We're thrilled to announce that Flatline to Lifeline is officially returning for Season 4! Thank you for your patience, loyal listeners. We haven't forgotten you! Get ready for more compelling case studies and insights into the revolutionary trauma care pioneered by Dr. Long. We'll be diving deeper into the extraordinary impact of his 50-year career, exploring the very real potential for survival in the face of near-death experiences. Stay tuned for release details as we continue this incredible journey.

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025

Ever wondered how trauma care can reach the most remote corners of our country? Joining us today is Dr. John Hill, the brilliant mind alongside Dr. Bill Long, who pioneered the Mobile Surgical Transport Team (MSTT) in Oregon. Discover how their innovative approach has revolutionized trauma care by bringing critical surgical interventions directly to rural hospitals, drastically improving survival rates. You'll hear about the origins and impact of the MSTT and how this life-saving initiative has reshaped emergency medical response since its inception in 1983.

Managing logistics and legal considerations for a mobile surgical team is no small feat. In this episode, Dr. Long and Dr. Hill break down the complexities of rapid coordination and the critical importance of obtaining emergency privileges from rural hospitals. Learn how a 15-minute window can make all the difference in assembling and transporting essential surgical instruments, monitoring equipment, and blood supplies. They also highlight the collaborative spirit required to operate across diverse regions, ensuring seamless and lawful operations.

Effective collaboration between urban and rural medical professionals is crucial for success. Dr. Long and Dr. Hill emphasize the value of respectful communication and teamwork, outlining the roles of various medical specialists from OR to trauma nurse supervisors. The episode also delves into specialized skills needed for urgent situations, the role of perfusionists, and the logistical challenges of medical transport. Through heartening stories and practical insights, we celebrate the relentless dedication and specialized skills of medical teams committed to saving lives and transforming trauma care in rural settings.

To learn more about these life saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

Follow us on Twitter @DrLongPodcast
Producer: Esther McDonald
Director & Technical Support: Lindsey Kealey, Host of The PAWsitive Choices Podcast

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025

Join us for a gripping recap of the 1986 Mount Hood disaster on Flatline to Lifeline. Listen as Dr. Bill Long takes us through the bone-chilling events, describing the blizzard that ensnared a group of high school students and faculty, turning an annual expedition into a catastrophe. Dr. Long recounts his experience from the initial awareness at the hospital to the moment the urgency of the situation shattered the calm, drawing in the media and escalating public expectations.

Discover the unique physiological challenges presented by accidental hypothermia, like hypovolemic shock, and the critical need to maintain circulation in these dire circumstances. You'll hear about the innovative and heroic methods employed by Dr. Long and his team, including the groundbreaking use of cardiopulmonary bypass equipment under extreme conditions, and how these techniques turned what seemed like a hopeless situation into multiple saves.

As the narrative progresses, you'll grasp the full scope of the rescue efforts and the collaborative spirit that defined the Portland medical community's response. Through harrowing accounts of specific rescues and the strategic decisions made under immense pressure, you'll understand the profound impact of these actions on patient survival. Dr. Long's storytelling not only highlights the logistical and medical hurdles faced but also emphasizes the ethical considerations and the unwavering dedication required in trauma care. Tune in for a powerful exploration of life-saving strategies and medical advancements that continue to inspire and educate.

Read more about the Mount Hood climbing disaster here. You can learn about the book that one student's mother wrote entitled, The Mountain Never Cries, and check out another recount of the event in the book, Code 1244.

To learn more about these life saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

Follow us on Twitter @DrLongPodcast
Producer: Esther McDonald
Director & Technical Support: Lindsey Kealey, Host of The PAWsitive Choices Podcast

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025