to discuss an EMS approach to BRUE's. These can often be falsely reassuring to prehospital providers because the event, by definition, has resolved prior to EMS arrival. But don't get too comfortable because up to 4-5% of BRUE's can have severe underlying diagnoses as the cause. We can never talk too much "sick peds" material on the podcast. This episode will make the approach to your next BRUE a breeze. REFERENCES 1. Tieder JS, Sullivan E, et al; Brief Resolved Unexplained Event Research and Quality Improvement Network. Risk Factors and Outcomes After a Brief Resolved Unexplained Event: A Multicenter Study. Pediatrics. 2021 Jul;148(1) 2. Banerjee, P. R., Ganti, L., et al. (2019). Early On-Scene Management of Pediatric Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Can Result in Improved Likelihood for Neurologically-Intact Survival. Resuscitation, 135, 162-167.

The Podcast crew is joined by MCHD In-Charge Paramedic Brady Walding to discuss a recent difficult STEMI case that intersected with Dr. Patrick in the ED. How do we best communicate with our consultants when we disagree? What happens when a paradigm shift is occurring without our consultants (STEMI vs. OMI/NOMI)? We are excited about our new Monday Morning Quarterback Series, where Dr. Patrick and Dickson review their cases with the MCHD medics involved. Hopefully, you will enjoy it as well!! REFERENCES 1. Meyers HP et al. Comparison of the ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) vs. NSTEMI and Occlusion MI (OMI) vs. NOMI Paradigms of Acute MI. Journal of Emergency Medicine 2020. 2. https://www.nuemblog.com/blog/dont-forget-avl 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWrG8d3YXq4

The podcast crew welcomes newly transplanted Texan EMS physician, Dr. Louis Fornage, to join in on some rapid-fire mythbusting for 2022. We run the gamut from post-ROSC vasopressor evidence to whether or not saying "QUIET" affects emergency department volume. REFERENCES 1. https://www.nremt.org/News/National-Registry-of-EMT-s-Resource-Document-on-Sp#:~:text=NREMT's%20use%20of%20the%20term,most%20trauma%20patients%20is%20unproven 2. https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12879-022-07337-y.pdf 3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10903127.2021.1992053 4. https://rebelem.com/using-the-word-quiet-in-the-ed/?fbclid=IwAR1yAtVPnUSJqWnGWDWy9yhgXNHSie0AgAxWctGq-zwd_xczFrsvaexwvgw 5. https://journalfeed.org/article-a-day/2022/battle-of-the-catecholamines-epi-vs-norepi-for-post-resuscitation-shock/

Join the podcast crew as they turn their attention from the EMS transport to the First Responders here in Montgomery County. We welcome MCHD FRO Coordinator Bryan Perry and Chief Ray Vaden from Porter Fire to discuss some recent FRO initiatives and advances. It wouldn't be the MCHD Paramedic Podcast if we also didn't slip in some recent CARES research highlighting improved OHCA outcomes when fire and police can initiate life-saving interventions. REFERENCES 1. Salhi RA, Hammond S, Lehrich JL, O'leary M, Kamdar N, Brent C, Mendes de Leon CF, Mendel P, Nelson C, Forbush B, Neumar R, Nallamothu BK, Abir M; CARES Surveillance Group. The association of fire or police first responder initiated interventions with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival. Resuscitation. 2022 May;174:9-15.

True anaphylactic shock can be one of the most harrowing calls in all of EMS and emergency medicine. However, as is true with much of our core clinical content, dogma and myths persist. MCHD District Chief Spencer Hall joins the podcast crew to discuss anaphylaxis diagnostic criteria, treatment, and much more. REFERENCES 1. Anagnostou K, Turner PJ. Myths, facts, and controversies in the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis. Arch Dis Child. 2019 Jan;104(1):83-90. 2. Pumphrey RS. Lessons for management of anaphylaxis from a study of fatal reactions. Clin Exp Allergy. 2000 Aug;30(8):1144-50. 3. Prince BT, Mikhail I, Stukus DR. Underuse of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis: missed opportunities. J Asthma Allergy. 2018 Jun 20;11:143-151.

