The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast

A rapid tour of adaptive support ventilation and practical ventilator training for transport crews. A candid take on using ASV as an EMS autopilot and when to rely on it. A deep dive into the origins, animal data, human studies, and controversies around elevating the head during CPR. A frank discussion of study bias, p-hacking concerns, and whether services should trial head-up CPR.

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 Schevz R, da Silva DBP, Lee J, Gallani F, Maegele M. Is ketamine safe for traumatic brain injury? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Crit Care. 2026 Feb;91:155347.

Al (Sal) Cortez, President and CEO of the International School of Tactical Medicine and longtime tactical/EMS leader, discusses ISTM’s shift to short, scenario-driven training. He covers integrating core medical skills with tactics, rescue task force concepts, training civilians for bleeding control, and the importance of hands-on, realistic drills and experienced instructors.

A conversational check-in covering a personal health scare and new wearable tech for heart monitoring. Regional debates over prehospital blood policies and air medical expansion spark political talk. Practical gear chat highlights everyday carry, shears, holsters, and favorite flashlights. Creative work advice covers handling critique and staying resilient as a content creator.

Listener discretion is advised.

A late Sunday coffee chat covers tactical medicine topics like TEMS, rescue task forces, and casualty collection points. The speaker defends why civilian TEMS medics should remain unarmed and shares three practical reasons. There is praise for Sacramento firefighter-paramedics and leadership lessons drawn from sports culture. Clinical questions about stable versus unstable patients and when to cardiovert are raised without detailed medical advice.

Listener discretion is advised.

Casual talk about how winter storms have strained EMS and even led to a bizarre SWAT parking standoff. A big win: statewide approval of prehospital blood and praise for advocates who pushed through backlash. Frustration with costly recertification and the pros and cons of two-tier EMS systems. Practical reminders on when to perform 12-lead ECGs and lessons from a missed STEMI.

Listener discretion is advised.

A wide-ranging conversation about when lights and sirens are truly needed and the data on emergency vehicle crashes. They debate dispatch scripts, overtriage, and how culture and metrics shape risky response habits. A dramatic helicopter crash report and a paramedic’s improvised landing raise questions about training and inconsistent risk tolerance.