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News, updates and commentary on the world of emergency medical services powered by JEMS.
500 Episodes
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In this episode of The Chief’s Cadence, Shane Wheeler sits down with Dr. Anthony Minge, senior partner at Fitch and Associates, to explore the overlooked role of structured communication in EMS leadership. Dr. Minge discusses why communication should be as prioritized as budgets or staffing. He highlights practical strategies like rounding, scheduled huddles, and purposeful meetings to build trust, improve culture, and reduce operational chaos. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by modern communication technology and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of face-to-face dialogue and emotional connection. For aspiring and current EMS leaders, this episode offers actionable insights on fostering psychological safety, encouraging two-way communication, and leading with transparency and intentionality.
The 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care introduce significant updates, including a focus on on-scene resuscitation, cautious use of mechanical CPR devices, and prioritizing IV over IO access. While these changes aim to improve outcomes, they’ve sparked debate among seasoned paramedics like Jimmy Apple, the “EMS Avenger,” who highlights the challenges of implementation.
Key Points:
• On-Scene Resuscitation: Emphasis on achieving ROSC on scene rather than rapid transport.
• Mechanical CPR Devices: AHA advises against routine use, but paramedics argue they’re essential for small or rural teams.
• IV vs. IO Access: IV is prioritized, but practicality for resource-limited teams is questioned.
• Empowering EMS Providers: Focus on critical thinking, quality compressions, and timely defibrillation.
• Cultural Shift: Training crews for compassionate death notifications and clear family communication.
In this candid episode of Just Little Salt, Nurse Stankk—an ER nurse and viral healthcare content creator—breaks down what really goes down behind hospital doors. He shares the tough realities of nonstop demands, overlooked tasks, and the emotional toll of burnout, especially dealing with difficult patients and tragic cases involving children. Yet amid the chaos, he reveals how healthcare humor and genuine mentorship have kept him sane. Nurse Stankk also opens up about launching his social media presence out of frustration, which quickly exploded, connecting him with fellow medical pros and fans nationwide. From wild patient stories and TikTok trends at work to navigating skepticism from coworkers, he unpacks the highs and lows of being a nurse with an edge. Whether you’re in healthcare or just curious, this episode offers a raw, relatable glimpse into the life of an ER nurse balancing care, comedy, and viral fame.
JEMS Development Editor Mike Brown sits down with Jason Nunn, the creator of Stetta Sleeves, a personal and innovative solution designed to protect healthcare workers from bites, scratches, and needle injuries. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in medical care, Jason shares the incident that inspired the product—his own injury during a hospital code involving an agitated patient—and highlights the alarming rise in violence faced by nurses, EMS providers, and other healthcare professionals. Stetta Sleeves offers a lightweight, easy-to-wear protective sleeve that’s scratch-, puncture-, and needle-resistant, providing confidence and safety in high-risk environments like emergency rooms, ambulances, psychiatric units, and beyond. Jason emphasizes the importance of equipping those on the front lines with practical tools to ensure better patient care and reduce costly injury claims.
Visit www.stettasleeves.com to learn more.
Dr. Richard Janka, CEO of the 911 Training Institute joins the podcast to talk about resilience. He talks about the mission of the training institute as well as what got him involved with the institute. The bulk of the podcast is spent discussing resilience and what it means for first responders, as well as the telecommunicators who have to take these calls. We talk about the key role leadership plays in the success of a resilience program as well as the key role they play in the culture of an organization. We also discuss some of the reasons that these resilience programs can fail and how to avoid them.
In this heartfelt episode of Just a Little Salt, Chris Spaulding sits down with his son, Cody, to explore a lifetime shaped by fire service. Chris recounts how a family tragedy set him on this path over three decades ago, sharing stories that blend humor and hardship—from prank wars and raw chicken mishaps to the heavy toll of witnessing trauma. Father and son reveal the deep bonds that grow in firehouses, lessons in discipline, persistence, and the importance of mental health awareness in a demanding profession. They also discuss the challenge of balancing career and family, reflecting on personal growth and the evolving culture within emergency services. Through candid anecdotes and thoughtful advice, this conversation captures the unique camaraderie and real-world impact of a life committed to helping others, offering inspiration and insight for first responders and civilians alike.
Host Bram Duffee explores research on epinephrine’s role in traumatic cardiac arrest. The discussion features a trauma surgeon and researcher from a Level 1 trauma center who explains why epinephrine may not only lack benefit but could cause harm in trauma cases like car crashes or gunshot wounds. Drawing from a six-year study across seven trauma centers involving over 1,600 patients, the findings challenge current EMS protocols by highlighting differences in outcomes between blunt and penetrating trauma. Bram also shares resources on EMS research and innovative communication techniques for emergency patients, offering valuable tools for practitioners and instructors alike.
Brought to you by Stetta Sleeves. http://www.stettasleeves.com
Rolling Sixes is a groundbreaking six-part documentary series spotlighting the combined police, fire, and EMS crews of Kalamazoo Public Safety—the largest integrated public safety agency in the U.S.
