Prolonged Field Care Podcast

PFC Podcast: Pain Control Lessons Learned

Feb 19, 2026
A fast-paced look at real-world analgesia and sedation pitfalls. They cover common drug selection and dosing mistakes, ketamine’s proper uses and limitations, and why “having a drug” is not a plan. Practical lessons include monitoring needs, airway rescue readiness, measurable pain goals, and avoiding trendy mixed-syringe shortcuts. Clinical experience and clear handovers are stressed throughout.
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ADVICE

Make A Specific Medication Plan

  • Do build a real medication plan not just carry one drug.
  • Plan should include drug choice, mg/kg dosing, dilution, administration speed and escalation steps so you avoid fantasy training habits.
ANECDOTE

Finger Amputation Geeked Out On Ketamine

  • Ketamine can be the wrong drug in conscious patients and produce agitation not analgesia.
  • Justin described a finger amputation patient who was "geeked out on ketamine" and later needed fentanyl to become manageable.
INSIGHT

IM Ketamine Onset And Duration Misunderstood

  • Understand ketamine's pharmacology: IM doses have delayed onset and short duration for analgesia.
  • Many trainees expect immediate, long-lasting effects from IM ketamine and are surprised when it doesn't 'work'.
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