Medic2Medic Podcast

In Episode 323 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with Jonathon Feit, Co-Founder and CEO of Beyond Lucid Technologies, to discuss EMS innovation, interoperability, and the future of digital health in public safety.With decades of experience at the intersection of EMS, healthcare IT, and public policy, Jonathon shares insights on building sustainable technology solutions to break down data silos and improve documentation and clinical performance through smarter system design. The discussion also touches on national standards, leadership in innovation, and the importance of building tools that truly support frontline providers.Jonathon speaks candidly about respect in EMS, what is missing, respect in EMS, changes, speaking at conferences, and resilience.Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone invested in the future of EMS technology and system improvement.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-323-jonathon-feit--70216448

In Episode 322 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with Chief Amera Gilchrist of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS for one of the most open, honest, and meaningful conversations in the show’s history. This episode continues Steve’s long-standing tradition of speaking with the Chiefs of his former department a place where his own paramedic career began and a system that has shaped him both professionally and personally. Steve reflects on his years with Pittsburgh EMS and shares why the bureau will always hold a special place in his heart. Chief Gilchrist discusses her journey from growing up on Pittsburgh’s Northside to becoming the first woman and first African American to lead the department. The conversation traces her path through the ranks, the challenges she faced, and the responsibility that comes with leading one of the most historic EMS systems in the country. Together, Steve and Chief Gilchrist explore the lasting legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service, her commitment to honoring that history, and the importance of educating the community about where modern EMS began. They discuss the department's involvement with “The Pitt,” and how leadership shows up in both high-profile moments and everyday operations. Throughout the episode, Chief Gilchrist speaks candidly about leadership, accountability, resilience, and staying grounded as she serves her department, her family, and her city.About the GuestChief Amera Gilchrist is the Chief of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS. She joined the department in 1999 and rose through the ranks. She is a lifelong Pittsburgh resident, a wife, and a mother of three.Subscribe & Share Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-322-chief-amera-gilchrist--70062122

In this episode of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with educator, paramedic, writer, and advocate Hilary Gates for a fun, engaging, and wide-ranging conversation about EMS, leadership, education, and human connection.Hilary, who serves as Director of Educational Strategy for Prodigy EMS and is co-founder of Six Minutes to Live, brings insight, honesty, and heart to every topic discussed. Throughout the episode, Steve and Hilary explore her unique path into EMS, her work improving systems of care for cardiac arrest, and her commitment to building meaningful, human-centered education that supports both patients and providers.The conversation moves easily between storytelling, innovation, leadership, and advocacy, reflecting Hilary’s ability to blend professional expertise with real-world experience. The tone is warm, thoughtful, and often lighthearted—while never losing sight of the realities of the profession.One of the most powerful moments in this episode comes during a serious discussion about provider wellbeing and mental health. Steve and Hilary speak candidly about the lack of consistent support in parts of the profession, gaps in leadership response, and the absence of a national system to track EMS personnel suicides. They emphasize the urgent need for better data, stronger accountability, and a culture that treats provider mental health with the same priority as patient care.Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who believes in building a healthier profession.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-321-hilary-gates--69875918

In this episode of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve speaks with Pittsburgh journalist, author, and playwright L.E. McCullough, Ph.D., about his new play, "Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance", based on the true story of the Freedom House Ambulance Service. The conversation explores how the history of Freedom House, one of the most important chapters in modern EMS, has been brought to the stage, highlighting its impact on emergency care, education, civil rights, and community trust.About the GuestL.E. McCullough, Ph.D., is the author of 52 books and more than 200 published stage and script works performed worldwide. His commissioned plays have explored historical, cultural, and social justice themes, and he currently serves on the board of Prime Stage Theatre in Pittsburgh. Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance brings the legacy of Freedom House Ambulance Service to a new generation through live theatre.Listen, Subscribe & ShareIf you’re interested in EMS history, storytelling, and the roots of modern prehospital care, this episode is worth your time. Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who should know the story of Freedom House.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-320-le-mccollough--69725183

In Episode 319 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve welcomes back Dr. Jeff Jarvis, a returning guest from the first edition of the podcast, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation rooted in experience, evidence, and perspective. Jeff is the Chief Medical Officer and System Medical Director for the regional EMS system serving the Fort Worth Fire Department in Fort Worth, Texas. He is board certified in both Emergency Medicine and Emergency Medical Services, and he began his career in EMS in 1984 as a volunteer firefighter in rural East Texas.This episode is packed with nuggets of advice, words of wisdom, and storytelling as Jeff reflects on his path in EMS, from his early days as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic to his current role as a nationally recognized EMS physician, researcher, and medical director.Jeff’s reflections offer a perspective that only comes with time on the street, in education, and in system leadership. This is a conversation about how EMS has evolved, how it should use evidence and data wisely, and why experience and curiosity still matter.Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who appreciates wisdom earned the hard way.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-319-dr-jeff-jarvis--69574894

