In this episode of the pre-hospital care podcast, we welcome Mark Faulkner, an advanced paramedic practitioner, to unpack the often daunting legal world that paramedics are exposed to.
You never know when that "nightmare job" or patient is going to appear and put you to the test. As clinicians, we should be always attempting to push our push our skills closer to perfection. In this episode, Ben Clarke shares his insights into deliberate practice, in-time learning, and meta-cognition.
In part 1 of our conversation with Ben Clarke (Assistant medical director of London Ambulance Service), we talk about leadership in pre-hospital care. What's more important - a good leader, or a good team willing to follow? Can you teach leadership or does it only come from experience? Can you be born a leader? How do you empower different types of staff on-scene? Join us as we explore the nature of leadership in pre-hospital care.
Have you ever been working, and all sense of time and self melts away, and you find yourself in perfect sync with what you’re doing? There’s a word for that. It’s called the Flow State. In part 2 of our conversation with Dr Esther Murray, we explore Flow and how to put yourself in hyper productive mindsets more often using specific techniques anyone can implement in their work. Dr Murray is a Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology and an expert in the subject of moral injury and self-care.
Update: Due to a technical hiccup, this episode was cut short by about 15 minutes during the first day of it's being published. It's now updated, so If you listened to it then and would like to catch the rest of this conversation, you can re-download the episode now. Thank you for your patience. We're back with the second season of the Pre-Hospital Care podcast! Our first episode is a fascinating conversation with a cardiac arrest survivor and long friend of Eoin's, Zoe Hitchcock. They met when Zoe suffered a heart attack and Eoin happened to be sent out to treat her. Tune in for a fascinating and unique perspective on pre-hospital healthcare from the patient's perspective.
We end the first season of The Pre-Hospital Care Podcast by finishing up Eoin and Rich’s conversation with Dan Davis as they talk about dealing with the emotional trauma that is, unfortunately, part and parcel of pre-hospital care. Thanks so much for being a part of this journey into healthcare podcasting. Keep an eye out for season 2! It’ll be out before you know it.
On this episode of Pre Hospital Care Podcast, Eoin and Rich continue their discussion with Nick Brown to tackle the non-technical skills necessary in controlling a tragic and highly emotional scene. In 96% of cardiac arrest cases, the patient doesn’t make it. When that happens, they are not the only patient. Losing a loved one is traumatic and a genuine health risk over time. If we take our oath as clinicians seriously, therefore, we must be well prepared and skilled in not adding any further stress and trauma, as well as set up avenues for ongoing help and support. Medics.Academy is dedicated to educating health professionals on every aspect of medicine, both technical and non-technical. Go to www.Medics.Academy to browse our library of healthcare education.
On this episode of Pre Hospital Care Podcast, Eoin and Rich talk tackle perhaps the toughest topic in pre-hospital care. Delivering bad news to family members. Health professionals are not usually well taught about how to deliver the news of the death of a patient in a suitable and tactful way. This episode explains the four stages of delivering bad news, words to avoid, and how to remain professional but give support as much as you and your team can. Medics.Academy is dedicated to educating health professionals on every aspect of medicine, both technical and non-technical. Go to www.Medics.Academy to browse our large library of CPD-ready courses.
In this week’s podcast, we continue to discuss the crucial topic of pre-hospital airway management. How can we maximise the chances of patients with airway problems when time and circumstance are not on our side? Eoin Walker and Rich McGirr walk through different procedures and both technical and non-technical aspects of managing the airway in the field. For CPD-relevant content about pre-hospital care and many other healthcare fields, sign up at www.Medics.Academy.
Eoin Walker and Rich McGirr are back to discuss the ever growing evidence base and controversial topic of airway management in the pre-hospital setting. How does the reality of managing this urgent, life-or-death part of the body differ from what is taught in the classroom? What are the essential steps in dealing with the prehospital airway? What are the pros and cons of each method?
Eoin Walker and Rich McGirr are back with special guest Martin Mist to talk more about the unique challenges that present themselves to paramedics when dealing with crises brought on by ingestion of illegal substances. When will you need to resort to physical restraint? Why part of a paramedic’s job is to be a detective. How to do proper research on new. What the top 5 hard-hitter drugs are and key nuggets for dealing with each. All this and more on the latest episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast.
