The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast
The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast is a podcast created for EMS providers, including EMTs, paramedics, and nurses. It covers topics relevant to those working in 911 response settings and critical care transport. The show aims to support both novice and experienced clinicians in the emergency medical field.
Episodes
Case Study: Neonatal Blood Administration after Delivery with Abruption
Listener discretion is advised. Sincere thanks to the Buda FD and Austin-Travis StarFlight for the permission for their staff to come onto the podcast and discuss this case.
Friday Coffee Talk (10/9/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
References:
Galvagno SM Jr, Haut ER, Zafar SN, et al. Association between helicopter vs ground emergency medical services and survival for adults with major trauma. JAMA. 2012;307(15):1602-1610.
Jarvis JL, Jarvis SE, Kennel J. The association between out-of-hospital drug-assisted airway management approach and intubation first-pass success. Ann Emerg Med. 2025;86(
Prehospital Sepsis with Haney Mallemat & Nick Ghionni
Listener discretion is advised.
Rapid Fire Listener Questions - Part Two
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
Amyl Nitrate Overdose Case Study with Justin Rodriguez RN
Listener discretion is advised!!!
Friday Coffee Talk (9/18/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
References:
Paterson BF, Grammer LC, Greenberger PA. The management of coexisting asthma and cardiac disease. N Engl Reg Allergy Proc. 1987;8(5):309-315.
Pauw EK, Stubblefield WB, Wrenn JO, Brown SK, Cosse MS, Curry ZS, Darcy TP, James TE, Koetter PE, Nicholson CE, Parisi FN, Shepherd LG, Soppet SL, Stocker MD, Walston BM, Self WH, Han JH, Ward MJ. Frequency of c
Timber Vignogna/Response Ready Fitness
Listener discretion is advised.
Friday Rapid Fire Questions
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
Zaf Qasim MD: Crashing Peds, Asthma, Anaphylaxis
Saturday Coffee Talk (9/5/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
Conversation with a Paramedic/Med Student
Listener discretion is advised!
Saturday Coffee Talk (8/29/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
Friday Coffee Talk (8/21/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
References:
Alam N, Oskam E, et. al. PHANTASi Trial Investigators and the ORCA (Onderzoeks Consortium Acute Geneeskunde) Research Consortium the Netherlands. Prehospital antibiotics in the ambulance for sepsis: a multicentre, open label, randomised trial. Lancet Respir Med. 2018 Jan;6(1):40-50.
Jouffroy, R., Annane, D., et. al. (2026). A 1-hour resuscitation bundle
Saturday Coffee Talk (8/15/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
References:
Evans C, Quinlan DO, Engels PT, Sherbino J. Reanimating Patients After Traumatic Cardiac Arrest: A Practical Approach Informed by Best Evidence. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2018 Feb;36(1):19-40.
Lott, C., Truhlář, A., et al. (2021). European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Cardiac arrest in special circumstances. Resuscitation, 161, 152-219.
Reuben
Dr. Mark Piehl
Saturday Coffee Talk (Plasma) - 8/8/26
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
References:
Cardenas JC, Dong JF, Kozar RA. Injury-induced endotheliopathy: What you need to know. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2023 Oct 1;95(4):454-463.
Dietrich M, Hölle T, Lalev LD, Loos M, Schmitt FCF, Fiedler MO, Hackert T, Richter DC, Weigand MA, Fischer D. Plasma Transfusion in Septic Shock-A Secondary Analysis of a Retrospective Single-Center Cohort. J Clin
Greg Shea - "Rising from Ground Zero"
Dr. Greg Shea came onto the podcast to talk about the leadership and organizational lessons learned from the FDNY before, during, and after the 9/11 attacks.
Check out the book he co-authored at https://www.risingfromgroundzero.org/
BONUS COFFEE TALK with Dan Rauh
Unfiltered, no agenda, and no planning. Just Dan and I having a zoom call and recording it...
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
Saturday Coffee Talk (7/25/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
References:
Rezaei Zadeh Rukerd M, Shahrbabaki FR, Movahedi M, Honarmand A, Pourzand P, Mirafzal A. Single intravenous dose ondansetron induces QT prolongation in adult emergency department patients: a prospective observational study. Int J Emerg Med. 2024 Apr 2;17(1):49.
