In this essential pre-clinical briefing, veteran educator and field provider Shaun Pitts breaks down the mindset, expectations, and professional habits every EMT student needs before stepping onto an ambulance or walking into a clinical site. This episode is designed to be listened to before your first ride-along and revisited before every shift throughout your training. Shaun lays out the concept of your Clinical Compass—the internal framework that keeps you oriented when the real worl...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, Quinn dives deep into one of the most common and critical calls in prehospital care: respiratory emergencies. From asthma and COPD to CHF and pneumonia, Quinn breaks down the “Big 4” respiratory issues every EMS provider encounters and explores how to assess, treat, and manage these patients at the BLS level. Join us as we review key anatomy and physiology, discuss how to recognize respiratory distress before it becomes failure or arrest, and walk throu...
Seizures don’t follow the rules—and in the prehospital setting, neither can you. Join Dr. Maika Dang, Emergency Medicine Physician and EMS Medical Director, as he unpacks the unpredictable world of seizure emergencies in this dynamic and engaging webinar. From subtle partial seizures to full-blown status epilepticus, EMS providers are often the first on scene during some of the most chaotic moments in a patient’s life. This course goes beyond textbook definitions to provide real-world guidan...
The geriatric population is one of the fastest-growing patient groups EMS providers will encounter, and caring for these individuals requires unique knowledge and skills. Prehospital Care for the Aging Population equips EMS professionals with the tools to recognize, assess, and manage the complex needs of older adults in the prehospital setting. This course explores age-related physiological changes, common medical and traumatic emergencies in geriatric patients, medication considerations, c...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, Shaun Pitts dives deep into one of the most common—and most challenging—calls in EMS: abdominal pain. From appendicitis to pancreatitis, this discussion explores the anatomy, physiology, and assessment strategies behind those mysterious belly aches that can quickly turn critical. You’ll learn how to distinguish between somatic, visceral, parietal, and referred pain, sharpen your patient assessment skills, and walk through a real-world case that tests yo...
The record button was accidentally left on… and now you get a behind-the-scenes peek at what happens when we’re not being professional or sticking to the script! While we have to cut this from the official course on the website, it would be a crime not to share it here on the podcast. So sit back, relax, and “enjoy” the chaos and utter stupidity. If you are looking to waste 20 mins, don't look any further! Support the show https://www.facebook.com/EMSconnectonline https://www.youtube.c...
When the chest takes the hit, everything changes—fast. From blunt force impacts to penetrating trauma, thoracic injuries can rapidly become life-threatening, leaving EMS providers with seconds to act and no room for error. "Crushed, Collapsed, Compromised: Thoracic Trauma Triage" is a high-impact course designed to sharpen your skills in identifying, managing, and triaging chest trauma in the field. We’ll break down the critical signs of rib fractures, flail chest, sucking chest wounds, tens...
Head injuries are unpredictable, high-risk, and often present in ways that challenge even the most experienced EMT. In this fast-paced, BLS-focused podcast, we’ll break down what you must know when responding to patients with suspected head trauma. From altered mental status and pupil changes to airway protection and spinal considerations, this course will sharpen your assessment skills, reinforce critical treatment decisions, and help you avoid common pitfalls in the field. Whether it’s a fa...
When seconds count and the pressure is on, what really makes the difference in saving a life? In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we sit down with Dr. Eric Ernest—emergency physician, EMS medical director, and resuscitation nerd—to talk all things cardiac arrest. From high-performance CPR and mechanical devices to airway management and post-ROSC care, Dr. Ernest shares practical, field-tested insights that can help EMS providers own the code and improve outcomes when every beat matters. W...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we’re unlocking the mysteries of the human airway. Designed for EMS professionals ready to level up, The Airway Code breaks down complex anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology into real-world street smarts. We’ll follow the journey of oxygen from the nose to the alveoli—and uncover what happens when that journey gets disrupted. You’ll learn to spot critical airway issues before they become life-threatening and gain a deeper understanding of why your p...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, to dive deep into one of the most critical aspects of prehospital care—airway management. From basic adjuncts to supraglottic airways, Shaun and Nathan review essential anatomy and physiology, break down the strengths and limitations of airway tools, and help providers understand when and why to use each option in the field. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/EMSconnectonline https://www.youtube.com/@EMSconnect Contact Me: shaunpitt...
