American Ambulance EMS Podcast
A podcast focused on EMS education, hosted by American Ambulance's Medical Director Dr. Danielle Campagne and her UCSF-Fresno colleagues Drs. Patil Armenian and Saajan Bhakta. Each episode discusses practical, evidence-based topics that can be applied to community care, along with interviews with guests from various areas of the EMS world. The show highlights the work of emergency medical professionals and aims to help listeners learn and thrive together.
Episodes
145. Mechanical Chest Compressions
The LUCAS device is the topic of conversation today. American Ambulance Paramedic Supervisor Robert Wankel joins us again to discuss the use of this device and how its effectiveness stacks against manual chest compressions.
144. Leadership in EMS
Today we take a break from drilling down into a specific policy or procedure and discuss an important topic that isn't so clinical but still extremely important in EMS: What makes a good leader? A big thanks to American Ambulance Paramedic Supervisor Robert Wankel for bringing his experience as a leader in the field to our discussion today.
143. What is Kratom?
Dr. Brian Lawton is a resident at UCSF Fresno and we were pleased to welcome him as a guest host for this episode.
142. From EMT to EDPA with Jordan Golding
Are you in EMS, wondering what it would take to be an EDPA (Emergency Department Physician Assistant)? Jordan Golding did it! He started his EMS career as an EMT with American Ambulance, and now works as an EDPA here in Fresno. Join us today as he answers our questions and shares his experience.
141. Adult and Pediatric i-gel Update
American Ambulance Paramedic Josh Garcia joins us again for this discussion as we prepare to introduce the pediatric i-gel into our local CCEMSA protocol.
140. Pediatric Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reactions
It's not often that we are able to time a podcast to coincide exactly with the release of a new protocol, but today we did it! Dr. Scott Avey from UCSF Fresno joins us as a guest co-host, and we were pleased to have American Ambulance Paramedic Josh Garcia join as well to bring his experience and a story from the field.
139. Measles
in 2000, the CDC declared Measles eliminated but last year we saw a huge rise in cases and in 2026 the trend continues. Dr. Brian Lawton returns for the discussion today. Measles is no joke.
138. Mushroom Poisoning
On today's podcast, we bid farewell to Ben Wiele and welcome Joey Ferreira to our usual panel of co-hosts. We were also pleased to have Dr. Brian Lawton join us to discuss the dangers of foraging for mushrooms.
137. Symptomatic Bradycardia vs Peri-arrest Death Spiral
American Ambulance Paramedic Elisa Bompadre joins the discussion today to share a story from the field. We were also happy to have Dr. Miranda Lewis join us again as a guest co-host.
136. Colostomy Bags
A huge thanks to Jamie Charlston (special friend of the pod) for sitting down with us and bringing her experience and expertise to the conversation today.
135. Cardiac Arrest in the Pregnant Patient
This terrible scenario is rare, but can happen. Make sure you are confident in your knowledge of how to give these patients the best care possible, should you find yourself running this call.
134. Gastrostomy Tubes
What exactly are these tubes, and more importantly for EMS, what happens if one of these vital tubes becomes dislodged?
133. Viral Respiratory Illness
Join us for a breakdown of all the various viral illnesses circulating this time of year. All of these should be taken seriously.
132. 12 Lead EKG - Part 2
131. 12 Lead EKG - Part 1
We were very happy to have Dave Nicholas, a nurse at CRMC, join the team today to bring his cardiac expertise to the discussion. This is a big topic, so we split it into two parts.
130. Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Protocol Update
Our CCEMSA pediatric cardiac arrest specific protocol has been updated be more streamlined and comprehensive with an emphasis on incorporating high performance CPR, as well as quite a few other changes backed by the latest data on how to achieve the favorable outcomes we all are hoping for! Join us as we walk through this updated protocol with Dr. Miranda Lewis.
129. Adult Cardiac Arrest Protocol Update
The first ten minutes of a cardiac arrest are the most critical. We have updated our cardiac arrest protocol to incorporate high performance CPR, as well as quite a few other changes backed by the latest data on how to achieve the favorable outcomes we all are hoping for! Join us as we walk through this updated protocol with Dr. Miranda Lewis.
128. Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia has a high risk of mortality. A dangerously overheated body, usually in response to prolonged, hot, humid weather, is very important to look out for. Especially in these hot months of summer.
127. Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR)
Backboards, cervical collars... first we used them, then we didn't, now we're bringing them back! Why, and how to use them is the subject of today's discussion.
126. Code 3 Driving
Code 3 driving is a potentially risky part of the job. We are thrilled to have Ben Garcia, American Ambulance's Manager of Risk, Safety and Compliance joins us on the podcast today to discuss how to navigate Code 3 Driving as safely as possible.
125. Ketamine Update
Our system has recently added Ketamine to our pain management toolbox. How's it going? Find out!
124. The Dangers of RMCT
American Ambulance's own Daniel Bernhardt joins us today to discuss the dangers of RMCT (Refusal of Medical Care and/or Transportation).
