American Ambulance EMS Podcast
Episodes
132. 12 Lead EKG - Part 2
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
131. 12 Lead EKG - Part 1
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We were very happy to have Dave Nicholas, a nurse at CRMC, join the team today to bring his cardiac expertise to the discussion. This is a big topic,...
130. Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Protocol Update
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our CCEMSA pediatric cardiac arrest specific protocol has been updated be more streamlined and comprehensive with an emphasis on incorporating high pe...
129. Adult Cardiac Arrest Protocol Update
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The first ten minutes of a cardiac arrest are the most critical. We have updated our cardiac arrest protocol to incorporate high performance CPR, as w...
128. Hyperthermia
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hyperthermia has a high risk of mortality. A dangerously overheated body, usually in response to prolonged, hot, humid weather, is very important to l...
127. Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR)
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Backboards, cervical collars... first we used them, then we didn't, now we're bringing them back! Why, and how to use them is the subject of...
126. Code 3 Driving
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Code 3 driving is a potentially risky part of the job. We are thrilled to have Ben Garcia, American Ambulance's Manager of Risk, Safety and Compl...
125. Ketamine Update
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our system has recently added Ketamine to our pain management toolbox. How's it going? Find out!
124. The Dangers of RMCT
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
American Ambulance's own Daniel Bernhardt joins us today to discuss the dangers of RMCT (Refusal of Medical Care and/or Transportation).
123. Rattlesnake Bites
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's warming up, and that means the snakes are coming out! Join us for a deep dive into how to approach rattlers, fortunately the only venomous s...
122. TTJI
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transtracheal Jet Insufflation (TTJI) is one of those rarely needed procedures that hopefully you will never even have to perform. But if and when you...
121. Search and Rescue
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For today's discussion we are joined by two awesome guests: Paramedic Derek Ratzel, and Dr. Joe Mueller, both bringing their own expertise on the...
120. Back to Basics
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The basics (BLS) are core to what we do, and vital to doing it well! Today we are pleased to welcome paramedic and field training officer Alex Diaz to...
119. Death in the Field
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today our team is pleased to have Kathy Cromwell from Hinds Hospice join us to discuss death and how to navigate this dreaded/avoided but inevitable s...
118. High Performance CPR Update
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
American Ambulance's own QA documentation specialist Daniel Bernhardt joins us for an exciting update on our newly implemented High Performance C...
117. CCT Course
25 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Merry Christmas! On this episode we are discussing what it takes to be a CCT Paramedic and outlining the plans for a brand new course that will be rol...
116. Pain Management
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we welcome back Dr. Miranda Lewis, the EMS Medical Director of our Central California EMS Agency to talk about Pain Management in EMS ...
115. Pacing
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cardiac Pacing is one of those HALO (High Acuity Low Occurrence) skills that it never hurts to brush up on so that you're ready when the time com...
114. V-Fib
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the most important shockable cardiac arrest rhythm. Still, it's fatal unless good quality, high performance CPR ...
113. Pediatric Foreign Bodies
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kids test everything, even how far that marble can fit up their nose...or worse! Join us as we discuss how to recognize these cases that are often har...
112. Atropine as a Poisoning Antidote
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the central valley we are surrounded by agriculture where extremely poisonous pesticides are used on a daily basis. Today we familiarize ourselves ...
111. De-Escalation
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're called to care, we're here to help, but sometimes a scene can turn and the patient who needs our help might be in crisis and not ready...
110. TXA in Trauma Patients
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Special thanks to Dr. Miranda Lewis for stopping by to discuss the plans for the inclusion of this drug in our Central California EMS Agency's fi...
109. Communications Center 101
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
April 15-19 is Telecommunications Week, so today we're joined by representatives from our local Communications Center to talk us through what the...
108. Scene Safety
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Patil Armenian couldn't join us for today's podcast, but we have a full panel of guests to talk about the incredibly important topic of ...
107. Facial and Oral Lacerations
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Special thanks to American Ambulance's own Kurt Kindig for sharing his story from the field on this episode. GRAPHIC WARNING for the story porti...
106. Initiation and Termination of CPR in Medical Patients
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A special thanks to American Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic Robert Wankel for joining us for this podcast!Â
105. High Performance CPR
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Possibly our most important episode ever? Share it with everyone you know, because when it comes to surviving cardiac arrest, speed is everything and ...