Join Dr. Patrick and MCHD District Chief and Bike Team lead, Scott Sanders, as they discuss the MCHD Bike Team. What does it take to be an MCHD bike team medic? How does patient care differ from the truck vs. when on the bike? Learn how the MCHD Bike Team fills multiple invaluable roles in the county. Photo Link - https://www.mchd-tx.org/media/podcasts/Bike-Team.jpg

Friend of the podcast emergency physician, addiction specialist, and toxicologist extraordinaire, Dr. Jerry Snow joins the podcast crew to discuss a scary and potentially deadly twist in the opiate crisis…xylazine. Dr. Snow will school us all about xylazine pharmacology and treatment tips and why EMS high-dose naloxone may not be ideal. REFERENCES 1. https://www.acep.org/tacticalem/newsroom/oct-2021/xylazine-an-emerging-adulterant/ 2. https://www.kxan.com/news/drug-responsible-for-recent-overdoses-in-austin-travis-county-identified-by-officials/ 3. Reyes, J. C., et al. "The emerging of xylazine as a new drug of abuse and its health consequences among drug users in Puerto Rico." Journal of Urban Health 89.3 (2012): 519-526. 4. Ruiz-Colón, Kazandra, et al. "Xylazine intoxication in humans and its importance as an emerging adulterant in abused drugs: a comprehensive review of the literature." Forensic Science International 240 (2014): 1-8. 5. Nunez, Jacqueline, Maura E. DeJoseph, and James R. Gill. "Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, detected in 42 accidental fentanyl intoxication deaths." The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology 42.1 (2021): 9-11. 6. Johnson, Jewell, et al. "Increasing presence of xylazine in heroin and/or fentanyl deaths, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2010–2019." Injury prevention 27.4 (2021): 395-398. 7. Friedman, Joseph, et al. "Xylazine spreads across the US: A growing component of the increasingly synthetic and polysubstance overdose crisis." Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2022): 109380. 8.https://www.mdpoison.com/media/SOP/mdpoisoncom/ToxTidbits/2019/Jan%202019%20ToxTidbits.pdf 9. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/Xylazine.pdf

There is no possible way to improve ketamine, right? Join Dr. Patrick for a discussion of exciting recent literature investigating the effectiveness and safety of nebulized ketamine for emergency department analgesia. Everyone's favorite EMS medication may be primed for an enhanced delivery option. REFERENCES 1. Dove D, et al. Comparison of Nebulized Ketamine at Three Different Dosing Regimens for Treating Painful Conditions in the Emergency Department: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Ann Emerg Med. 2021 Dec;78(6):779-787. 2. Rhodes AJ, et al. Nebulized ketamine for managing acute pain in the pediatric emergency department: A case series. Turk J Emerg Med. 2021 Apr 9;21(2):75-78.

Join the podcast crew, District Chief Kevin Mifflin and In-Charge Payden Seals as they discuss our MCHD Case of The Quarter for Q1 2022. This case is a prime example why field providers must keep wide differentials with a keen awareness of the initial scene situational factors. REFERENCES 1. https://coreem.net/core/hypothermia/ 2. https://www.saem.org/about-saem/academies-interest-groups-affiliates2/cdem/for-students/online-education/m4-curriculum/group-m4-environmental/hypothermia

The medical directors revisit one of our old favorites "The Serial Killers Series" to discuss 5 trauma killers to keep in your front brain as you are preparing or caring for a sick trauma patient. If you've not considered your differential diagnosis until patient contact and initial evaluation then you're too late. Following this episode, you'll be ready to evaluate, act and prevent acute hemorrhage, obstructive shock, hypoxia, traumatic brain injury and DIC in your sickest trauma patients. PDF Summary: https://www.mchd-tx.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/MCHDPP-129.pdf REFERENCES 1. Childress K, et al. Prehospital End-tidal Carbon Dioxide Predicts Mortality in Trauma Patients. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2018 Mar-Apr;22(2):170-174. 2. Androski CP Jr, et al. Case Series on 2g Tranexamic Acid Flush From the 75th Ranger Regiment Casualty Database. Journal of Special Operations Medicine : a Peer Reviewed Journal for SOF Medical Professionals. 2020 ;20(4):85-91. 3. Taghavi S, et al. An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter trial examining prehospital procedures in penetrating trauma patients. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2021 Jul 1;91(1):130-140. 4. Sims CA, et al. Effect of Low-Dose Supplementation of Arginine Vasopressin on Need for Blood Product Transfusions in Patients With Trauma and Hemorrhagic Shock: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Surg. 2019 Nov 1;154(11):994-1003. 5. Kupas DF, et al. Glasgow Coma Scale Motor Component ("Patient Does Not Follow Commands") Performs Similarly to Total Glasgow Coma Scale in Predicting Severe Injury in Trauma Patients. Ann Emerg Med. 2016 Dec;68(6):744-750. 6. Rankin CJ, et al. A review of transfusion- and trauma-induced hypocalcemia: Is it time to change the lethal triad to the lethal diamond? J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2020 Mar;88(3):434-439. 7. Laan DV, et al. Chest wall thickness and decompression failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing anatomic locations in needle thoracostomy. Injury. 2016 Apr;47(4):797-804.