Yürük Mısırlıoğlu H, Öztürk İnce E, Akkaş M. The effect of intravenous ondansetron on QT inte
Saturday Coffee Talk (7/18/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
Friday Coffee Talk (7/10/26)
Listener discretion is advised! (explicit)
References:
McGovern B, Garan H, Ruskin JN. Precipitation of cardiac arrest by verapamil in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Ann Intern Med. 1986 Jun;104(6):791-4. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-104-6-791. PMID: 3706931.
Strasberg B, Sagie A, Rechavia E, Katz A, Ovsyscher IA, Sclarovsky S, Agmon J. Deleterious effects of intravenous verapamil in Wol
Lil' Pharma
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (6/27/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!
References:
Carunchio, M. (July 2020). Atypical Stroke Presentations. EMS World. Available: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/article/1224541/atypical-stroke-presentations
Clawson, J. J., Scott, G., Gardett, I., et al. (2016). Predictive Ability of an Emergency Medical Dispatch Stroke Diagnostic Tool in Identifying Hospital-Confirmed Strokes.
Saturday Coffee Talk (6/20/26)
Listener discretion is advised!!!
References:
My ResusX Talk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufC2LXtCzUI
Hana Hybasek Dzurikova. (29 Jan 2025). Unmasking Hyperkalemia: Highlighting Critical ECG Changes. Available https://www.powerfulmedical.com/blog/hyperkalemia-ecg-critical-changes/
Thoughts on Precepting: The FTO's Priorities of Life
Listener discretion is advised!!!
Saturday Coffee Talk (6/6/26)
Listener discretion is advised!!!
References:
Gabayan, G. Z., Gould, M. K., Weiss, R. E., Patel, N., Donkor, K. A., Chiu, V. Y., Yiu, S. C., Jones, J. P., Hoffman, J. R., & Sarkisian, C. A. (2016). Poor Outcomes After Emergency Department Discharge of the Elderly: A Case-Control Study. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 68(1), 43–51.e2.
Ganetsky M, Lopez G, Coreanu T, Novack V, Horng S, Shapiro NI,
Saturday Coffee Talk (5/30/26)
Listener discretion is advised!
References:
Buttner & Arlanger. (May 3, 2022). ST depression does not localise. Available: https://litfl.com/st-depression-does-not-localise/
Cannon, J. W., Khan, M. A., Raja, A. S., et al. (2017). Damage control resuscitation in patients with severe traumatic hemorrhage. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 82, 605-617.
Kabra, R., Acharya, S., Kamat, S., &
(Late) Sunday Coffee Talk (5/24/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED!!!!!
References:
Hair Tourniquet: PMID: 29092968
ACEP. (2025). A Worthy Investment: What Every EM Resident Needs to Know About Reimbursement in 2025. Available: https://www.acep.org/administration/reimbursement/what-every-graduating-resident-needs-to-know-about-reimbursement
Dan Magdziarz. (Jan 5, 2021). High-Yield RVU Generation in Emergency Medicine. Emergency Phys
LATE Saturday Evening Coffee Talk (5/16/26)
Listener discretion is advised!
References:
ACEP. (2025). A Worthy Investment: What Every EM Resident Needs to Know About Reimbursement in 2025. Available: https://www.acep.org/administration/reimbursement/what-every-graduating-resident-needs-to-know-about-reimbursement
Dan Magdziarz. (Jan 5, 2021). High-Yield RVU Generation in Emergency Medicine. Emergency Physicians Monthly. Available: https://e
Dr. Mario Rugna & Kirk Smith, RT: Using the Vent on 911 Calls Should be Standard
Listener discretion is advised.
Dr. Rugna's Article: https://assets-che.mkt.dynamics.com/82359f7e-b7af-4cc1-a9fe-c8a35b467194/digitalassets/standaloneforms/7a39198e-7127-f011-8c4d-0022480cd54d#div_id
Friday (Early) Coffee Talk (5/8/26)
Listener discretion is advised. Language. Adult themes.
References:
Anand Swaminathan, "Clinical Conundrum: Should We Always Treat Fever in Patients with Sepsis?", REBEL EM blog, December 17, 2024. Available at: https://rebelem.com/clinical-conundrum-should-we-always-treat-fever-in-patients-with-sepsis/.
