Pre-Hospital Care Podcast

In this episode, we’ll explore the communication barriers that clinicians encounter in delivering coordinated care for geriatric patients, including the role of sensory impairments like hearing or vision loss. We’ll uncover best practices for engaging families in decision-making, addressing complex geriatric syndromes, and managing conflicts around patient autonomy. Finally, we’ll discuss the importance of collaborative training and measurable models to improve communication and outcomes across healthcare systems.In this episode, we’re joined by Georgie Gill, a Trainee Advanced Paramedic Practitioner working in  South East England. After working as a Paramedic in an NHS Ambulance Service she moved to work as a Teaching Fellow for the Department of Elderly Medicine, balancing contributing to MDTea podcast, teaching multidisciplinary teams, and serving on the front door frailty team in the emergency department, bringing insight and expertise to paramedic practicein this area. Following this, she moved to a Community Frailty Practitioner Service undertaking advanced care planning with older adults residing in community settings, before moving back to pre-hospital care to undertake the Trainee Advanced Paramedic Practitioner role and ACP MSc. We are also joined by Iain Wilkinson. Iain is a Consultant Geriatrician and Clinical Director at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. As Clinical Lead for the Ageing WellGroup, MDTea podcast host, Vice President (Education and Training) for the British Geriatrics Society, and educator with Health Education England, Iain has a wealth of invaluable expertise.MDTea podcast can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mdtea-podcast/id1073719746This podcast is sponsored by PAX.Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range, please click here:⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this episode, we will delve into the latest advancements and innovations in XR technology - the world of Extended Reality and its groundbreaking applications in medical training and how it might shape the future of medical training in practice. From real-time communication with patients, integrating emotional intelligence for a more empathetic interaction, enhancing clinical guidance through AI-driven doctors, simulating injuries and diseases with high accuracy, and providing realistic responses to medications through advanced pharmacology simulations, this platform is set to transform the future of medical education. Join us as we unpack the potential, challenges, and future of this technology.  To do this, we’re speaking with Martien Strik. Martien is a critical care nurse with more than 13 years of experience in the clinical and prehospital field, and 8 years of VR experience in TactileVR. The CEO of Tactile VR, Will Kirkpatrick is also a critical care nurse with 5 years of experience and is the Founder/CEO of TactileVR. You can find the product here:https://tactilevr.com/This podcast is sponsored by PAX.Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range, please click here:⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

Delirium is a common and often under-recognised condition among older adults, particularly during emergencies.It can be triggered by a range of factors, including infections, dehydration, medications, or underlying chronic conditions, and presents significant challenges for pre-hospital and hospital providers alike.In this episode, we’ll explore the unique hurdles faced when caring for elderly patients experiencing cognitive changes. From understanding the impact of sensory impairments on communication to distinguishing between delirium, dementia, and other states of confusion, we’ll discuss practical strategies to improve assessment and care delivery. We’ll also highlight the critical role empathy plays in building trust with patients and their families during these vulnerable moments. We’ll dive into how pre-hospital and hospital teams can align to address the root causes of delirium and ensure continuity of care. Ethical dilemmas and family dynamics will also be explored, as well as proactive measures to prevent delirium in at-risk patients. Join us as we unpack these challenges and uncover solutions that prioritise dignity, safety, and quality of life for elderly patients. To do this we’re joined Iain Wilkinson and James Adams. Iain is a Consultant Geriatrician and Clinical Director at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. As Clinical Lead for the Ageing Well Group, MDTea podcast host, Vice President (Education and Training) for the British Geriatrics Society, and educator with Health Education England, Iain has a wealth of invaluable expertise.James is a leader in frailty care and service transformation. As Chief of Service for Frailty and Community Services, he has pioneered workforce development, quality improvement, and national policy influence. His insights encompass the future of care for older people and the integration of innovative, multi-professional strategies.Links to Validation Theory can be found here:https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001394/abstractLinks to the GRIFT Triple Assessment can be found here: https://sean9n.wordpress.com/2023/05/23/a-short-story-of-geriatric-medicine-cfs-4at-news/This is a paid advertisement from BetterHelp.In the high-pressure world of pre-hospital care, having a strong support system is essential. Whether you're a frontline responder, medical professional, or someone navigating life’s challenges, therapy can provide valuable tools to help manage stress, build resilience, and improve mental well-being.BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, connecting people with licensed mental health professionals through video, phone, and messaging—accessible anytime, anywhere. With over 5,000 therapists available in the UK, you can find the right support for your needs.Build your support system with BetterHelp.Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/CAREPODThis podcast is sponsored by PAX.Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range, please click here:⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