104. Stroke (LVO)
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Dr. Miranda Lewis and Dr. Hana Choe bring their expertise to the podcast, and we are also pleased to have American Ambulance Paramedic Dan Bern...
103. The Hypoglycemic Patient
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode we are joined by special guest host, Dr. Chelsea Lima. Â
102. Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
101. Penetrating Eye Trauma
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode goes hand in hand with episode 98. Blunt Orbital Trauma.Â
100. 100th Episode Celebration!
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We could think of no better way to celebrate our 100th episode than to have four career paramedics come and share their stories and wisdom gained from...
99. Hypertension
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Seema Policepatil joins us today from UCSF Fresno to share some of her expertise as we dive into the subject of Hypertension.Â
98. Blunt Orbital Trauma
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
American Ambulance Paramedic Dan Ward brings a story of how he treated a patient with Blunt Orbital Trauma on today's podcast!
97. The Alcohol Intoxicated Patient
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Special thanks to Paramedic Hillary Neal for sharing a case with us!
96. Behavioral Emergencies and Mimics
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Special thanks to Paramedic Hillary Neal for sharing a case with us!
95. Substance Use Disorders
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Special thanks to Paramedic Hillary Neal for sharing a case with us!
94. Sepsis
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection. Join us as we break it down. Â
93. Sleep for the Shift Worker
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Lynn Keenan (Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF Program Director of Sleep Medicine Fellowship) joins us for a discussion on sleep. For something...
92. TXA
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
91. Infectious Diseases
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are pleased to have Dr. Geetha Sivasubramanian, interim chief of the division of infectious disease at UCSF Fresno, join us today for our discussio...
90. Hymenoptera Stings
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bees? Bees! What do you do??! Find out here.
89. Covid-19 Update (May 2023)
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
87. Ketamine
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to another deep dive into an important drug. Today, our team is honored to be joined by Dr. Miranda Lewis, assistant medical director for SE...
86. Naloxone
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we take a close look at Naloxone, one of the important tools in the EMS toolbox to treat opioid overdose. Â
85. Hypothermia in Trauma Patients
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Trauma patients are going through a lot. Hypothermia is one of those issues that can be overlooked if not addressed properly. So let's get into i...
84. Crush Injuries
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are joined by two special cohosts AND a special guest. Doctors Robyn Coelho, and Lavinia Turian. Paramedic Samantha Wimpey brings a case from...
83. Drug Shortages
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Unfortunately, drug shortages affect us all. In this episode, our hosts mull over why they happen, and how best to mitigate the effects of these short...
82. Chest Compressions
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let's dive into the history and reason for the basics!Â
81. Neonatal Resuscitation
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Delivering a baby is one of the most amazing things that can happen in this job. But what happens if things don't go as we hope? A huge thanks to...
80. Epistaxis
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Or, in layperson's terms, nose bleeds!
79. Chemical Burns
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Liliana Samano from UCSF Fresno joins us today to discuss chemical burns.Â
78. Winter Respiratory Virus Update
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are a lot of different viruses going around out there right now. Why that is and how best to navigate this surge is what we cover in today'...
77. Pediatric Bradycardia
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
76. Special Events and Mass Gatherings
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
American Ambulance's own Russ Richardson stops in to bring his experience to this topic's discussion today!
75. Thermal Burns
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
74. Monkeypox Vaccines
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are they? Do you need one? Find out on today's episode.Â
73. Strangulation
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is a particularly unpleasant subject, but our team breaks it down so that you can be prepared if/when responding to one of these unfortunate call...
72. Questions from the Field
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We heard you! Thank you to those who submitted their questions, and please, don't hesitate to email us with any concerns or topics you'd lik...
71. Monkeypox
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You've heard about it in the news. It's here. Let's talk about it!
70. Troubleshooting Difficult Transport Scenarios
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do when difficult/unexpected transport scenarios come up? Often, we need to be creative, so join us as we discuss how to following all ava...
69. IGel
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A special thanks to special guest Christian Valdez for bringing us some stories of using the IGel in the field.
68. Ectopic Pregnancy
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Paramedic Justin Belk stops in to share a story from the field today. Thanks Justin!
67. Syncope
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today our team is joined by American Ambulance's Justin Golding and UCSF Fresno's Dr. Paloma Marin-Nevares!
