This episode of the Inside EMS Podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first responders. To learn more, visit verizon.com/frontline . The 2024 anniversary of 9/11 marks 23 years since the tragic events that forever altered the course of history and the landscape of public safety. As we move further from that fateful day, the significance of remembering and learning from 9/11 grows even more critical. For many, especially younger generations, 9/11 is tra...
Sep 06, 2024•39 min•Ep. 670
This week on Inside EMS, our cohosts discuss a recent study out of UC Davis Health that highlights the benefits of using naloxone in opioid-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest response. Chris and Kelly discuss the results and debate how this knowledge could impact OHCA protocols. Top quotes “If you look at the … survival of hospital discharge, the number needed to treat was 26. So 1 in 26 patients you would do this to has a chance of surviving the hospital discharge. That's pretty compelli...
Aug 30, 2024•18 min•Ep. 669
This week on the Inside EMS podcast, our hosts delve into a heated discussion on the topic of time requirements and response times in EMS – are they necessary or a nuisance? Listen and watch as Kelly Grayson and Chris Cebollero go back and forth on the history, the reliance and the continued use of response times as a standard metric in EMS. Top quotes "We are in a mess and a corner we painted ourselves into with response time standards." – Kelly Grayson "The dislike of response times really has...
Aug 16, 2024•19 min•Ep. 668
In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, host Chris Cebollero walks cohost Kelly Grayson through his recent emergency trip to Italy after his sister experienced a major medical crisis while on vacation in the country. He talks through his shock at certain protocols that would never be found in the U.S., leading to a discussion about necessary care vs. defensive medicine and how that dichotomy is stark between the two countries. Top quotes “The quality of care or the TLC, if we call it, is sign...
Aug 09, 2024•28 min•Ep. 667
“Marijuana use is becoming part of a societal norm.” Our cohosts tackle one of the more contentious topics in the industry, as Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson debate the logistics and implications of allowing EMS providers to consume marijuana in their off-duty time. The use of federal money by most agencies in the country makes this a difficult task. Listen as the discussion tackles the debate from all sides. Top quotes “We don't require that people not be impaired from alcohol while off duty...
Jul 19, 2024•23 min•Ep. 666
“You need to set the standard; the standard starts and ends with you.” On this week’s episode of Inside EMS, our cohosts discuss how industry leaders can motivate frontline personnel to become the best clinical version of themselves. Chris and Kelly also preview their upcoming presentations at the Star Life Rural EMS conference, touching on topics ranging from airway management to personal development and leadership in EMS. Top quotes “The true measurement of leadership success is how engaged, s...
Jul 12, 2024•30 min•Ep. 664
“All of EMS is volunteerism.” This week, host Chris Cebollero is joined by industry advocate and EMS1 columnist Nancy Magee to discuss the current state of volunteerism in the profession. The conversation explores how leaders can balance the demands placed on volunteers with proper recognition, support and understanding, while also being responsive to the community’s needs. Top quotes from the episode “Volunteering is its own reward. It really can help you in your head space, but you don't get t...
Jun 28, 2024•26 min•Ep. 663
This week, our Inside EMS cohosts discuss the rise in popularity of semiglutide drugs – like Ozempic – used for weight loss. Chris and Kelly discuss what providers should know about the use of these drugs, for their personal use and how complications may present in patients. Top quotes "If you're using semiglutide drugs purely as your only means of weight loss, you're going to rebound." “You eat at odd hours, you eat at odd intervals. You eat something nuked in a microwave at a 7/11. Those are h...
Jun 21, 2024•24 min•Ep. 662
“We've got to be on top of our game when it comes to clinical dosing of medications, from oxygen to ketamine.” This week, Inside EMS cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into an article by Joshua Davies on the use of chemical restraints in the field . They discuss the pros and cons of different medications, including a lively discussion on the use of versed and why ketamine is a good drug … when dosed and used properly. Top quotes "You should have a fairly extensive formulary of antips...