Today, we dive into the concept of how Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising how we train for critical scenarios and indeed critical skills such as CPR. Traditional simulation-based training has long been plagued by challenges such as limited realism, high costs, and barriers to accessibility. But now, advancements in AI, particularly through ChatGPT's new Advanced Voice Mode (AVM), are offering transformative solutions. By simulating patient interactions with emotional depth and natural conversational flow, AVM promises to bring an unprecedented level of realism and inclusivity to medical training. In this episode, we’ll explore the technology's potential to modernise education for both trained and untrained medical responders. We'll discuss how AVM can enhance older manikins, relieve trainers from multitasking, and deliver just-in-time learning opportunities. We’ll also tackle challenges like minimising AI errors and mastering prompt engineering.Join us as we unpack how tools like ChatGPT are shaping the future of medical simulation, making training more dynamic, equitable, and effective for healthcare providers worldwide. Please find the attached; Shaping the future of simulator interactions: The role of ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode: https://www.resuscitationjournal.com/article/S0300-9572(24)00827-X/fulltext This podcast is sponsored by PAX.Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range, please click here:⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this episode, we focus on the critical topic of frailty and fall assessment in elderly patients. Frailty is a complex condition that affects many older adults, making them more vulnerable to injuries and complications. Falls, one of the most common emergencies among this population, can have life-altering consequences, including fractures, loss of independence, and even death. For healthcare providers, managing these challenges requires skill, sensitivity, and collaboration.We also explore the barriers pre-hospital and hospital teams face in effectively communicating and coordinating care for frail elderly patients. We’ll discuss the tools and criteria used to assess frailty in emergencies and the key elements of a successful handover to hospital teams. Real-world examples will highlight the importance of seamless transitions in achieving positive outcomes. We’ll also examine how pre-hospital teams can work with hospital staff to develop proactive care pathways, prevent recurrent falls, and identify environmental or personal risk factors. Finally, we’ll touch on the importance of joint training and feedback systems to enhance skills and improve patient outcomes.To do this we’re joined by Iain Wilkinson and James Adams. Iain is a Consultant Geriatrician and Clinical Director at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. As Clinical Lead for the Ageing Well Group, MDTea podcast host, Vice President (Education and Training) for the British Geriatrics Society, and educator with Health Education England, Iain has a wealth of invaluable expertise.James is a leader in frailty care and service transformation. As Chief of Service for Frailty and Community Services, he has pioneered workforce development, quality improvement, and national policy influence. His insights encompass the future of care for older people and the integration of innovative, multi-professional strategies.The Rockwood Frailty Scale / Clinical Frailty score mentioned in the episode can be found here:https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/rockwood-frailty-scale_.pdfThe MDTea podcast that Iain produces can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mdtea-podcast/id1073719746The British Geriatric Society e-learning mentioned in the episode can be found here: https://www.bgs.org.uk/bgs-elearningA framework of core capabilities for Frailty can be found here:https://skillsforjustice.org.uk/frameworks/frailty-a-framework-of-core-capabilities#:~:text=This%20framework%20aims%20to%20identify,review%20and%20development%20of%20staff.

