In this episode, the guys sit down with Major Andy Fisher to discuss the practical things that a paramedic might do in all things trauma. Major Fisher has an accomplished career as a Paramedic, Ranger Battalion and Regimental PA, and current medical student. We talk about best practices for best outcomes with the resources available to us regardless of what level we practice medicine. Andy provides an inside look at medicine from his time as a paramedic, Army Ranger Regimental PA, and now a four...
Feb 17, 2020•55 min•Ep. 14
**Special Note: We are releasing this week’s episode a few days early to ensure everyone has time to listen and process the heart-wrenching story. This episode is a discussion with the founder of a foundation we are passionate about at PragMedics. David Hughes tells a story about a series of errors that resulted in the death of his son and some of the initiatives to help prevent this type of story from happening again.** In this episode, the guys discuss what can happen when paramedics do not fo...
Feb 08, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, the PragMedics talk with HEMS Paramedic Lane Abshire about CVAS, CRM, and PTSD. The boys are lucky to have special guest host Chris Sharpe around to advise on matters such as resource management and, furthermore, introduce them to Lane, who, with teamwork, was able to get him and his crew out of crisis mid-air on a reasonably straightforward HEMS mission. The conversation starts off CVA but ends with a CRM/PTSD twist. Tune in to hear more about the extraordinary doing very PragM...
Feb 03, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 12
In this episode, the PragMedics chat with their friend Chris “Razor” Sharpe. Chris is a man who has seen the world and experienced over 30,000 flight hours and has accumulated 6,000 rescues. He is currently a resident of Guatemala and owner of Black Wolf Consultants , a HEMS, SAR, and SPEC Op helicopter company. As mentioned previously, “Razor” is a paramedic and provides the PragMedics with the idea of how vital a checklist can be; in fact, he describes an incident where a checklist could have ...
Jan 27, 2020•45 min•Ep. 12
PragMedics interview a distinguished psychologist very well versed in mental health but, more specifically, high-stress situations and candidate selection within the military's special warfare groups. He has published several peer-reviewed articles on the topic, and we ask him the down and dirty about how stress impacts us as EMS and paramedic professionals. As we all know, stress is something we all confront. However, the question is, are we prepared for it, and what does it take it to manage t...
Jan 20, 2020•50 min•Ep. 10
In this episode, we sit down with Tammie Bullard, the author of the book “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.” Tammie is a fascinating person, a great writer, and an awesome but also "good" paramedic. Tammie works in Western Australia as a medic. We discuss what we enjoyed most about the book, to include some thoughts on introspection and the BLUF. We also discuss why Tammie chose to write the book and asked her a few questions about terminology and her ideas on being a better medic through the use...
Jan 13, 2020•50 min•Ep. 9
In this episode, the PragMedics discuss "A 1000 Naked Strangers" with acclaimed author and former paramedic Kevin Hazzard. We present a multitude of topics in EMS to include some of the calls he took during his career, his thoughts on the EMS profession, and a recent article that illustrates the history of EMS about one of the first paramedic systems in the United States. Please sit down and give this episode a listen with your favorite cup of coffee or while you drive into work, you won't be di...
Jan 06, 2020•46 min•Ep. 8
In this episode, the PragMedics follow-up their interview with Chris Adams of the Field Medics by discussing methodological approaches and other nuanced skills that apply directly to education, training, and understanding how communication affects how paramedics treat patients. As always, thank you to our listeners, our Guest Chris Adams, and many sponsors. We wish you a Happy New Year and hope you continue to listen throughout 2020. Additionally, this episode, we are giving away the Field Medic...
Dec 30, 2019•36 min•Ep. 7
In this episode of the Being a Better Medic Series, the PragMedics play a blog that Aaron wrote but performed by Matthew Heneghan, the author of A Medics Mind . After listening to the piece, the guys discuss PTS and PTSD as it relates to EMS and provides insight and potential outlets for those living with this. Thanks to the Code Green Campaign for supporting all of us in EMS. And a big thank you to Matt Heneghan for helping produce this show and his efforts to promote change in EMS. If, after l...
Dec 23, 2019•22 min•Ep. 1
On this episode, we welcome Danny Kelly, who is a flight paramedic, but before that, he was a street paramedic. Like many of us decided he wanted to take to the friendly skies to treat the sickest of the sick. A native of Indiana, Danny, and Aaron have several things in common; they are both paramedics and worked at what is now known as Indianapolis EMS. However, Danny's life changed one early morning during what might be perceived as a routine flight. His story is something we should listen to ...
Dec 16, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 5
In this episode, Aaron and Jason chat with the Field Medics, Sam and Chris Adams. Sam and Chris are both paramedics but also authors of the book Life and Death Matters, Professionalism, and Decision-Making for the First Responder. Unfortunately Sam was unable to make the conversation due to traffic but we look forward to talking with him and Chris in the future. The focus of this episode is to hear why the book was written and, more importantly, to discuss professionalism with Chris. Thanks for ...
Dec 09, 2019•52 min•Ep. 4
In this week's episode, Aaron and Jason discuss their thoughts on some different aspects of pre-hospital safety. Some aspects discussed are driving to a scene, positioning an ambulance on the scene, and driving while patients are on board. It is a great conversation that will hopefully help you be a better medic. Next week we have a great interview with two medics who are also authors! Please leave any comments or thoughts on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Be sure to check out our website ...
Dec 02, 2019•39 min•Ep. 3
In our second episode, we talk about what we carry in our pockets at work, either on the truck or critical care transport. We also introduce our Be A Better Medic series and talk about the future of the show! Please check out our page and leave us some comments on our blogs . Also let us know what you think and send us pictures of your gear on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Check out the YouTube video for this episode and don't forget to subscribe to our page! Check out the show supporters, M...
Nov 29, 2019•24 min•Ep. 2
In this episode, Aaron and Jason introduce themselves and what Pragmatic Paramedics means to them. They discuss a little bit about their background, how they met, and why they decided to start the podcast. This is their first ever podcast and they are extremely excited about this journey with everyone! Please give us a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Check out our website at www.pragmaticparamedics.com and our blog with tons of content at https://pragmaticparamedics.com/blog/ Check o...
Nov 24, 2019•30 min•Ep. 1