Created by Zach Hamelton, a former TV and film producer turned public information officer, the series blends cinematic storytelling with immersive, real-world footage captured via GoPros and cinema cameras.
Viewers get rare access to intense emergencies, day-to-day station life, technical rescues, and candid conversations revealing the emotional toll on responders.
With a focus on authenticity, the show highlights both heroic moments and routine calls, showcasing the personal bonds and dedication within the crews. It also aims to boost recruitment by letting the community see the people behind the badges.
Brought to you by Stetta Sleeves. www.stettasleeves.com
The JEMS Report: How a Timid Soul Found Purpose in EMS Service
Eric Chase sits down with Jeffrey Hammerstein, a retired paramedic with over 40 years of experience in Wake County (NC) EMS. Jeffrey shares his journey from a fearful, shy child to a confident frontline responder who found meaning in offering reassurance and care during life’s most critical moments. He discusses the emotional toll of EMS work, the challenge of balancing professional detachment with genuine human connection, and the importance of vulnerability in healing. Jeffrey also explores the necessity of building transparent relationships with the community and media, emphasizing that EMS is about people first—not just procedures.
Brought to you by Stetta Sleeves. www.stettasleeves.com
Just a Little Salt: Real Stories, Hard Truths and Humor with Fireman Lance
Fireman Lance opens up about the realities of life on the job—from brutal physical challenges and mental exhaustion to the tight-knit culture and unexpected humor at the fire station. Lance shares stories of rookie mistakes, intense calls and hilarious firehouse pranks involving ghostly dolls and prank sprays. He sheds light on the demanding balance between grueling shifts and family life, the importance of staying fit and the misunderstood role firefighters play beyond emergency response. Lance also reveals how creating relatable social media content grew into a platform that entertains and educates the fire and EMS community.
Brought to you by Stetta Sleeves. www.stettasleeves.com
JEMS Product Pod: TRAUMAGEL is Revolutionizing Hemorrhage Control
JEMS Development Editor Mike Brown welcomes Joe Landolina, co-founder and CEO of Cresilon, alongside Sean Allen, Director of Education for TRAUMAGEL, to dive into a breakthrough in hemorrhage control technology. TRAUMAGEL, a plant-based, easy-to-use hemostatic gel, stops moderate to severe external bleeding within seconds without the need for finger packing or complex dressings. Developed over 15 years and backed by a successful animal health platform, this innovative product adapts dynamically to wounds—crucial for moving patients—and supports natural clot formation without disrupting it. Sean shares firsthand insights on field use and training, highlighting TRAUMAGEL’s potential to reduce tourniquet necessity and simplify emergency care. The team also explores real-world applications, including rural trauma cases and gunshot wounds, emphasizing this gel’s transformative impact on prehospital hemorrhage management.
Not A-Fib: Criminal Liability and Legal Challenges for EMS Providers
This episode of the Not A-fib podcast looks into the increasing scrutiny EMS providers face from a legal standpoint, highlighted by high-profile cases like Elijah McClain's tragic death in Aurora, Colorado, and a recent Springfield, Missouri incident. Attorney and EMT Frank Flaspohler, who serves as legal counsel to Missouri ambulance districts, explains the differences between civil and criminal liability in EMS, the limits of governmental immunity, and the critical role of documentation. He discusses the legal thresholds around chemical and physical restraints, the importance of assessing mental capacity in refusals, and the risks tied to improper patient handling. Frank also shares practical advice on maintaining professionalism in reports and on scene, the nuanced challenges rural EMS agencies face, and emerging concerns such as mental health support for first responders.
The JEMS Report: Tylenol Use in Pregnancy
Dr. Sarah Fabiano and Dr. Jeremy Cushman break down the recent FDA release linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to autism spectrum disorder.
They discuss the distinction between association and causation, highlighting how studies can show correlations without proving direct cause and effect. The doctors also address the complexity behind autism diagnoses, genetic and environmental factors, and the known risks of fever during pregnancy.
They emphasize that acetaminophen remains one of the safest and most effective options for pain and fever relief in pregnancy, especially compared to alternatives like ibuprofen or aspirin, which carry documented risks.
This discussion aims to clarify confusion, steer clear of fear-driven decisions and encourage informed use of medication based on current science—not headlines.
Just a Little Salt: Kevin Hazzard on the Reality of Emergency Medicine, Burnout, and Storytelling
In this revealing episode of “Just a Little Salt,” seasoned Atlanta paramedic and author Kevin Hazzard shares the unvarnished truth about life on the front lines of emergency medicine. Reflecting on his decade-plus of experiences, Kevin dives deep into the emotional challenges of responding to traumatic calls, the harsh realities young EMTs face, and the impact of burnout on providers. He opens up about moments that forever shaped him, including encounters with vulnerable patients and the delicate balance between adrenaline-fueled rescues and raw human connection. Kevin also discusses his transition from medic to author, explaining how writing helped him process his career and why genuine storytelling matters. Along the way, he offers practical advice for new EMS providers and aspiring writers seeking to publish their own stories. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the personal side of EMS, resilience under pressure, and the power of sharing these unheard voices.