Join Dr. Dickson and the podcast crew as they dive into the MCHD approach to mass casualty incidents. We're lucky to be joined by MCHD Safety and Preparedness Officer, Sean Simmonds and MCHD District Chief Ryan Davenport. These are field medics talking about actual logical field pearls for MCI management.

Episode 127 - Airway Patency Vs. Protection by Montgomery County Hospital District

On Episode 126, the podcast crew was able to catch up with the one and only Dr. Jeff Jarvis at Texas EMS in Austin. Dr. Jarvis is a longtime fan of droperidol for multiple uses in the prehospital setting ranging from acute headache treatment to sedation and as an anti-emetic. Let this be a warning, we're all droperidol zealots in this discussion. Listen and learn practical ways to implement droperidol into your EMS practice.

Texas has been the epicenter of the ground-based EMS integration of whole blood programs for hemorrhagic shock in the prehospital setting. The MCHD clinical staff have been watching the evidence closely and feeling the push from our own medics. Join Dr. Dickson and Dr. Patrick as they discuss the "why" behind no whole blood at MCHD (yet...). Send any requests, questions or ideas to [email protected] REFERENCES - https://bit.ly/3M6De5N

Join the podcast crew and MCHD medic Lily Trosclair as she discusses our MCHD Case of The Quarter for Q4 2021. This one began with a pediatric cardiorespiratory arrest but fortunately has a happy ending. REFERENCES 1. Heffner AC, Swords D, Kline JA, Jones AE. The frequency and significance of postintubation hypotension during emergency airway management. J Crit Care. 2012 Aug;27(4):417.e9-13. 2. http://www.emdocs.net/critical-asthma-patient-pearlspitfalls-of-management/

Wherever you turn in the world today, social media is present with constantly expanding visibility and influence. Join MCHD's Chief of EMS James Campbell and Public Information Officer Misti Willingham as they discuss some lessons and ground rules on how to successfully integrate an active social media program into your EMS service.

It’s time to review some recent cardiac arrest literature. Both of today’s articles come from Resuscitation and address predictors of OHCA survival. Should we take a third attempt at intubating an OHCA patient, should we intubate OHCA at all? What about PEA arrest, can ETCO2 help identify pseudo-PEA? Listen to get some hot off the press OHCA literature updates. REFERENCES 1. Murphy DL et al. Fewer tracheal intubation attempts are associated with improved neurologically intact survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Resuscitation. 2021 Oct;167:289-296. 2. Crickmer M, et al. The association between end-tidal CO2 and return of spontaneous circulation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with pulseless electrical activity. Resuscitation. 2021 Oct;167:76-81. 3. Bergum D, et al. ECG patterns in early pulseless electrical activity-Associations with aetiology and survival of in-hospital cardiac arrest. Resuscitation. 2016 Jul;104:34-9.

We sure do love myth busting on the MCHD Paramedic Podcast and there are definitely some persistent myths surrounding burn care in EMS. Join the podcast crew as they provide updates on burn staging, fluid resuscitation and the basics of burn wound care. This episode will keep you from getting burned during your next burn transport. REFERENCES 1. Parvizi D, Kamolz LP, et al. The potential impact of wrong TBSA estimations on fluid resuscitation in patients suffering from burns: things to keep in mind. Burns. 2014 Mar;40(2):241-5. 2. Swords DS, Hadley ED, Swett KR, Pranikoff T. Total body surface area overestimation at referring institutions in children transferred to a burn center. Am Surg. 2015 Jan;81(1):56-63.

