Ep 4: Talk Nerdy to Me – Medical Terminology & Anatomy Basics

Mike and Jonathan dive into the challenging world of EMT vocabulary, tackling medical terminology and the basics of human anatomy. From anatomical position to directional terms like anterior, dorsal, and proximal, they explore how EMTs learn to speak a common language.

The conversation also digs into when to use precise medical jargon versus plain language in the field, why mnemonics and analogies can make studying easier, and how anatomy leads directly into next week’s topic of pathophysiology. Plus, Jonathan spotlights the importance of modern tourniquet kits in this week’s Tools of the Trade.

Episode Breakdown

07:30 – Medical Term of the Week: Anatomical Position

10:00 – Learning directional terms: anterior, posterior, dorsal, proximal, distal

18:30 – Plain speak vs. professional jargon in EMS

33:00 – Mnemonics, word roots, and anatomy study tips

45:00 – Anatomy vs. physiology explained with car analogies

58:00 – Tools of the Trade: Tourniquet Kits

1:09:00 – Student Tip of the Week: Take care of personal needs when you can

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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

https://linktr.ee/RideAlongEMTSchool

Mike and Max recap their third night of EMT school, where the class shifted between heavy ethical discussions and hands-on patient movement training. Joined by Jonathan, a working paramedic, the hosts dive into the real-world dilemmas of consent, duty to act, and scope of practice, before hitting the mats to practice carries, backboards, and stair chairs.

From navigating moral conflicts in EMS to learning how to physically move patients without injury, this episode captures the balance between the mental and physical demands of EMT school.

Episode Breakdown

04:27 – Medical Term of the Week: Implied Consent

18:00 – Main Class Topics:

18:20 – Express vs. implied consent and patient refusals

27:00 – Duty to act, Good Samaritan laws, and moral conflicts

33:00 – Scope of practice, medical directors, and EMS protocols

45:00 – Confidentiality, HIPAA, and mandatory reporting

53:00 – Ethical dilemmas in real-world EMS

1:05:00 – Hands-On Skills: Patient carries, drags, backboards & stretchers

1:08:00 – Tools of the Trade: Stair Chair

1:17:00 – Student Tip of the Week: Stay physically fit for patient care

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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

https://linktr.ee/RideAlongEMTSchool

Mike and Max share what it was like stepping back into the classroom for their first week of EMT school — from being “older students” to navigating the demographics of their new classmates. Joined by Jonathan, a working paramedic, the hosts break down EMT training levels, trauma center designations, and why provider wellness matters if you want to last in this career.

This episode also introduces two recurring segments: Tools of the Trade and Student Tips — giving you practical resources and advice to help on your own EMT journey.

Episode Breakdown

00:12 – Medical Term of the Week: Trauma Center Levels

18:00 – Main Class Topics:

18:20 – EMT training levels (EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic)

22:00 – Trauma center designations and hospital capabilities

27:00 – Class demographics & being “older” students

32:00 – Instructor styles and classroom reality

49:00 – EMS history & culture shift around provider wellness

1:22:00 – Tools of the Trade: PAMedic.org app

1:27:00 – Student Tip of the Week: Get in the book

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First Responder Mental Health Resources

https://responderstrong.org/

Safe Call Now: (206) 459-3020

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

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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

https://linktr.ee/RideAlongEMTSchool