123. Rattlesnake Bites
It's warming up, and that means the snakes are coming out! Join us for a deep dive into how to approach rattlers, fortunately the only venomous snakes we have in our service area of California.
122. TTJI
Transtracheal Jet Insufflation (TTJI) is one of those rarely needed procedures that hopefully you will never even have to perform. But if and when you do, you need to be ready! So have a listen and brush up.
121. Search and Rescue
For today's discussion we are joined by two awesome guests: Paramedic Derek Ratzel, and Dr. Joe Mueller, both bringing their own expertise on the subject to the podcast!
120. Back to Basics
The basics (BLS) are core to what we do, and vital to doing it well! Today we are pleased to welcome paramedic and field training officer Alex Diaz to discuss these important EMS fundamentals.
119. Death in the Field
Today our team is pleased to have Kathy Cromwell from Hinds Hospice join us to discuss death and how to navigate this dreaded/avoided but inevitable scenario in the career of an EMS worker.
118. High Performance CPR Update
American Ambulance's own QA documentation specialist Daniel Bernhardt joins us for an exciting update on our newly implemented High Performance CPR Initiative.
117. CCT Course
Merry Christmas! On this episode we are discussing what it takes to be a CCT Paramedic and outlining the plans for a brand new course that will be rolling out early next year that will bring the training needed to become a CCT medic to California for the first time ever! A very big thanks to American Ambulance CCT Paramedic Clarissa Torralva for joining us for this episode for this exciting conver
116. Pain Management
On this episode we welcome back Dr. Miranda Lewis, the EMS Medical Director of our Central California EMS Agency to talk about Pain Management in EMS and the eminent changes in our local protocols here in the CCEMSA region.
115. Pacing
Cardiac Pacing is one of those HALO (High Acuity Low Occurrence) skills that it never hurts to brush up on so that you're ready when the time comes!A special thanks to American Ambulance Paramedics Ben Callahan and Lauren Cooper for sharing a case on this week's episode!
114. V-Fib
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the most important shockable cardiac arrest rhythm. Still, it's fatal unless good quality, high performance CPR is administered as soon as possible. Lets dive in and really get to understand this rhythm. A special thanks to American Ambulance Paramedic Megan Resendez for sharing a case from the field to get the conversation going.
113. Pediatric Foreign Bodies
Kids test everything, even how far that marble can fit up their nose...or worse! Join us as we discuss how to recognize these cases that are often hard or even impossible to easily diagnose. While usually not too serious, these cases can definitely be dangerous, even deadly.
112. Atropine as a Poisoning Antidote
In the central valley we are surrounded by agriculture where extremely poisonous pesticides are used on a daily basis. Today we familiarize ourselves with how to recognize and treat such exposures.
111. De-Escalation
We're called to care, we're here to help, but sometimes a scene can turn and the patient who needs our help might be in crisis and not ready to accept our help. What do we do? Today our usual panel of hosts is joined by American Ambulance's own Ken Katz and Fresno PD Officer Robert Valdez who bring their expertise in de-escalation techniques.
110. TXA in Trauma Patients
Special thanks to Dr. Miranda Lewis for stopping by to discuss the plans for the inclusion of this drug in our Central California EMS Agency's first responder toolbox!
109. Communications Center 101
April 15-19 is Telecommunications Week, so today we're joined by representatives from our local Communications Center to talk us through what their shifts are like. So join us as we break down what life is like on the other end of the radio! Special thanks to Communications Director Jamie Martin, Call Taker Eloy Robles and Radio Operator/Supervisor Amanda Wilson!
108. Scene Safety
Dr. Patil Armenian couldn't join us for today's podcast, but we have a full panel of guests to talk about the incredibly important topic of scene safety in EMS.Sergeant Mike Martin join us from the Fresno Police Department, Jamie Martin from the Fresno County Communications Center, Ben Wiele and Ken Katz from American Ambulance, and we have Paramedic Derek Ratzel join us once again to sh
107. Facial and Oral Lacerations
Special thanks to American Ambulance's own Kurt Kindig for sharing his story from the field on this episode. GRAPHIC WARNING for the story portion of this episode. Although this is a medical podcast, some things can still be triggering, especially when gore and suicide are discussed. This is the first episode that Ben Wiele will be joining the discussion as a regular paramedic co-host. We are
106. Initiation and Termination of CPR in Medical Patients
A special thanks to American Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic Robert Wankel for joining us for this podcast!
105. High Performance CPR
Possibly our most important episode ever? Share it with everyone you know, because when it comes to surviving cardiac arrest, speed is everything and technique helps a LOT. Bystander CPR absolutely saves lives, so spread the word! Special thanks to Dr. Nathan Dreyfus for being a guest host on this episode.
104. Stroke (LVO)
Today, Dr. Miranda Lewis and Dr. Hana Choe bring their expertise to the podcast, and we are also pleased to have American Ambulance Paramedic Dan Bernhardt share a case from the field for us to discuss!