Join the podcast crew and Dr. Taylor Ratcliff as they discuss the dangers of the "Lift Assist" calls in EMS. These responses can be under-appreciated with hidden diagnoses such as sepsis, GI bleeding and even fractures. How can we better create checklists to better assess these calls? What are the warning signs in these patients? Do lift assists even require an ALS evaluation? Listen and get these answers and more! REFERENCES 1. Leggatt L, Van Aarsen K, Columbus M, et al. Morbidity and mortality associated with pre-hospital “Lift-Assist.” Prehosp Emerg Care. 2017;21(5):556-562.

In this episode, we’re lucky to have a special guest from Texas Children's Hospital, pediatric sedation and pain management expert, Dr. Corrie Chumpitazi. Nitrous oxide has been in our protocols here at MCHD for some time, but probably doesn’t get the recognition and appreciation that it deserves. We’ll discuss NO history, dosing, indications, contraindications, and side effects. Listen to learn why we all should be incorporating more Nitrous Oxide into our daily EMS practice. https://emscimprovement.center/education-and-resources/peak/peak-pediatric-pain/ https://www.acep.org/patient-care/map/map-nitrous-oxide-tool/ REFERENCES 1. Ducassé JL et al (2013). Nitrous oxide for early analgesia in the emergency setting: a randomized, double-blind multicenter prehospital trial. Acad Emerg Med. 2013 Feb;20(2):178-84. 2. Annequin D and Carbajal R, et al; Fixed 50% Nitrous Oxide Oxygen Mixture for Painful Procedures: A French Survey. Pediatrics. 2000; 105; e47. 3. Collado V, Emmanuel N, et al; Expert Opinion: a Review of the Safety of 50% Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen in Conscious Sedation. Drug Safety. 2007, 6(5): 559-571. 4. Sanders R, Weimann J, Maze M; Biologic Effects of Nitrous Oxide. Anesthesiology. 2008, 109: 707-722 5. Gall O, Annequin D, et al; Adverse Events of Premixed Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen for Procedural Sedation in Children. Lancet. 2001; 358: 1514-15. 6. Tobias, JD, Review Article: Applications of Nitrous Oxide for Procedural Sedation in the Pediatric Population. Pediatric Emergency Care. 2013; 29: 245-265. 7. Onody P, Gil P, Hennequin M. Safety of Inhalation of a 50% Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Premix: A Prospective Study of 35,828 Administrations. Drug Safety. 2006; 29(7):633-640. 8. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2013). Guideline on use of nitrous oxide for pediatric dental patients. Retrieved September 3, 2013, from www.aapd.org: http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/G_Nitrous.pdf 9. Heinrich M, Menzel C, Hoffmann F, et al. Self-administered procedural analgesia using nitrous oxide/oxygen (50:50) in the pediatric surgery emergency room: effectiveness and limitations. Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2015;25(3):250-6. 10. 28. Pasaron R, Burnweit C, Zerpa J, et al. Nitrous oxide procedural sedation in non-fasting pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery: a 12-year experience with 1,058 patients. Pediatr Surg Int. 2015;31(2):173-80. 11. 29. Zier JL, Liu M. Safety of high-concentration nitrous oxide by nasal mask for pediatric procedural sedation: experience with 7802 cases. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2011;27(12):1107-12. 12. 30. Gamis AS, Knapp JF, Glenski JA. Nitrous oxide analgesia in a pediatric emergency department. Ann Emerg Med. 1989;18(2):177-81. 13. 31. Martin HA, Noble M, Wodo N. The Benefits of Introducing the Use of Nitrous Oxide in the Pediatric Emergency Department for Painful Procedures. J Emerg Nurs. 2018;44(4):331-5.

