EMS World Podcasts

EMS is experiencing a shortage of professionals. While burnout and financial concerns can contribute to providers exiting the profession, the National Registry Exam shouldn’t be a barrier to entry. Kyle Atkins, Senior EMS Curriculum Specialist at Pocket Prep, sits down with Mike McCabe live from the EMS World Expo 2026 floor to discuss how the app helps EMT and paramedic students prepare for, and pass, the exam. Atkins shares how Pocket Prep can alleviate test anxiety as well as how users have experienced a growth in first-time pass rates. With targeted practice for weak areas, Pocket Prep helps EMS educators fully prepare their students for certification.    Sponsored by Pocket Prep.

Dr. Baxter Larman joins Mike McCabe and Josh Hartman on the floor of EMS World Expo 2026, which took place Sept. 28-Oct. 1 in Orlando. EMS World hosted a special screening of "Into the Unknown, A Paramedic's Journey," during Expo. In this special episode, Larman shares how the film came to be and the impact Randolph Mantooth and the TV show "Emergency!" had on EMS. 

Michael Poynter, senior consultant at Fitch & Associates, a first responder consulting firm, sits down with host Mike McCabe to discuss the organization's new training module. The Emergency Services Preparedness (ESP) course covers how agencies can prepare for natural disasters. If the roof on your building comes down during a tornado, do you have a contingency plan in place for serving your community? The course also helps agencies craft policies for caring for responders' families who may be affected by the weather. The first course kicks off in late March 2027 in Kansas City, Missouri and will feature guest speakers sharing best practices for fortifying your agency. Learn more at fitchassoc.com. 

In this episode of EMS World’s Rapid Response with Mike and Josh, neurointerventional surgeon Dr. Brijesh Mehta explains how EMS decisions shape stroke care before a patient reaches the hospital. He discusses recognizing a possible large vessel occlusion, using stroke severity scales, and choosing a destination based on local stroke center capabilities. Mehta also explains mechanical thrombectomy, why a detailed prehospital alert helps hospital teams prepare, and how primary, thrombectomy-capable, and comprehensive stroke centers differ. The conversation closes with an effort to expand and standardize stroke education for EMS providers.

Mike McCabe and Josh Hartman come to you live from the exhibit hall at EMS World Expo 2026, which took place Sept. 28-Oct. 2. Josh dives into some highlights from the floor, sharing how learning happens during every part of the show. They also share an exciting update about "Into the Unknown," the EMS documentary produced by Randolph Mantooth of Emergency! coming to streaming later this year.