Jun 14, 2024•25 min•Ep. 661
“If you're the smartest one in the room, you're in the wrong room.” Education is the word of the day on this episode of Inside EMS, as cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dissect the impact of higher learning on providers’ career longevity and advancement. Plus we dig into all this: Starter EMS agencies. “Some agencies might just have to be the minor leagues, the starter programs and the feeders to the real EMS agencies." Prioritizing your professional growth. “We're in charge of the caree...
Jun 07, 2024•28 min•Ep. 660
“Even after all these years of being in EMS, I still want to learn.” Flying solo this week, Chris Cebollero takes a note from EMS1 columnist Tim Nowak, walking listeners through his “11 keys to success for the rookie EMT.” Though directed at new EMTs, Cebollero makes the point that Nowak’s list of advice is really poignant for anyone at any point in their EMS career. Listen to learn: The role ego plays on scene … and how to move past it How to test your quick-thinking reflexes and level-up The s...
May 31, 2024•28 min•Ep. 659
“When your communication is intuitive … that’s what makes EMS an art for me.” This week, our cohosts discuss what makes a good EMT partner and a supportive paramedic mentor. The discussion was inspired by EMT-B Clay Gilman’s recent EMS1 poem submission, “To my medic, from your EMT.” The conversation also touches on: The use of BLS intercepts in place of paramedic intercepts How empowering EMTs can provide staffing relief Why EMTs should be taught to think above all else This episode of Inside EM...
May 17, 2024•25 min•Ep. 657
This week on Inside EMS, MedStar’s Matt Zavadsky joins the show for the 10th time as a guest host to discuss potential changes to how the organization operates in the City of Fort Worth … as well as a change to Zavadsky’s personal career path. The pair also discuss: The four options on the table for transforming MedStar What a MedStar change means for the 13 surrounding cities it serves How the economics of EMS have changed since the pandemic This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexip...
May 10, 2024•30 min•Ep. 658
“We wanted to build something to solve the problem and help the paramedic, not hinder them.” Clive Savacool, CEO and founder of LogRx, joins the podcast this week to discuss preventing drug diversion/theft. Host Christ Cebollero and Savacool discuss: Who sets the tone for compliance accountability in an EMS organization The practice of gatekeeping narcotics from “drug seekers” Modernizing documentation practices to increase accuracy The LogRx smartphone platform and solution for tracking narcoti...
May 03, 2024•22 min•Ep. 656
Inside EMS cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into a legal case out of New Jersey in this week’s episode, in which law enforcement officers and EMS providers were recently charged with the in-custody, in-ambulance death of a patient under the influence of bath salts. The discussion also discusses a similar incident out of Colorado in which two paramedics and a police officer were convicted in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain after he was injected with ketamine. Chris and Kelly share...
Apr 26, 2024•24 min•Ep. 655
“Sometimes we made decisions and wound up getting corrective action where maybe a culture of coaching would have taught me to grow.” Kelly Grayson puts the spotlight on fellow cohost Chris Cebollero this week as the pair discuss whether progressive discipline still has a place in EMS or if a move to a culture of coaching, as written about extensively by Chris, would have a more positive impact on retention rates, turnover, burnout and overall career satisfaction. Top quotes “Experience comes fro...
Apr 19, 2024•17 min•Ep. 654
“Sometimes we make a decision, and it snowballs.” Our cohosts get vulnerable on this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, sharing times in their career when they suffered from cascade bias – using incorrect supplied or assumed information, which led to mistakes that compounded to the detriment of the patient. Have you experienced this in your career? Plus, we dig into all this: How to enhance your decision-making skills during times of uncertainty Which U.S. Air Force acronym can help with bias re...
Apr 12, 2024•23 min•Ep. 653
This week our cohosts are talking about everyone’s favorite activity: public speaking. While you may not love talking to a crowd, knowing how to effectively deliver a presentation is not just for leaders. Providers at all levels should know how to communicate on a complex topic to a group of people. And who knows more about expounding on complex EMS topics than Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson? The pair highlight their extensive experience as educators and industry speakers, discussing: The key...