Within EMS, significant time is spent learning high risk, low frequency procedures and the pharmacology and physiology surround these events. In most EMS services consultations or checklist verifications are required in some fashion surrounding these events. Often times, though, we tend to overlook and fail to provide a structure for best practices in how to complete a clear and concise clinical consultation. MCHD District Chief, Ashley Fillmore, joins the podcast to discuss a framework for successful EMS consultations. REFERENCES 1. https://bit.ly/3HEhJXJ

With the recent transition of IV acetaminophen from patent to generic, it's a good time to discuss MCHD's 2021 NAEMSP abstract describing our prehospital experience with IV tylenol for pain. If you've not looked into bringing this tool into your service, listen today to be convinced why IV Tylenol is an option worth considering across EMS. REFERENCES 1. Mahshidfar B, Rezai M, et al. Intravenous Acetaminophen vs. Ketorolac in Terms of Pain Management in Prehospital Emergency Services: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Adv J Emerg Med. 2019 May 8;3(4):e37 2.Bijur PE, Friedman BW, et al. Randomized Clinical Trial of Intravenous (IV) Acetaminophen as an Adjunct to IV Hydromorphone for Acute Severe Pain in Emergency Department Patients. Acad Emerg Med. 2020 Aug;27(8):717-724.

Everything occlusion MI isn't always STEMI. After a recent discussion of "STEMI equivalents" during MCHD continuing education, Dr. Patrick cared for a textbook hyperacute T wave patient in his emergency department practice. On this episode, we review some hyperacute T wave tips, in addition to addressing how to deal with resistant consultants. REFERENCES: 1. https://tinyurl.com/3aser4j5 2. Tzimas, Georgios et al. “Atypical Electrocardiographic Presentations in Need of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.” The American journal of cardiology 124.8 (2019): 1305–1314 3. Aslanger EK, ET AL. DIagnostic accuracy oF electrocardiogram for acute coronary OCClUsion resuLTing in myocardial infarction (DIFOCCULT Study). Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc. (2020) Jul 30;30:100603 4. Pendell Meyers H, ET AL. Accuracy of OMI ECG findings versus STEMI criteria for diagnosis of acute coronary occlusion myocardial infarction. Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc. (2021) Apr 12;33:100767

We’ve recently rolled out a new medication protocol here at MCHD. Join the medical directors to discuss the why, when, and how behind MCHD’s droperidol protocol. Like many pharmacologic treatments in emergency medicine, old becomes new again! REFERENCES 1. Page CB, Parker LE, et al. A Prospective Before and After Study of Droperidol for Prehospital Acute Behavioral Disturbance. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2018 Nov-Dec;22(6):713-721. 2. https://www.mchd-tx.org/media/podcasts/MCHDPP-115.pdf

It seems as though each week brings some crazy and bizarre COVID-19 related news. MCHD Cpt. Megan Powell joins the podcast to spread the word about a harrowing COVID related case that made us all stop and do a literature search. Listen and in and learn yet another clinical consideration when caring for complex COVID-19 patients. REFERENCES 1. Wang Y, Wang Z, Tse G, Zhang L, Wan EY, Guo Y, Lip GYH, Li G, Lu Z, Liu T. Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with COVID-19. J Arrhythm. 2020 Jul 26;36(5):827-836. doi: 10.1002/joa3.12405. 2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10903127.2021.1924325

**NOTE - THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED PRIOR TO THE DELTA SURGE** The MCHD clinical crew (Pre-Delta, obviously)attended an actual in-person EMS meeting – EAGLES 2021. One of the most interesting talks was by friend of the podcast/EMS research superstar, Dr. Remle Crowe. Join Dr. Patrick and Dr. Crowe as they discuss the “AHORA” stroke tool and how it has the potential to positively impact prehospital stroke care. REFERENCES 1. Keenan KJ, Kircher C, McMullan JT. Prehospital Prediction of Large Vessel Occlusion in Suspected Stroke Patients. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2018 May 21;20(7):34. 2. https://www.ems1.com/stroke-care/articles/the-time-for-spanish-language-stroke-community-outreach-efforts-is-ahora-xxJdr9dKClRMXJn5/ 3. https://www.mchd-tx.org/blog-post/mchd-ems-joins-campaign-to-bring-stroke-education-to-the-spanish-speaking-community/

Join the podcast crew as they discuss a recent study investigating the risk of being awake while paralyzed when intubated in the emergency department setting. This is definitely an under-discussed topic in the EMS world, especially considering the recent swing from succinylcholine to rocuronium for prehospital medication assisted intubation. This conversation should make us all a bit nervous and better focused the next time we intubate. REFERENCES 1. https://www.annemergmed.com/article/S0196-0644(20)31314-7/fulltext

Like the rest of the country and world, our Montgomery County hospital partners and ED's have been under severe strain due to a myriad of factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a significant increase in EMS wall times which, in turn, places that severe strain back on the prehospital system. The podcast crew takes an operational turn with MCHD Chief of Operations, Jacob Shaw, to discuss some of our operational adaptations to try and combat our ED delays. We'd love for this episode to open up discussions on how listeners are approaching these problems with their services.

