The World’s Okayest Medic Podcast

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised. References: Varney J, Motawea KR, Mostafa MR, AbdelQadir YH, Aboelenein M, Kandil OA, Ibrahim N, Hashim HT, Murry K, Jackson G, Shah J, Boury M, Awad AK, Patel P, Awad DM, Rozan SS, Talat NE. Efficacy of heads-up CPR compared to supine CPR positions: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Sci Rep. 2022 May 24;5 Norii T, Lukas G, Samantaray A, Yabuki M, Olasveengen TM, Bray JE; International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation ILCOR Basic Life Support Task Force. Effects of head-up CPR on survival and neurological outcomes: A systematic review. Resusc Plus. 2025 Jun 16 Kim DW, Choi JK, Won SH, Yun YJ, Jo YH, Park SM, Lee DK, Jang DH. A new variant position of head-up CPR may be associated with improvement in the measurements of cranial near-infrared spectroscopy suggestive of an increase in cerebral blood flow in non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients: A prospective interventional pilot study. Resuscitation. Huang CC, Chen KC, Lin ZY, Chou YH, Chen WL, Lee TH, Lin KT, Hsieh PY, Chen CH, Chou CC, Lin YR. The effect of the head-up position on cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Care. 2021 Oct 30;25(1):376. Swaminathan, A., Mohan, M. (2023). Heads Up! Data Dredging Coming Through: Heads Up Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Does Not Improve Outcomes. February 2023 Annals of Emergency Medicine Journal Club

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.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listner discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised. References: Bona & Friedman. (Apr 3, 2018). Ambulance Lights and Sirens Should Only Be Used When the Benefit Outweighs the Risks. Available: https://https://www.acepnow.com/article/ambulance-lights-and-sirens-should-only-be-used-when-the-benefit-outweighs-the-risks/ NTSB Preliminary Report: Available: https://verticalavi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Report_ERA26FA035_201974_1_21_2026-12_05_27-AM.pdf PMID 30648537, 20845321, 11339726 Zavadasky, M. (June 2, 2025). Culture shift: Reducing lights and siren vehicle operation. Available: https://www.ems1.com/safe-transport-point-b/articles/culture-shift-reducing-lights-and-siren-vehicle-operation-XDonsygscixIghQT/

Sal Cortez has over forty years of experience as a paramedic and LEO. He has responded to two major active shooter incidents, worked as a flight medic, served on the California Governor's protection detail, and now runs TEMS training at the International School of Tactical Medicine. Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised. References: PMID 12776641, 29463461

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised.

Listener discretion is advised. CORRECTION: I mentioned that Precedex is an alpha antagonist. I misspoke and meant to say that it is an "agonist." References: Ehrman-Dupre R, Kaigh C, Salzman M, Haroz R, Peterson LK, Schmidt R. Management of Xylazine Withdrawal in a Hospitalized Patient: A Case Report. J Addict Med. 2022 Sep-Oct 01;16(5):595-598. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000955. Epub 2022 Jan 11. PMID: 35020700. London KS, Huo S, Murphy L, Warrick-Stone T, Goodstein D, Montesi M, Carter M, Butt S, Alexander K, Satz W, Tasillo A, Xu L, Arora M, Casey E, McKeever R, Lowenstein M, Durney P, Hart B, Perrone J. Severe Fentanyl Withdrawal Associated With Medetomidine Adulteration: A Multicenter Study From Philadelphia, PA. J Addict Med. 2025 Aug 1. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001560. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40747932. Reel B, Maani CV. Dexmedetomidine. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513303/