Mar 29, 2024•27 min•Ep. 652
In this week’s episode of the Inside EMS podcast, host Chris Cebollero and guest host Rob Lawrence delve into the dynamics of EMS leadership, legislative challenges and the pursuit of better reimbursement practices for EMS services. The conversation also digs into EMS on the Hill Day and how providers can impact legislation through advocacy. Memorable quotes "We say, 'When is someone going to do something?' And really, the charge is, 'When is everyone going to step up and do something?'" — Chris...
Mar 22, 2024•31 min•Ep. 651
Chris Cebollero is flying solo on this episode of Inside EMS as he details the impact of authenticity and integrity in EMS. Through anecdotes and insights, he illustrates how credibility influences leadership effectiveness, team trust and the reputation of the EMS profession. Memorable quotes “EMS is a very egotistical business; it’s the egotism that keeps us from asking ‘why?’” “Experiences come from mistakes and mistakes come from a lack of experience.” “Never allow your emotions to dictate yo...
Mar 15, 2024•30 min•Ep. 649
In this week’s episode of Inside EMS, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into situational awareness , and the complexities and challenges faced every day by EMS professionals. The discussion emphasizes the importance of staying alert and prepared in emergency situations, following Cooper's Colors – a model illustrating different states of awareness from "tuned out" to "comatose." This week’s conversation touches on: The significance of situational awareness in EMS and how it can be ...
Feb 23, 2024•23 min•Ep. 644
The latest episode of the Inside EMS podcast features a conversation with Mic Gunderson, president of the EMS Quality Academy and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Paramedicine. The discussion offers insights into the evolution of EMS publications and the importance of quality and research in advancing the field. Memorable quotes "The people that most need to read current EMS research are the people most or least likely to read it." — Kelly Grayson “It isn't really the people that ...
Feb 16, 2024•30 min•Ep. 643
In this episode of the Inside EMS Podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss Orange County, Florida's adoption of live stream technology for 911 calls, a move that promises to enhance the quality of emergency response through better triage and patient care. This episode of Inside EMS Podcast exemplifies the ongoing evolution of emergency medical services, marked by technological innovation, educational advancements, and the importance of leadership and community engagement in sha...
Feb 07, 2024•21 min•Ep. 642
Heart blocks present a significant challenge to EMTs and paramedics, demanding a high level of expertise and precision in both diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the nuances of different types of heart blocks is crucial for effective patient management. The ability to accurately recognize and differentiate between various heart blocks, such as bifascicular, trifascicular and other types, is not just a matter of academic understanding but a vital skill in the fast-paced environment of EMS. In...
Jan 31, 2024•27 min•Ep. 641
Critical insights into the implications of recent court rulings on EMS practice and patient care This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into the complex and ever-evolving legal and ethical dimensions EMS. This episode comes in the wake of a s...
Jan 25, 2024•29 min•Ep. 640
This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. The first episode of Inside EMS in 2024, hosted by Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson, offered valuable insights into what’s needed to overcome the challenges for EMTs, paramedics and EMS agencies in the year ahead. Memorable quotes "We need to take charge and, and steer our profession, and g...
Jan 17, 2024•28 min•Ep. 639
CoAEMSP’s Executive Director, George W. Hatch Jr., discusses the EMS accreditation journey This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. The Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP) plans to launch a voluntary programmatic accreditation for Advanced Emergency Medical Tec...
Dec 14, 2023•28 min•Ep. 638
This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this year's Inside EMS year-in-review episode, our cohosts, Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson, take a critical look at the major incidents that defined EMS in 2023. Together, they tackle: Paramedics behaving badly The episode begins with a focus on the troubling trend of subpar patient ca...
Dec 08, 2023•32 min•Ep. 637
This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of Inside EMS, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson delve into the crucial role of preceptors in EMS training and the impact they have on shaping the future of the profession. They emphasize the significance of preceptors as the "keepers of the flame" who pass on tradition...
Nov 30, 2023•26 min•Ep. 636
This episode of Inside EMS is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com. In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, the discussion centered on the practical application of leadership in EMS. The conversation highlighted the gap between commonly used leadership buzzwords and their real-world implementation. Key points Employee engagement and empowerment. The need ...
Nov 17, 2023•20 min•Ep. 635
