

Alert Medic 1
Alert Medic 1
Alert Medic 1 is a podcast developed by EMS professionals with strict physician oversight focused on educating EMS providers on all aspects of the sciences and medicine. We accomplish our goal through blog entries, case studies, video lectures, and social media interaction. We encourage and welcome health care providers of all backgrounds to join in our discussion.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 1min
Toxicology Fundamentals with Andrew Stolbach, MD
In this conversation, Mustafa Sidik interviews Dr. Andrew Stolbach, an emergency physician and medical toxicologist, to discuss the fundamentals of toxicology, including definitions, toxidromes, and management strategies for various overdoses. They explore the mechanisms of common antidotes like naloxone, sodium bicarbonate, and glucagon, emphasizing the importance of treating the patient rather than just the poison. The discussion highlights the complexities of toxicology in emergency medicine and the critical role of understanding symptoms and treatment protocols.
Takeaways
Toxicology focuses on treating poisonings and overdoses.
The dose of a substance determines its toxicity.
Toxidromes are key in identifying specific overdoses.
Cholinergic and anticholinergic toxidromes present opposite symptoms.
Sympathomimetic toxidromes are often caused by stimulants like cocaine.
Benzodiazepines are crucial in managing sympathomimetic overdoses.
Opioid overdoses can lead to respiratory failure.
Naloxone is an effective antidote for opioid overdoses.
Sodium bicarbonate is used in TCA overdoses to normalize EKG findings.
Glucagon can be used in beta blocker overdoses to bypass receptor blockage.
Keywords
toxicology, toxidromes, overdose management, medical toxicology, emergency medicine, naloxone, sedative hypnotics, opioid epidemic, glucagon, sodium bicarbonate
Link to Naloxone and Patient Outcomes in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests in California:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2822449

Oct 28, 2024 • 46min
EMS Progression: Knowing How & When to Move Forward
Discover the intricate balance between innovation and caution in Emergency Medical Services. The hosts delve into the controversial use of calcium in trauma care and the strategic rollout of new protocols. They stress the importance of hands-on training and clinician involvement in adopting modern tools. Change management emerges as a crucial theme, focusing on the psychological shifts necessary for successful implementation. Continuous education and effective communication are highlighted as key elements in advancing patient care.

Oct 21, 2024 • 59min
Thrombectomy 101 with Paul Singh, MD
Summary: In this conversation, Dr. Paul Singh discusses the advancements in stroke treatment, particularly focusing on thrombectomy. He shares his journey into medicine, the significance of timely intervention in stroke cases, and the evolution of treatment protocols. The discussion covers the types of strokes, the criteria for thrombectomy candidates, and the procedure itself. Emphasis is placed on the importance of time in stroke care, the role of AI in improving outcomes, and the future directions in stroke prevention and treatment.
Keywords: thrombectomy, stroke treatment, ischemic stroke, emergency medicine, neuroendovascular surgery, patient outcomes, AI in healthcare, stroke awareness, EMS protocols, healthcare innovation
Takeaways
Thrombectomy can significantly improve patient outcomes with a low number needed to treat.
Understanding the types of strokes is crucial for effective treatment.
Time is critical in stroke care; every minute counts.
AI technology is enhancing the speed and accuracy of stroke diagnosis.
Community awareness of stroke symptoms can lead to quicker treatment.
The thrombectomy procedure is similar to cardiac catheterization.
Patient outcomes have improved due to advancements in technology and techniques.
Preventative care and awareness are essential in reducing stroke incidence.
The landscape of stroke care is continuously evolving with new research and innovations.
Access to thrombectomy centers is vital for rural areas.
AI and the Future of Stroke Treatment
Innovations in Stroke Care: What’s Next?
"I wanted to work in something where I wouldn't feel like it was a job."
"You only have to treat two to four patients to get a meaningful outcome."
"Time is brain."

Oct 14, 2024 • 52min
Airway Dogmalysis
Summary
In this episode, Josh and Cody discuss common mistakes in airway training for paramedics, emphasizing the need for updated techniques and realistic training scenarios. They highlight the importance of teaching airway management as a comprehensive system rather than focusing solely on intubation. The conversation also covers the significance of proper airway assessment and the dangers of allowing successful poor techniques in training. The hosts provide actionable takeaways for improving airway training programs.
Keywords
airway training, paramedic education, airway management, teaching techniques, simulation training, medical training, emergency medicine, intubation, airway assessment, training mistakes
Takeaways
Poor teaching habits are prevalent in airway management training.
Training should evolve to incorporate current best practices.
High fidelity training is not always necessary for effective learning.
Successful poor technique can lead to dangerous outcomes in airway management.
Airway management should be taught as a comprehensive system.
Realistic training scenarios are crucial for effective learning.
Airway assessment must include BVM and supraglottic considerations.
Training should reflect real-life scenarios encountered in the field.
Success in airway management is built over time through proper training.
Look to high-performing agencies for best practices in airway training.
Sound Bites
"Poor teaching habits are a major issue."
"We need to evolve our training methods."
"High fidelity training isn't always necessary."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Airway Training Mistakes
02:47 Common Teaching Mistakes in Airway Management
11:12 The Importance of Updated Techniques
20:02 Focus on Airway Management as a System
33:40 The Need for Realistic Training Scenarios
49:36 Key Takeaways for Effective Airway Training