Jibril F, Sharaby S, Mohamed A, Wilby KJ. Intravenous versus Oral Acetaminophen for Pain: Sy
Rick Maricle: Leadership at a New Agency
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (5/1/26)
Listener discretion is advised: language, adult themes
Reference:
Boland, Hokanson, et. al. (2016). Prehospital lactate measurement by EMS in patients meeting sepsis criteria. Western J. EM (17)5.
Dan Rauh: Lactate, Troponin, I-Stat, Sepsis, and More
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (4/25/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
Jeremy Ulrich: 10 Things the EMS Student Needs to Know
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (4/18/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Sensitive themes. Language.
References:
Rautaharju PM, Park L, Rautaharju FS, Crow R. A standardized procedure for locating and documenting ECG chest electrode positions: consideration of the effect of breast tissue on ECG amplitudes in women. J Electrocardiol. 1998 Jan;31(1):17-29.
Bill Berlin RN: Communicating with the Chronically Sick Kid and Family
Bill Berlin is a flight nurse and serves in the USAF. His daughter is currently battling Leukemia and Bill was kind enough to come on to the podcast to talk about what this journey has taught him about being a health care provider.
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (4/11/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
References:
Cook CE, Thigpen CA. Five good reasons to be disappointed with randomized trials. J Man Manip Ther. 2019 May;27(2):63-65. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2019.1589697. Epub 2019 Mar 14. PMID: 30935322
Fernainy P, Cohen AA, Murray E, Losina E, Lamontagne F, Sourial N. Rethinking the pros and cons of randomized controlled trials and observational studies in the era
Conversation with a Newer EMT
Listener discretion is advised. Sensitive language and themes.
Saturday Coffee Talk (4/4/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Language. Sensitive themes.
Study Citation:
Vattipally VN, Ran KR, Myneni S, Jo J, Margolis A, Nasr IW, Robinson S, Cohen AR, Azad TD. Emergency Medical Services Time on Scene Associated with Reduced Dead-on-Arrival Status Among Pediatric Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2026 Jan 21:1-9. doi: 10.1080/10903127.2025.2605648. Epub ahea
Peds: Safe Transport and Pro Tips with Molly Harper
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (3/28/26)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED! ADULT THEMES. LANGUAGE.
References:
Smith, J. E., Cardigan, R., Sanderson, E., Silsby, L., Rourke, C., Barnard, E. B. G., Basham, P., Antonacci, G., Charlewood, R., Dallas, N., Davies, J., Goodwin, E., Hawton, A., Hudson, C., Lucas, J., Keen, K., Lyon, R. M., & Nolan, B. (2026). Prehospital whole blood in traumatic hemorrhage — a randomized controlled trial. T
Case Study: PE Presenting as Left Breast Pain
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (3/21/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
(Early) Coffee Talk 3/12/26
Listener discretion is advised.
Conversation with a Medical Director: Nate Zahustecher
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (3/7/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
Japanese Airway Study:
Kubo A, Kunitatsu K, Nakashima T, Horitani R, Kajimoto Y, Inoue S, Hironishi M. Association between endotracheal intubation and outcomes of nonshockable out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Japan. BMC Emerg Med. 2025 Sep 24;25(1):185. doi: 10.1186/s12873-025-01341-6. PMID: 40993541; PMCID: PMC12462024.
BONUS Mini Episode: Burn Intubation
Listener discretion is advised.
Jen Brennan and Ben Podsiadlo
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (2/28/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
The Coffee Talk is EARLY THIS WEEK (2/19/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
References:
Varney J, Motawea KR, Mostafa MR, AbdelQadir YH, Aboelenein M, Kandil OA, Ibrahim N, Hashim HT, Murry K, Jackson G, Shah J, Boury M, Awad AK, Patel P, Awad DM, Rozan SS, Talat NE. Efficacy of heads-up CPR compared to supine CPR positions: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Sci Rep. 2022 May 24;5
Norii T, Lukas G, Samantaray A, Yabuki M, Olasveen
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Listener discretion is advised.
References:
Decorticate and Decerebrate Posturing. (Dec 18, 2025). David Goldemund. “Stroke Manual.” Available: https://www.stroke-manual.com/decorticate-and-decerebrate-posturing/
Schmutzhard, E. (2019). Central breathing disturbances in stroke. J. Neuro Sciences, 405 suppl.