Paramedics are constantly in the middle of life and death situations. In the first full episode of the Medics.Academy Pre Hospital Care podcast, paramedics Owen Walker, Richard McGirr, and Martin Mist discuss Club Drugs and Non-Legal Highs and their effects on patients. As paramedics, they’re the first medical professionals to assess a situation before getting them to physicians at the hospital. They see the patients at their lowest point, suffering from anything from a cardiac arrest, a severe allergic reaction or a psychotic episode. Among many other topics, this episode covers the common and uncommon presentations of patients after drug overdoses and what paramedics look for and how to assess the situations.
This podcast is presented by Eoin Walker and Rich McGirr and is a Medics Academy podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to provide paramedics an easy-to-access set of resources and educational materials wherever they are. Feel free to take a look at the description in the footnotes of the podcast. Sign up to Medics Academy today to find out even more about what we do and just how much content we put out there for your education.
This is the second installment from Ryan Atkinson's blog post, "Let's talk about climate hypocrisy and carbon democracy…," which addresses the common accusation of hypocrisy faced by environmental activists. Ryan, a filmmaker focusing on conservation, acknowledges his own air travel, which contributes to global CO2 emissions, yet argues it is necessary for communicating and effecting systemic change. He frames such criticism as a personal attack designed to shut down debate, suggesting that living a perfectly non-hypocritical life within a carbon-dependent society is nearly impossible for those seeking to make an impact. Instead, he advocates for embracing perceived hypocrisy as a starting point for dialogue about climate change and the pervasive influence of the carbon economy. Ultimately, the blog champions the idea that individual actions, even imperfect ones, can contribute to larger structural change if they serve a greater purpose. You can read the blog post here: https://ryanatkinson.tv/2020/03/02/lets-talk-about-climate-hypocrisy-and-carbon-democracy/This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.PAX – built to perform, made to last.Learn more at https://www.pax-bags.com/en/
Today, we are joined by Dr Celestine Weegenaar, the first female PHEM trainee at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). Originally from Amsterdam and now firmly rooted in the South West of England, Celestine brings a wealth of experience from emergency departments across the region – and even from the skies of Australia, where she flew with LifeFlight.We talk about her journey into pre-hospital emergency medicine, what drew her to the field, and how she’s navigating the challenges and rewards of her current role. From the adrenaline of high-acuity pre-hospital care to the quiet moments of learning and growth alongside GWAAC’s critical care team, Celestine reflects on the reality of life as a trainee in this dynamic and demanding specialty.As the new Chair of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine Trainees’ Association (PHEMTA), she also shares her vision for increasing inclusivity in the field, breaking down barriers, and supporting more women to pursue careers in PHEM. Whether you're an aspiring critical care clinician or simply interested in the people behind the patch, this episode offers a personal and inspiring look into the life and values of a rising leader in pre-hospital care.This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.PAX – built to perform, made to last.Learn more at https://www.pax-bags.com/en/
Ryan Atkinson's "Local Loss in a Global Crisis" explores the disconnect between Western perceptions of climate change and its tangible effects on vulnerable communities, specifically in the Langtang Valley of Nepal. Ryan reflects on his personal carbon footprint and the ethical implications of his travels while witnessing the devastation caused by the 2015 earthquake, exacerbated by climate change. Ryan highlights the resilience and enduring spirit of the local people, who face immense challenges despite having contributed little to the global crisis. The piece ultimately underscores the profound impact of global environmental issues on local lives, compelling Ryan to advocate for these stories. You can read the blog post here: https://ryanatkinson.tv/2020/02/22/local-loss-in-a-global-crisis/This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.PAX – built to perform, made to last.Learn more at https://www.pax-bags.com/en/
Every year, thousands of lives are lost to suicide, and emergency responders are often the first line of support during these critical moments. In this episode, we explore the vital role that the London Ambulance Service (LAS) plays in suicide prevention and risk assessment. From the moment a call comes into the control room to the interaction on the frontline, paramedics are trained to recognise the signs of suicidal ideation and act quickly to prevent harm.We’ll dive into the clinical and operational aspects of suicide risk management, discussing how paramedics assess high-risk patients and work alongside police, mental health crisis teams, and hospitals to ensure the best possible care. You’ll learn about the collaborative efforts that help create a seamless response for those in the most vulnerable states, as well as the challenges involved in coordinating care across various agencies.This episode offers a candid look at the realities of suicide prevention in pre-hospital care and the steps that can be taken to save lives.