Charting is one of the more neglected skills from an EMS educational emphasis standpoint. As a result, what the medical director ends up reading during chart review is often wildly variable. Join the MCHD Paramedic Podcast team as they discuss some charting pitfalls to avoid and some specific tips on improving your ePCR narratives.

The best clinical discussions always stem from real-life cases. MCHD paramedic Jarrett Kenning had a run of recent bradycardia patients and developed the idea for a bradycardia breakdown with the podcast crew. Bradycardia treatment can vary wildly depending on the underlying cause(s). Joint Jarrett and Dr. Patrick as they discuss several bradycardia cases and present a framework for creating your differential the next time you run on a patient with a pulse in the 30's. REFERENCES https://www.mchd-tx.org/media/podcasts/MCHDPP-109-Final-PDF.pdf

Join Dr. Dickson as he discusses all things French emergency medicine, EMS and prehospital care with Dr. Eric Revue - Emergency Department and EMS Chief - Louis Pasteur Hospital. Docs on ambulances...what???

We’re going to attempt a new recurring podcast series based around the amazing pathology seen on a daily basis by MCHD medics. Cpt. Travis Clay joins the podcast to discuss the current MCHD “Case of the Quarter”. Listen in and learn how to approach the patient with acute, bilateral lower extremity paraplegia and pain. REFERENCES 1. https://www.ems1.com/patient-assessment/articles/i-cant-feel-or-move-my-legs-mchd-critical-case-report-eVk3jFR1l6DPbwGS/

There may not be any hotter topic in EMS right now than whole blood administration for patients with hemorrhagic shock. Dr. Patrick is joined on today’s episode by Joe Cuthbertson from St. John Ambulance Service in western Australia. St. John's serves the largest land mass of any EMS service worldwide and they are on the forefront of international prehospital whole-blood administration. REFERENCES 1. https://clinical.stjohnwa.com.au/medications/packed-red-blood-cells

There has been significant development and change surrounding which patients are best served by immediate revascularization post-ROSC over the past 12-18 months. On that note, we discussed the COACT study previously on the podcast, but uncertainty still exists. OHCA and post-ROSC patients are wildly heterogenous and one size will never fit all. What if we could simply change the timing of our post-ROSC ECG and better select those with true acute coronary occlusions that warrant emergent catheterization? That’s the topic of our journal review on this episode. A simple, logical idea that has potentially powerful ramifications, listen in for the details… REFERENCES 1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2774740

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so the podcast crew decided to dedicate an entire episode to discussing EMS provider mental health issues and resources. Dr. Patrick and Sean Simmonds are joined by Justin Farris from Cypress Creek Behavioral Health Hospital. Topics range from recognizing mental health warning signs in your partner, to accessing proper mental health resources through programs such as "Honor Strong" at Cypress Creek Hospital. REFERENCES: https://www.cypresscreekhospital.com/behavioral-health-programs/honor-strong-program/

We have all been guilty of caring for labeling and judging “pseudoseizures.” First of all, this term is outdated, and this episode looks at a study examining the mortality in psychogenic seizure patients. This is a debilitating disease that needs more attention and improved treatment options. Come, have your prior assumptions shattered, and leave a better and more empathetic provider. REFERENCES: 1. https://n.neurology.org/content/95/6/e643

This episode was directly drawn from a recent MCHD educational need surrounding ventilator management and a summary of our approach to using the vent in the EMS setting. We've touched on aspects of many of these topics before, but this is our first effort at providing a true "MCHD ventilator overview." Join Dr. Patrick and Dr. Dickson as they discuss a stepwise approach to EMS ventilator management and how to first and foremost prevent patient harm.