Torres AC, Bebarta VS, April MD, Maddry JK, Herson PS, Sciorilli JV, Rossi YI, Dos Reis Sch
Sal Cortez and ISTM
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (2/14/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
Nicole Hooser
Listener discretion is advised.
SUNDAY (Late) Coffee Talk (2/8/26)
Listner discretion is advised.
Dan Koloden
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (1/31/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
Ryan Bolger
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (1/24/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
References:
Bona & Friedman. (Apr 3, 2018). Ambulance Lights and Sirens Should Only Be Used When the Benefit Outweighs the Risks. Available: https://https://www.acepnow.com/article/ambulance-lights-and-sirens-should-only-be-used-when-the-benefit-outweighs-the-risks/
NTSB Preliminary Report: Available: https://verticalavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Report_ERA
Sal Cortez
Sal Cortez has over forty years of experience as a paramedic and LEO. He has responded to two major active shooter incidents, worked as a flight medic, served on the California Governor's protection detail, and now runs TEMS training at the International School of Tactical Medicine.
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (1/17/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
References: PMID 12776641, 29463461
Dr. Nate Zahustecher: EMS Awareness of Medetomidine Overdose and Withdrawal
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (1/10/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (1/3/26)
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (12/27/25)
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Coffee Talk (12/20/25)
Listener discretion is advised.
CORRECTION: I mentioned that Precedex is an alpha antagonist. I misspoke and meant to say that it is an "agonist."
References:
Ehrman-Dupre R, Kaigh C, Salzman M, Haroz R, Peterson LK, Schmidt R. Management of Xylazine Withdrawal in a Hospitalized Patient: A Case Report. J Addict Med. 2022 Sep-Oct 01;16(5):595-598. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000955. Epub 2022 Jan
Saturday Coffee Talk (12/13/25)
Listener discretion is advised.
References:
Casey, J., Seitz, K., et al. (2025). Ketamine or Etomidate for Tracheal Intubation of Critically Ill Adults. NEJM. Available: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2511420?query=featured_home
Farkas. (Dec 10, 2025). PulmCrit: Hot take on RSI trial of ketamine vs etomidate. Available: https://emcrit.org/pulmcrit/rsitrial/
Srivatsa S, Chawla M, Herna
HEMS Utilization and Safety Panel
Listener discretion is advised.
FRIDAY Coffee Talk (12/5/25)
LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
Kim YG, Choi YY, Han KD, Min K, Choi HY, Shim J, Choi JI, Kim YH. Atrial fibrillation is associated with increased risk of lethal ventricular arrhythmias. Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 13;11(1):18111. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-97335-y. PMID: 34518592
Ren J, Yang Y, Zhu J, Wu S, Wang J, Zhang H, Shao X. The use of intravenous amiodarone in patients with atrial fibrillation and Wol
TEMS Chat with PrepMedic
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Morning Coffee Talk (11/29/25)
Listener discretion is advised.
Greenhaw, R. & Jamali, M. (2021). Medical Helicopter Accident Review: Causes and Contributing Factors. Available: https://libraryonline.erau.edu/online-full-text/faa-aviation-medicine-reports/AM21-19.pdf
Hinkelbein J, Schwalbe M, Genzwuerker HV. Helicopter emergency medical services accident rates in different international air rescue systems. Open Access Emerg
Drs. Mark Piehl & Peter Antevy: Peds Trauma, Blood, and Much More
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Morning Coffee Talk (11/15/25)
Listener discretion is advised.
James Johns: Mobile Stroke Units
Listener discretion is advised.
Saturday Morning Coffee Talk (11/8/25)
Listener discretion is advised.
Artificial Intelligence in EMS (with a Wilderness Paramedic)
Listener discretion is advised.
Thank you to Mike Damkot for coming onto the podcast. Check him out on his podcast "EMS On the Mountain."
Saturday Morning Coffee Talk (11/1/25)
Listener discretion is advised.
Drs. Scott Weingart and Nick Ghionni: Approaching the Really Sick Pulmonary Patient
Listener discretion is advised. Thank you to Pulmonologist Nick Ghionni and host of the EmCrit Podcast, Dr. Scott Weingart for coming onto the podcast and talking about approaches to the assessment and management of the often vague and really sick patient with respiratory distress.
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