Ep 12: The Interview of a Lifetime – Secondary Assessments

This week, the crew dives into one of the most conversation-driven parts of EMT work — the secondary assessment. After handling life threats in the primary survey, now it’s all about communication, connection, and collecting details that actually tell a patient’s story.

Jonathan returns from night shift to rejoin Mike and Max as they break down OPQRST + SAMPLE, share their first field experiences doing secondary assessments, and reflect on the art of interviewing patients in real time. From reading subtle stroke signs to learning through small mistakes (like oxygen-hose mix-ups), this episode highlights how much of EMS happens through listening, observing, and talking.

Episode Breakdown

00:37 – Jonathan returns and the crew catches up on night shifts and ride-alongs

06:20 – Mike’s first stroke-call experience and spotting subtle red flags

10:00 – Learning from mistakes: the oxygen-hose incident

20:15 – Medical Term of the Week: OPQRST + SAMPLE mnemonics explained

36:30 – Focused vs. full secondary assessments – and knowing what’s “important now”

48:20 – Physical exams, DECAP-BTLS, and patient communication tips

1:03:10 – Tools of the Trade: Pulse Oximeter 🩸 (history, use, and limitations)

1:14:00 – Student Tip of the Week: Know your community, speak their language

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.

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🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links

www.ridealong.bulletn.net