I sat down with David Givot, author of Sirens, Lights, and Lawyers, on the EMSconnect On Shift Podcast, and let me tell you—this one’s a game-changer. This episode is a serious eye-opener about the legal blind spots in EMS. We’re not being taught enough, and David doesn’t hold back. Before you touch your next patient or write another narrative, you need to hear this. 🎧 Hit play, take notes, and protect your career. https://www.thelegalguardian.com/ GET THE BOOK NOW! https://www.amazon.com/Sir...
Time is brain, and early recognition is key! Clots & Clues: Decoding Stroke in the Field is an essential course designed for EMS providers seeking to sharpen their assessment skills and improve patient outcomes in stroke emergencies. This course dives into the pathophysiology of stroke, critical prehospital assessment tools, and the latest treatment guidelines. Participants will discuss stroke mimics, and refine their ability to recognize subtle yet crucial signs of stroke. Support the sh...
The lecture covers altered mental status for EMTs, focusing on brain anatomy and causes like hypoglycemia, intoxication, and head injuries. It highlights the importance of assessing blood glucose levels, especially in diabetic patients and understanding vital signs in context. Treatment protocols include administering oral glucose or glucagon, with an emphasis on thorough assessments and documentation, ensuring patient safety and effective care. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/EMSco...
In the ever-evolving world of prehospital care, understanding toxidromes and street drugs is essential for EMS providers. This dynamic course offers a comprehensive look into the effects, assessment, and trends of substance use from two distinct yet complementary perspectives. Join Dr. Ryan Stanton, a renowned emergency physician, as he dives into the physiological effects and clinical assessment of toxidromes. Learn how to identify and manage patients presenting with overdose or toxic exposu...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, host Shaun Pitts sits down with Nathan Denison to break down the essentials of medical patient assessment for EMTs. From the initial scene size-up to the detailed secondary assessment, we cover the critical thinking and decision-making skills needed to recognize and manage medical conditions in the field. Whether you're new to EMS or a seasoned provider, this episode is packed with must-know information to enhance your assessment game. Tune in and level...
Join Shaun Pitts and Nathan Denison of EMSconnect for this comprehensive course on the basics of trauma assessment for EMTs. Designed for new and experienced providers alike, this course equips participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to confidently evaluate and manage trauma patients in prehospital settings. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/EMSconnectonline https://www.youtube.com/@EMSconnect Contact Me: shaunpitts@emsconnect.org
Join Dr. Kai Sharbono, MD, in this dynamic and engaging EMS continuing education course that explores the latest field strategies for managing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Designed for EMS providers on the frontlines, this course combines cutting-edge science with practical, real-world techniques to help you make confident, life-saving decisions when seconds count. From rapid assessment and airway management to mitigating secondary brain injuries, Dr. Sharbono will guide you through evide...
In this must-listen episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we dive into one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of EMS care: pediatric patients. Joining us are Dr. Karina Dierks, a seasoned pediatric emergency physician, and Sheri Worle, an experienced flight nurse with a deep passion for pediatric transport. Together, they share invaluable insights into best practices for assessing and treating young patients in the field, navigating the unique challenges of pediatric care, and providing ...
Burn injuries are among the most complex and critical cases EMS providers encounter. This course equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills to assess, treat, and manage burn patients in the prehospital setting. Topics include identifying burn types and severities, understanding the pathophysiology of burns, rapid airway and fluid management, and strategies to minimize further injury. Case studies, practical scenarios, and evidence-based practices are incorporated to ensure le...