In this episode, we reflect on the article “Asking Why. Telling Stories. Owning Accountability” and its lessons for both the diving community and pre-hospital care. The piece explores how adverse events are too often met with blame and silence, when what’s needed is open storytelling, systemic accountability, and visible learning. Drawing on three academic theses, the author argues for a shift from backward-looking, individual blame towards forward-looking, relational accountability approaches that foster trust, resilience, and safer systems.Barriers such as fear of reputational harm and legal concerns frequently stifle honest reflection. Yet, the article suggests that structured, context-rich narratives can create a culture of genuine learning and justice, allowing organisations to adapt and prevent future harm.For pre-hospital care, the parallels are striking. Just like in diving, providers face high-stakes environments where “first stories” may oversimplify, overlooking the complex contexts in which clinicians operate. Whether in remote environments, critical incidents, or everyday EMS work, learning requires moving past blame and toward systems thinking. Transparent communication, structured debriefs, and the courage to challenge norms are as vital to paramedics and pre-hospital teams as they are to divers and expedition leaders.By embracing this approach, telling richer stories, strengthening feedback loops, and redefining accountability, we can better support both patients and providers in the moments when things go wrong. Read the blog post here: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/asking-why-telling-stories-and-owning-accountability-lessons-for-divingYou can contact Gareth Lock here: https://www.thehumandiver.com/contact-us-2025
Today, we’re exploring some of the complexities of real-life palliative care cases that frontline staff have faced in practice. Joining me are four members of the London Ambulance Service’s dedicated Palliative and End-of-Life Care Team: Karina Catley, Natalie Nabunya, Rowena Rickson, and Jodie Grace. Together, we’ll examine real-life case studies that illustrate the unique challenges of caring for patients and their families during their final moments. From managing uncontrolled seizures in the community to supporting a family’s cultural and spiritual wishes after death, these stories highlight the difficulties of decision-making when time is limited, documentation is incomplete, and emotions are intense. Along the way, we’ll explore key principles such as the doctrine of double effect, the role of shared decision-making, and the importance of recognising dying in the field. We’ll also discuss how clinicians can communicate compassionately, respect cultural values, and navigate the legal and public health frameworks that guide this care. This is a conversation about dignity, humanity, and the privilege of supporting people at the end of their lives, offering lessons for all of us working in pre-hospital care.
This episode dives into a critical article arguing that the diving industry too often fails to learn effectively from fatalities, not because of individual mistakes, but due to systemic shortcomings. It distinguishes between “first stories”, simple narratives that assign blame, and “second stories”, deeper explorations into context, drift from safety standards, and the normalisation of deviance.The tragic death of Linnea Mills is used as a case study, showing how multiple factors, equipment incompatibility, insufficient supervision, and the challenges of a remote location, aligned to create a disaster. Rather than focusing only on compliance or individual error, the article calls for a systems-based approach to safety: stronger feedback loops, better emergency preparedness, and a culture where speaking up about risks is encouraged.For divers, instructors, and responders, this also underscores the importance of effective pre-hospital care. Here are key resources:Divers Alert Network: First Aid & Emergency CareWHO: Prehospital Trauma Care SystemsNAEMT: Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)EMS World: Best Practices in Prehospital CareBy combining systemic safety improvements with robust pre-hospital care readiness, the industry can better prepare for emergencies and reduce the likelihood of preventable tragedies.You can read the blog post here: https://www.thehumandiver.com/blog/we-don-t-learn-from-diving-fatalities-and-here-s-whyYou can contact Gareth Lock here: https://www.thehumandiver.com/contact-us-2025