In Episode 318 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with longtime EMS clinician, educator, and storyteller Mike Verkest to discuss clinical practice, quality improvement, Mobile Integrated Healthcare, and the role of storytelling in EMS.Mike is a career EMS clinician and educator with nearly 30 years of experience in prehospital medicine. He has been podcasting since 2015 and has hosted and produced The Second Shift, The EMS Show, and The EMS Lighthouse Project, using conversation and storytelling to explore the people, challenges, and future of EMS.With nearly 30 years in prehospital medicine, Mike shares lessons learned from the street, the classroom, and system-level leadership, along with why honest conversation and reflection matter in a task-driven profession.If you value thoughtful leadership and real conversations in EMS, Episode 318 is worth your time. Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share with a colleague.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episdoe-318-mike-verkest--69490740

Episode 317 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with longtime EMS leader, educator, and U.S. Army veteran T. J. Bishop for a grounded conversation on rural EMS, leadership, education, and service. T.J. serves as the Assistant Chief of Operations and Training for San Juan Island EMS, overseeing response and education. With more than 30 years spanning civilian EMS, military medicine, and healthcare education, TJ shares hard-earned lessons on training an entire system, leading in resource-limited environments, and building programs that last.A Powerful Family StoryToward the end of the episode, TJ shares a deeply personal story about his family, specifically his son Andrew, who has special needs, and his incredible Make-A-Wish journey to become a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. It’s a moment that captures the heart of this episode: service, resilience, and what truly matters.🎥 Watch Andrew’s Make-A-Wish story here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgeKVGCVlW4Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who believes in service, family, and heart.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episdoe-317-tj-bishop--69383549

To kick off the new year, Medic2Medic presents a Special Edition episode centered on survival, perspective, and purpose.In this powerful conversation, Steve sits down with career EMS professional and public safety technology leader Greg Howard, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor whose story reframes how we think about EMS, provider health, and what truly matters. With more than 25 years of experience across EMS, emergency medicine, fire service operations, and healthcare technology, Greg has helped EMS agencies nationwide improve care delivery, documentation, and data-driven decision-making. That professional journey took a deeply personal turn when Greg suffered and survived sudden cardiac arrest.This episode sets the tone for the year ahead by focusing on awareness, survivorship, and the responsibility EMS has not only to patients, but to its own people. In true Medic2Medic fashion, the conversation also takes a turn toward shared roots and relationships. Steve and Greg reflect on their Pittsburgh area EMS connections, swapping stories and names familiar to anyone shaped by that region’s EMS culture. This Special New Year’s Edition of Medic2Medic is a reminder that sudden cardiac arrest does not discriminate, even within EMS. It challenges listeners to start the year with intention, awareness, and renewed commitment to caring for both patients and providers.https://bit.ly/4skYJoz

Episode 315: This episode goes beyond trends and buzzwords. It’s a candid discussion about leadership, accountability, education, and execution grounded in decades of experience across multiple EMS systems and cultures. Steve reconnects with longtime EMS leader, strategist, and global EMS advocate Rob Lawrence for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, education, system design, and the future of EMS. Rob is the Director of Strategic Implementation for PRO EMS and its educational arm, Prodigy EMS. Rob brings a rare international perspective, shaped by leadership roles in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the development of EMS systems worldwide. Rob is a prolific writer and broadcaster for EMS1 and Police1.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-315-rob-lawrence--69220043

Episode 314: In this episode of Medic2Medic, Steve sits down with Shaun Pitts, a second-generation EMS provider with nearly two decades of frontline experience and a deep passion for EMS education. Shaun shares his journey of following in his father’s footsteps, building a career from the street up, and learning the lessons that only real calls can teach. He talks honestly about what works, what doesn’t, and why practical, relatable training matters more than ever.The conversation dives into Shaun’s role as Head of Education for EMSConnect, how he became involved with the platform, and what he sees as the future of EMS education nationwide. Shaun also discusses the EMSConnect On Shift Podcast, the importance of real conversations in the fire and EMS community, and why authentic storytelling helps providers stay connected and resilient. Beyond the uniform, Shaun reflects on balancing family life as a husband and father of three while maintaining a long-term career in EMS.This episode is about legacy, leadership, education, and staying grounded in the profession we love.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-314-shaun-pitts-education-be-a-duck-ems-and-more--69149864

Episode 313 of Medic2Medic, Steve sits down with Harold Wright, a paramedic with over 30 years in the medical field whose career was built the hard way. Harold’s journey started with real struggle, including a period of homelessness, before becoming an EMT-MAST in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1995. From city EMS and rural North Carolina, to advanced airway work, RSI, disaster response, and offshore medicine on major BP platforms, Harold’s path proves that resilience matters more than comfort. A powerful conversation about grit, reinvention, and staying in the fight.https://bit.ly/44na9xW

Episode 312: In this episode, I welcome back Ginger Locke, a Paramedic and EMS Educator at Austin Community College for over two decades, and the creator of the Medic Mindset podcast. Ginger shares her journey through EMS education, how curiosity fuels her teaching style, and why mindset matters as much as medicine. We dive into how education has evolved, what makes today’s EMS students unique, and her new role as Director of Innovation and User Experience at Prodigy EMS. Ginger also reflects on her most memorable Medic Mindset episodes, her favorite guests, and the lessons she’s learned after nine years of podcasting.A thoughtful and inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about EMS, teaching, or the art of thinking clearly under pressure.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-312-ginger-locke--68800901