Is there a more daunting time than those first few shifts as a new paramedic? Yes, clinical knowledge and operational knowledge are key, but how are new medics supposed to synthesize this mountain of information? Dr. Patrick is joined by Cpt. Michael Wells-Whitworth to discuss some "Rules of the Road" for new paramedics. TOP TEN RULES OF THE ROAD FOR NEW MEDICS 1. Be on time 2. Failing to prepare, is preparing to fail 3. Know your protocols 4. Pour a solid BLS foundation 5. Be like a lamprey - latch on to sharks 6. You need patience - be realistic with your goal pathway 7. Lots of patients - patient contacts are absolutely key 8. Treat other providers with respect 9. Think about what happens next 10. Value handoff communication and scripting

Dr. Dickson and Patrick are joined on this special episode by EMS Medical Directors from across Texas to discuss the recent winter storm that ravaged the state. We discuss the varying ways the disaster impacted each service, multiple lessons learned statewide, several unexpected operational and clinical developments, and steps everyone plans to make to improve moving forward. Thanks to Jeff Jarvis, Jason Pickett, and Veer Vithalani for helping arrange this last-minute recording. REFERENCES 1. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/weather/2021/02/11/winter-weather-causes-hazardous-conditions-on-north-texas-roads/ 2. https://www.amazon.com/Grips-4-Ice-Winter-Traction-Over-Shoe-Cleats/dp/B07D9128TD/ref=asc_df_B07D9128TD/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312131909651&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18032707165061169024&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027681&hvtargid=pla-589843109945&psc=1 3. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(19)30486-0/fulltext

After 100 episodes and almost 3 years, the podcast crew decided to celebrate a little bit and look back on our successes and failures thus far. Why did we start the podcast in the first place? How has MCHD used the Paramedic Podcast within the EMS service? What have been the most successful episodes and what are the "Take home Points?" Join Dr. Dickson and Dr. Patrick as they discuss the MCHD Paramedic Podcast past, present, and future.

Nothing scares an emergency provider quite as much as the “sick infant.” During today’s episode, Dr. Patrick and Dr. Dickson walk through the pediatric general assessment triangle and discuss the finer points that make up each side. They’ll also discuss the singular/#1 Law of the Pediatric Exam. Your next pediatric run will be a breeze after this review. REFERENCES: 1. Leeper, Christine M. MD, MS; McKenna, Christine MSN; Gaines, Barbara A. MD Too little too late: Hypotension and blood transfusion in the trauma bay are independent predictors of death in injured children, Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery: October 2018 - Volume 85 - Issue 4 - p 674-678 2. Balamuth F, Alpern ER, Abbadessa MK, et al. Improving Recognition of Pediatric Severe Sepsis in the Emergency Department: Contributions of a Vital Sign-Based Electronic Alert and Bedside Clinician Identification. Ann Emerg Med. 2017;70(6):759-768. 3. Mottled Skin - http://empem.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/EMPEM-mottled-legs.jpg 4. Startle Reflex - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhOleckx1-Y 5. Moro Reflex - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTz-iVI2mf4

Emergency medical providers are comfortable in the chaos of a crashing medical or trauma patient. We know how to systematically address dangerous medical conditions like hypotension, hypoxia and bradycardia. However, when asked to dip our toes into the legal realm, we are often paralyzed with fear. On this episode, the podcast crew is joined by local legal expert, Andrew James. Mr. James is the vehicular crimes chief with the Montgomery County DA's office, and he has extensive experience working with medics and first responders in the courtroom. Listen and learn some of the basics of what happens when you're called to court as witness.

Anytime we arrive on scene with blaring sirens and flashing lights, this can be exceedingly stressful on patients and families. This is especially true for our patients with autism. We're lucky to have Jennifer Dantzler on the podcast today to discuss autism basics along with some tools that we can use in the prehospital setting to better care for and communicate with our autistic patients. Jennifer is the director of the Including Kids Autism Center and a true expert in the field of autism spectrum disorder. REFERENCES 1. https://www.includingkids.org/our-story/helpful-resources/ 2. https://www.autismspeaks.org

Around the MCHD Clincial Department we’ve had some recurrent themes pop up over the past few months that always make the medical directors shake their heads. During this episode, Dr. Dickson and Dr. Patrick take a shot at dispelling some “medical director myths."