In this episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Johannes Strobel, a leading figure in Pre-hospital Critical Care and a key driver of clinical innovation within Germany’s renowned EMS system.Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Strobel shared the challenges and rewards of shaping EMS systems across diverse settings, offering invaluable lessons learned from years at the forefront of high-pressure pre-hospital emergency medicine. His experiences provided a compelling look into the evolution of Prehospital Care, from technology integration to education and training advancements.One of the key themes of this conversation was the role of AI, telemedicine, and simulation training in transforming pre-hospital care. Johannes offers insights into how these innovations are not just improving clinician decision-making but also shaping the future of prehospital emergency care in Germany.This podcast is sponsored by PAX.Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range, please click here:⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this episode, we’re delving into one of the most complexand critical topics in pre-hospital care, that of ethical and legal decision-making. Whether respecting a patient’s autonomy, determining capacity, or navigating complex end-of-life care scenarios, these decisions often come withhigh stakes and no easy answers. Balancing the duty to act with the need to respect patients’ rights can be especially challenging in unpredictable environments.We’ll explore key issues such as managing refusal oftreatment, honouring advanced directives, and addressing conflicts between ethical obligations and legal requirements. Using real-world case studies, we’ll discuss practical approaches to tackling these dilemmas while safeguarding patients and providers.In this episode, we’re joined by Steve Bell. Steve is an NHSConsultant Paramedic and Consultant HEMS Paramedic with extensive experience in pre-hospital care across ambulance trusts and HEMS. Steve is also a published researcher and educator.This podcast is sponsored by PAX.Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range, please click here:⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this episode, we discuss the role of interprofessional teams within pre-hospital care and examine the latest research published on this topic. Over the past three decades, the role of physicians in pre-hospital care has grown significantly. In this episode, we are joined by Dr Mike Christian. Beginning his career as a paramedic, Mike is now a critical care physician, researcher, and educator in PHEM. He specialises in interprofessional team care for critically ill patients in Canada. He has held leadership positions in PHEM and hospital systems in the UK and in Canada. Mike’s research demonstrates the transformative impact of inter-professional teams, which bring together physicians, paramedics, and other specialists to enhance care delivery and improve patient outcomes. This episode explores the evidence behind these teams, shedding light on their ability to reduce mortality and improve survival for critically ill and injured patients. We’ll discuss the benefits, challenges, and future potential of these teams, touching on the training, logistical, and systemic considerations that shape their implementation. The research can be found here: Benefits of targeted deployment of physician-led interprofessional pre-hospital teams on the care of critically Ill and injured patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13049-024-01298-8   Interprofessional Learning in Multidisciplinary Healthcare Teams Is Associated With Reduced Patient Mortality: A Quantitative Systematic Review and Meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37921751/ A link to the Canadian Critical Care Conference presentation mentioned by Mike in the interview can be found here: https://youtu.be/MVDHaYaZRSI. This podcast is sponsored by PAX. Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range please click here: ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this episode, we dive into the intricate legal landscape that pre-hospital care providers must navigate daily. From understanding fundamental duty of care to managing mandatory reporting requirements, we explore how every decision in the field carries legal weight. Our discussion covers essential scenarios pre-hospital teams frequently encounter, including suspected abuse cases, mass casualty incidents, and maintaining patient confidentiality at crime scenes. We break down practical strategies for balancing legal obligations with optimal patient care, offering actionable insights for providers at all levels. Key topics include protecting yourself from negligence claims, understanding when and how to report suspected abuse, and maintaining professional boundaries while collaborating with law enforcement. Whether you're a seasoned paramedic or new to pre-hospital care, this episode provides crucial knowledge for managing legal risks while delivering excellence in patient care. The link mentioned in the episode to the NARU document can be found here: https://naru.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/03212218/DutyofCareBreifingNoteApril21.pdf

In this episode, we delve into NATO’s medical readiness for large-scale conflicts, addressing pressing questions about preparedness and challenges in the face of hybrid and cyber threats. Also, how NATO adapts its strategies to meet these complex needs of contemporary warfare. We’ll address lessons from recent conflicts—Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Iraq—and how these experiences have shaped NATO’s unified approach to combat medicine. From mass casualty management to the integration of cutting-edge innovations like telemedicine, robotics, and AI, we discuss the systems and technologies that underpin NATO's ability to respond effectively. The importance of collaboration and interoperability takes centre stage as we explore how NATO trains medics and aligns medical equipment across diverse member nations. Additionally, we examine how NATO balances military medical readiness with supporting civilian populations in conflict zones, leveraging partnerships with civilian healthcare systems to enhance preparedness. Finally, we tackle ethical and humanitarian considerations, shedding light on psychological resilience, the mental health of medical teams, and the challenges of providing care to both allies and adversaries. To do this I have Tim Hodgetts with me. Tim was the recently serving Surgeon General of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, the Master General of the Army Medical Services, and the elected Chair of the Committee of Chiefs of Military Medical Services in NATO. His clinical background is a Professor of Emergency Medicine amongst many other hats. Links that Tim mentions in the episode can be found here: Transferable military medical lessons from the Russo-Ukraine war https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37402486/ The novel 8Ds approach to demand management in Mass Casualty and other situations of extreme demand/capacity mismatch https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374617576_A_simple_research_framework_will_improve_Mass_Casualty_responses Frontlines and Lifelines: Collected Poems from an Army Doctor in Crisis and War (English Edition) https://www.amazon.com/Frontlines-Lifelines-Collected-Doctor-Crisis-ebook/dp/B0DCS1DFMH This podcast is sponsored by PAX. Whatever kind of challenge you have to face - with PAX backpacks you are well-prepared. Whether on water, on land or in the air - PAX's versatile, flexible backpacks are perfectly suitable for your requirements and can be used in the most demanding of environments. Equally, PAX bags are built for comfort and rapid access to deliver the right gear at the right time to the right patient. To see more of their innovative designed product range please click here: ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