Episode 311: Dr. Peter Antevy returns to Medic2Medic to catch up on what’s new since his last visit, and a lot has happened from stepping into his new role as Chief Medical Officer for Brevard County Fire Rescue. Peter remains one of the most influential voices in emergency medical services today. In this episode, we talk about the 2025 AHA Guidelines, Handtevy, leadership in modern EMS systems, why EMS is the most important sub-specialty of Emergency Medicine, and how pediatric care continues to evolve thanks to his innovative approach. Peter shares real-world insights on translating new evidence into action and offers practical advice for providers on the front lines. If you’re passionate about improving patient care, leadership, and EMS innovation, this episode is a must-listen.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-310-peter-antevy--68475475

Episode 310:  Dr. Remle Crowe, Senior Director of Research and Data Enablement at ESO. Remle began her EMS journey as a volunteer EMT and instructor with the Mexican Red Cross in Mexico City, completed the EMS Research Fellowship at the National Registry of EMTs, and earned her Ph.D. in Public Health from The Ohio State University.We dive into how data drives better patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and provider wellness across EMS and hospital systems. She also shares her experience and advise about my passion projects and as an author of the newly released 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC: Part 4: Systems of Care.

In this powerful episode of Medic2Medic, two remarkable survivors, Jim Hallett and John Storm, who both suffered sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and live to tell their stories.Jim, a lifelong Washingtonian and respected community leader, and John, a retired IT executive and avid mountaineer, share their deeply personal journeys from the moment their hearts stopped to the moment they stood again. Both men survived thanks to the Whatcom County EMS System, early CPR, and the seamless teamwork between bystanders, first responders, and hospital staff.Jim and John remind us that behind every EMS call are real people, families, and communities, and that every trained responder, every AED, and every compassionate hand matters.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-309-jim-hallet-and-john-storm-against-all-odds-surviving-sudden-cardiac-arrest--68390154

Episode 308:What happens when a paramedic turns years of street-medicine notes into reflections on humor, heartbreak, and humanity? Her book: "A Real Emergency: Stories from the Ambulance" is a must-read as Joanna’s writing doesn’t just capture what we do as medics, it captures who we are: compassionate, flawed, and human. In this episode, Joanna reflects on her path from feeling adrift in Oakland to finding purpose as a paramedic serving the communities of Reno, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. Her insights shine a light on the humor, heartbreak, and compassion that define the world of EMS.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/joanna-sokol-notes-from-the-streets--68380096

In this episode of Medic2Medic Podcast, I’m joined by Kelly Grayson, a veteran paramedic, author, educator, and one of the most recognized voices in EMS. You know Kelly from his EMS1.com columns, his national conference presentations, and his acclaimed memoirs En Route and On Scene.Kelly opens up with a few personal stories about how he began writing and what drives him to tell the stories of EMS with such honesty and heart. He also shares a powerful call that forever changed him, and when he talks about it, you can hear the emotion in his voice.This is one of those conversations that reminds us why we do what we do: real stories, real emotion, and the kind of reflection only decades in EMS can bring.

We’re revisiting one of the most heartfelt episodes in Medic2Medic history. Originally Episode 70, this “Special Pink Edition” features then Cary Area EMS Division Chief Tammy Patton, who joined me a year after her breast cancer diagnosis. Tammy shares her courageous journey, unwavering optimism, and how the EMS community rallied around her. A moving reminder of resilience, hope, and the bonds that unite us in EMS.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-306-in-honor-of-breast-cancer-awareness--68233242

Episode 305: In this inspiring episode, host Steve Cohen sits down with Eric Chase, Nationally Registered Paramedic, educator, conference speaker, and founder of EMSIMPROV LLC and the EMSIMPROV Podcast. Eric is known nationwide for blending improvisation, education, and empathy to transform how EMS providers communicate and lead.Eric’s storytelling ability shines as he shares personal moments from his 25-year career, including a deeply moving account of a serious health crisis that changed how he views patient care, teamwork, and vulnerability. His openness reminds us that even those who save lives face their own moments of uncertainty, and how resilience grows from those challenges.Eric’s blend of humor, honesty, and heart makes this episode one of the most authentic conversations yet on Medic2Medic. Whether you’re a new EMT, seasoned medic, or EMS educator, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the connection between creativity, courage, and care.

Episode 304: Welcome back to Medic2Medic. After a break, the podcast is back to share the stories of EMS and more. This week on Medic2Medic, I sit down with Steve Tafoya, a critical care paramedic and healthcare operations leader with over 25 years of EMS experience. Steve has worked at every level of the profession, from the back of an ambulance to the executive suite, and even as Nevada’s State EMS Program Manager, overseeing licensure, investigations, and standards for more than 60 agencies.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-304-steve-tafoya--68024317