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 10min
Stroke 101 with Lindsay Goff, RN and Kenny Barajas, DNP
Summary
This conversation delves into the critical role of EMS in stroke care, highlighting the importance of timely assessment and treatment. Experts Kenny Barajas and Lindsay Goff discuss the definitions, types, and symptoms of strokes, emphasizing the need for EMS providers to recognize and act swiftly. They explore the impact of stroke on patients and their families, the differences between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and the protocols for EMS management. The discussion also addresses the importance of communication with hospital partners and the need for ongoing education in stroke awareness and care.
Takeaways
Stroke is a disruption in blood flow to the brain.
The BFAST algorithm is crucial for identifying stroke symptoms.
Approximately one-third of stroke patients die within a year.
Ischemic strokes account for 88% of all strokes.
Hypertension and diabetes are significant risk factors for stroke.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke.
Time is critical; every minute counts in stroke treatment.
Patients can have both vertigo and a stroke simultaneously.
EMS providers must advocate for their patients effectively.
Education and training are essential for EMS providers in stroke care.
Titles
The Critical Role of EMS in Stroke Care
The Impact of Stroke on Patients and Families
Sound Bites
"Stroke is the number one cause of long-term disability."
"Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke."
"Time is brain; the sooner we get treatment, the better."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Stroke Care in EMS
03:35
Understanding Stroke: Definition and Symptoms
07:13
Morbidity, Mortality, and Risk Factors of Stroke
11:18
Types of Stroke: Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic
25:16
EMS Management of Stroke: Assessment and Protocols
40:27
The Role of Education and Training in Stroke Recognition
55:34
Closing Thoughts on Stroke Care and Patient Advocacy
Keywords
stroke, EMS, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, stroke symptoms, stroke care, emergency medical services, stroke assessment, stroke management, patient advocacy

Sep 21, 2024 • 1h 6min
Medical Director's Corner #1
The Alert Medic 1 team sits down with their medical director, Dr. Ben Lawner, to discuss various topics related to EMS medicine.
Keywords: Sudden Ambulance Death Syndrome, EMS, patient transport, clinical decision-making, emergency medicine, treatment protocols, communication, high-stress situations, continuous learning
Summary: In this episode, the hosts discuss the concept of Sudden Ambulance Death Syndrome, exploring its implications for emergency medical services (EMS) and patient care. They delve into the cultural perspectives surrounding patient transport, the nuances of treatment decisions, and the importance of communication in high-stress situations. Through case studies, they highlight the significance of treatment before transport and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of protocols and the management of emotions during emergencies, ultimately advocating for a patient-centered approach in EMS.
Takeaways
Transport is a treatment, and timing is crucial.
Cultural perspectives influence how EMS professionals approach patient care.
There is a need for a balanced approach between staying on scene and rapid transport.
Understanding the nuances of treatment decisions can improve patient outcomes.
Communication is key in high-stress situations to ensure effective care.
Protocols should encourage critical thinking rather than rigid adherence to algorithms.
Managing emotions is essential for effective decision-making in emergencies.
Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for EMS professionals.
The importance of treating through the doors cannot be overstated.
Patient-centered care should guide all decisions in EMS.
Learning from Case Studies in EMS
Cultural Influences on EMS Practices
"Transport is a treatment, right?"
"We can't think in extremes."
"Treat through the doors."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
02:41 Transport as a Treatment
06:04 Thinking in Extremes
09:31 Treating Through the Doors
15:46 Working the Arrest in the Back of the Unit
18:14 The Hospital as Definitive Care
36:10 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Education 38:30 Immediate Life-Saving Treatments
41:35 Addressing Critical Life Threats
46:10 Managing Emotions and Maintaining a Calm Mindset
49:07Effective Communication and Teamwork

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 9min
Serotonin Syndrome w/ Jim Brady, DO
The Alert Medic 1 team sits down with Dr. Jim Brady to discuss the fundamentals of Serotonin Syndrome.

Aug 23, 2024 • 46min
Four-Walled Calls
The AM1 team sat down to discuss "four-walled calls."

Aug 9, 2024 • 54min
Building Better Instructors
Cody and Mustafa dive into the intricacies of EMS education. They advocate for innovative teaching strategies that prioritize critical thinking over rote memorization. The importance of constructive dialogue in medical discussions is highlighted, alongside effective tools like flashcards for better retention. They also discuss the evolving roles of paramedics within emergency medicine and the significant impact of supportive medical directors on training. Overall, it's a compelling conversation on creating a more effective learning environment for EMS professionals.

Jul 26, 2024 • 48min
Case Study #2: Cardiac Arrest w/ Dual Sequential Defibrillation
The AM1 team sits down to discuss a case study where they utilized the Dual Sequential Defibrillation technique on a patient in persistent cardiac arrest.