66. C Spine Immobilization
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Paramedic Lano Tucay stops in again to share a case with us that required C Spine Immobilization. Â
65. Upper GI Bleeding
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is bleeding that can be happening anywhere in the esophagus, stomach, or the upper part of the small intestine. I...
64. Pulmonary Embolism
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
American Ambulance Paramedic Lano Tucay stops by the studio this week to share one of his stories about recognizing pulmonary embolism in the field. T...
63. Tracheostomy Tube Complications
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Paramedic Stephan Rippee joins our podcast team today to share a trach story from his early days in EMS.
62. Spider Bites
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How do you recognize a spider bite? What kinds of bites should they be taken seriously, and how do you treat them? Thankfully we have the incredible t...
61. Prehospital Bleeding Control
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, our team is joined by Dr. Lawrence Sue, Clinical Professor of Surgery/Associate Chief of Trauma at Community Regional Medical Center ...
60. Covid-19 Update (3/8/2022)
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
59. Blood Transfusions in Aeromedicine
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
58. Refusal of Medical Care or Transport
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
57. Hemophilia and Anticoagulants
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
55. Pediatric Respiratory Infections
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kids are usually fine...until they're not. Respiratory infections can quickly become life threatening. Join our UCSF physician team and our very ...
54. Cold Injuries
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We don't have too many of these cases here in Fresno California, but it can still happen to people caught out on cold winter nights or up in the ...
53. Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Always remember:Â They're not dead 'til they're warm and dead. Â
52. Hypothermia
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Thank you to American Ambulance's own Mario Torralva for bringing your experience to our show this week!Â
51. Anaphylaxis
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a discussion on Anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Today we are joined by Tiffany Rangel, a Paramedic ...
50. Acute Dystonic Reactions
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Involuntary contractions of muscles of the extremities, face, neck, eyes, abdomen, pelvis, or larynx in either sustained or intermittent patterns that...
49. CQI
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
QIs are not meant to be punitive. The goal of Continuing Quality Improvement is to find parts of the job, policies, and/or protocols that need help. W...
48. The Agitated Patient
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dealing with agitated or combative patients is one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Today we are joined by special guest Dr. Matthew Lippi,...
47. Pediatric Assessment
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kids constitute 27% of all ED visits, and it's important to know how their assessment differs from adult patients so that nothing gets missed.Â
46. Severe Mountain Sickness
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Planning a trip to the High Sierras, or working at altitude? Join us on this episode as we introduce another physician guest, Dr. William Frye, to d...
45. Atrial Fibrillation
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
44. Rapid Decision Making
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is that sixth sense that veteran first responders tend to have when facing difficult decisions in the field? Is it intuition, experience, some so...
43. Covid-19 Update - DELTA
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
42. 3rd Trimester Bleeding
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as Paramedic Garry Dhesi stops by the podcast to share a story of how this episode's subject became extremely personal for him and his fa...
41. Dental Emergencies
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this short episode we discuss dental emergencies, specifically fully avulsed teeth and how they can be saved. Tune in to find out what you can do i...
40. Imminent Delivery
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The chance to deliver a baby doesn't come around every day, but when it does, we want to be as prepared as possible! American Ambulance Paramedic...
39. Airway Management
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
38. ECMO
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re going to talk about ECMO/ECLS and how it intersects with prehospital medicine. ECMO is the acronym for extra-corporeal membrane oxygenat...
37. PTSD
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more common in first responders than the general population. Please join the UCSF-Fresno physician team as ...
36. EMS Week Special Bonus Episode
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week is EMS week, so we decided to record a special episode celebrating all of you incredible people that have dedicated your lives to caring for...
35. Stroke
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in America and around the world. Join us as we discuss the pathophysiology of strokes and how best to tre...
34. Abdominal Pain
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Complaints of abdominal pain are extremely common in EMS, yet each case needs to be taken seriously as the cause can range from the most benign, like ...
33. Pediatric Fever
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a lively discussion about pediatric fever. Â Listen and enjoy the discussion of the pathophysiology of fevers, why high temperatures are ...
32. Questions from the Field
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for our one-year anniversary podcast! This episode features questions we received from our listeners on a range of topics, from sleep and the ...
31. COPD vs. CHF
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In acute respiratory distress, telling the difference in the prehospital setting between COPD and CHF can be a challenge. Please join the UCSF-Fresn...