103. The Hypoglycemic Patient
On today's episode we are joined by special guest host, Dr. Chelsea Lima.
102. Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
101. Penetrating Eye Trauma
This episode goes hand in hand with episode 98. Blunt Orbital Trauma.
100. 100th Episode Celebration!
We could think of no better way to celebrate our 100th episode than to have four career paramedics come and share their stories and wisdom gained from their many years of experience in the field. A very special thank you to Lonnie Taylor, Rick Zavala, Mario Torralva, and Dan Ward!
99. Hypertension
Dr. Seema Policepatil joins us today from UCSF Fresno to share some of her expertise as we dive into the subject of Hypertension.
98. Blunt Orbital Trauma
American Ambulance Paramedic Dan Ward brings a story of how he treated a patient with Blunt Orbital Trauma on today's podcast!
97. The Alcohol Intoxicated Patient
Special thanks to Paramedic Hillary Neal for sharing a case with us!
96. Behavioral Emergencies and Mimics
Special thanks to Paramedic Hillary Neal for sharing a case with us!
95. Substance Use Disorders
Special thanks to Paramedic Hillary Neal for sharing a case with us!
94. Sepsis
Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection. Join us as we break it down.
93. Sleep for the Shift Worker
Dr. Lynn Keenan (Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF Program Director of Sleep Medicine Fellowship) joins us for a discussion on sleep. For something we spend a third of our lives doing, you might be surprised at how little you know about it and the effects it has on our waking hours.
92. TXA
91. Infectious Diseases
We are pleased to have Dr. Geetha Sivasubramanian, interim chief of the division of infectious disease at UCSF Fresno, join us today for our discussion.
90. Hymenoptera Stings
Bees? Bees! What do you do??! Find out here.
89. Covid-19 Update (May 2023)
87. Ketamine
Welcome to another deep dive into an important drug. Today, our team is honored to be joined by Dr. Miranda Lewis, assistant medical director for SEMSA, and an emergency physician at CRMC.
86. Naloxone
On this episode we take a close look at Naloxone, one of the important tools in the EMS toolbox to treat opioid overdose.
85. Hypothermia in Trauma Patients
Trauma patients are going through a lot. Hypothermia is one of those issues that can be overlooked if not addressed properly. So let's get into it.
84. Crush Injuries
Today we are joined by two special cohosts AND a special guest. Doctors Robyn Coelho, and Lavinia Turian. Paramedic Samantha Wimpey brings a case from her past to spark the conversation!
83. Drug Shortages
Unfortunately, drug shortages affect us all. In this episode, our hosts mull over why they happen, and how best to mitigate the effects of these shortages.
82. Chest Compressions
Let's dive into the history and reason for the basics!
81. Neonatal Resuscitation
Delivering a baby is one of the most amazing things that can happen in this job. But what happens if things don't go as we hope? A huge thanks to Paramedic Derek Ratzel for stopping in to the podcast studio once again and sharing his incredible case with us!
80. Epistaxis
Or, in layperson's terms, nose bleeds!
79. Chemical Burns
Dr. Liliana Samano from UCSF Fresno joins us today to discuss chemical burns.
78. Winter Respiratory Virus Update
There are a lot of different viruses going around out there right now. Why that is and how best to navigate this surge is what we cover in today's episode.
77. Pediatric Bradycardia
76. Special Events and Mass Gatherings
American Ambulance's own Russ Richardson stops in to bring his experience to this topic's discussion today!
75. Thermal Burns
74. Monkeypox Vaccines
What are they? Do you need one? Find out on today's episode.
73. Strangulation
This is a particularly unpleasant subject, but our team breaks it down so that you can be prepared if/when responding to one of these unfortunate calls.
72. Questions from the Field
We heard you! Thank you to those who submitted their questions, and please, don't hesitate to email us with any concerns or topics you'd like to hear our team address. On this episode we discuss bilateral needle thoracostomy, IO vs. IV, and C-spine immobilization criteria.
71. Monkeypox
You've heard about it in the news. It's here. Let's talk about it!
70. Troubleshooting Difficult Transport Scenarios
What do you do when difficult/unexpected transport scenarios come up? Often, we need to be creative, so join us as we discuss how to following all available protocols for these unexpected events.
69. IGel
A special thanks to special guest Christian Valdez for bringing us some stories of using the IGel in the field.
68. Ectopic Pregnancy
Paramedic Justin Belk stops in to share a story from the field today. Thanks Justin!
67. Syncope
Today our team is joined by American Ambulance's Justin Golding and UCSF Fresno's Dr. Paloma Marin-Nevares!
66. C Spine Immobilization
Paramedic Lano Tucay stops in again to share a case with us that required C Spine Immobilization.
65. Upper GI Bleeding
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is bleeding that can be happening anywhere in the esophagus, stomach, or the upper part of the small intestine. It is usually a symptom of an underlying disorder, and it can be very serious.
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