Just a Little Salt: Badge 502 on EMS, Dispatch and Viral TikTok Fame
In this candid episode of “Just a Little Salt,” the Salty Paramedic sits down with Badge 502— Anthony Christian an EMT, 911 dispatcher, CPR instructor and viral content creator. Anthony shares his journey from retail to first responder during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, how creating humorous EMS videos started as a way to find levity in a demanding job, and unexpectedly blew up with millions of views. He dives into the challenges and emotional weight of emergency calls, including delivering a baby in an ambulance and saving a child’s life. Anthony also discusses the unique perspective gained from working both sides—dispatch and field EMT—and how that shapes his communication and care. They wrap up with Badge 502’s advice for aspiring creators: focus on having fun, embrace imperfection and keep grinding.
The JEMS Report: ROSC and Roll
Cardiovascular perfusionist Brian Kress joins Mike Brown to dissect a high-stakes cardiac arrest case that underscores the critical moments following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). They walk through the fragile physiology of post-arrest patients and reveal how early, expert support in the field and hospital dramatically influences outcomes. From the importance of bystander CPR and prehospital interventions to advanced cardiac catheterization and mechanical circulatory support using the Impella device, Brian explains the science behind left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LV EDP) and how offloading the heart aids recovery. This conversation deep dives into the often-overlooked complexities of managing post-ROSC states, emphasizing the need for vigilant hemodynamic monitoring and judicious use of vasopressors. A must-listen for EMS, perfusionists and critical care providers seeking a nuanced understanding of cardiac arrest survival pathways beyond the initial resuscitation.
Just a Little Salt: Firefighter Fenton on Leadership, Family and Humor in Firefighting
Firefighter Fenton opens up about balancing two decades of firefighting with family life, creative content creation and staying true to himself. From the harrowing experience of losing a fire truck amid a wildfire threatening homes—teaching him tough lessons in leadership and priorities—to the lighter side of his persona inspired by a fake mustache and parody videos, Brent shares it all. He discusses the challenges of juggling a full-time career, four kids, homeschooling and his passion for music and comedy. Brant also reveals the power of community within firefighting content creators and how their work brings laughter and healing to those facing dark times. For anyone wanting to create meaningful content, Fenton’s advice rings clear: stay authentic, know your worth beyond the spotlight and never lose sight of what matters most—family and faith.
Just a Little Salt: Patrick Pianezza on ‘Code 3,’ EMS Realism and Mental Health
In this debut episode of Just a Little Salt, former paramedic and co-writer Patrick Pianezza shares the story behind the upcoming film “Code 3,” releasing September 12. Drawing on over a decade in EMS, Patrick reveals how a college creative writing assignment transformed into a heartfelt, medically accurate portrayal of a 24-hour shift’s highs and lows. He discusses the film's unapologetic look at EMS challenges—including burnout, mental health struggles and systemic issues—while preserving dark humor and camaraderie that help first responders cope. Patrick also reflects on working closely with actors to capture authentic medical procedures and the importance of educating the public about the skill behind EMS work. Wrapping up with encouragement for aspiring writers, he offers raw insight into perseverance, creativity, and gratitude toward those who serve on the front lines.
Chief’s Cadence: Ethical Leadership in EMS with Attorney Steve Wirth
In this episode of The Chief’s Cadence, Chief Shane Wheeler sits down with Attorney Steve Wirth, a pioneering paramedic turned attorney and EMS leader, to uncover the complexities of ethical leadership in emergency medical services. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, Steve explores the hard choices EMS professionals face daily—from patient care errors and scarce resources to the challenge of maintaining compassion amid burnout. They discuss the vital role leaders play in modeling integrity, fostering transparency, and building a culture that empowers staff to speak up about mistakes. Steve also highlights mentorship as a powerful tool for guiding the next generation of EMS leaders through the ethical “gray zones” that often arise.
The JEMS Report: Inside EMS Medical Direction and Rehab Strategies at Large-Scale Fire Incidents
Dr. Jeremy Cushman shares his journey from EMT to full-time EMS physician and regional medical director covering over 100 agencies in New York’s Finger Lakes and western regions. He talks about the evolving EMS physician role and the relationship between medical directors and first responders. The discussion dives deep into EMS response and rehab protocols for large-scale fires, highlighting lessons from a recent five-alarm fire in Rochester, NY. Dr. Cushman explains the importance of preplanning, hydration, acclimatization and post-incident recovery while stressing rehab as a command responsibility, not solely EMS’s. He explores how automatic scaling of EMS resources during growing incidents supports both firefighter safety and system capacity.
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