Episode 19 – Rash Against the Machine - Allergic Reactions

Allergies are common. Anaphylaxis is not — and knowing the difference can save a life. In this episode, we break down allergic reactions from mild rashes to full-blown anaphylaxis, why symptoms can escalate fast, and what EMTs need to recognize and act on immediately. From histamine release to airway compromise, epi administration, and transport priorities, this chapter hits fast and hits hard.

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Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro and episode setup

04:00 – Allergic reactions vs anaphylaxis: why it matters

09:30 – Medical Term of the Week: Anaphylaxis

18:50 – Recognizing anaphylaxis in the field

32:20 – Common allergens and real-world exposure scenarios

46:45 – EMS priorities: airway, epi, oxygen, transport

01:23:15 – Tools of the Trade: EpiPen and epinephrine delivery

01:44:15 – Student Tip of the Week: Start practicing patient narratives now

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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

Ep 18 – Stroke Me, Stroke Me – Stroke

Strokes don’t wait—and neither can EMTs. In this episode, Mike, Max, and Jonathan dive into one of the most time-critical emergencies in EMS: strokes, seizures, and syncope. Building off last week’s discussion on altered mental status and diabetes, the crew breaks down how to recognize stroke symptoms in the field, why time is brain, and what EMTs can (and can’t) do before reaching definitive care. From the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale to BE FAST, this episode connects classroom learning to real-world calls and reinforces why early recognition saves lives.

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VIST OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE SPONSOR!!!

StatPacks

https://www.statpacks.com

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Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro, episode title, and EMS life updates

13:25 – Overview of strokes, seizures, syncope, and brain-related emergencies

15:55 – Medical Term of the Week: Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS)

22:25 – Public stroke recognition: BE FAST and calling 911

26:55 – Stroke fundamentals: ischemic vs hemorrhagic strokes

30:20 – Blood thinners, falls, and increased stroke risk

32:40 – EMS realities: what you can and can’t do for stroke patients

34:10 – Stroke alerts, hospital pre-notification, and why time is brain

36:00 – Tools of the Trade: First In Bag (StatPacks)

38:30 – Student Tip of the Week: Always determine last known normal

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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

Ep 17 – Pour Some Sugar Down Me – Diabetic Emergencies

This week, the crew breaks down diabetic emergencies — from hypo vs. hyperglycemia to how sugar levels affect brain function and behavior. Mike, Max, and Jonathon dive into altered mental status, the role of insulin and glucose, and how EMTs assess and manage diabetic patients in the field.

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VIST OUR TOOLS OF THE TRADE SPONSOR!!!

microdot / Cambridge Sensor

https://www.microdotcs.com

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Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro & “diabeetus” jokes, reports from class

07:10 – Understanding diabetic emergencies: hypo vs hyper

14:45 – Medical Term of the Week: Reticular Activating System (RAS)

28:20 – Altered mental status, AVPU, and when to suspect low sugar

47:50 – Treatment decisions: oral glucose, protocols, and field challenges

1:10:30 – Tools of the Trade: Glucometer (Sponsored by microdot)

1:20:40 – Student Tip of the Week: Angle your test strip to catch the blood drop cleanly

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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.

--------------------------------------

🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links

www.ridealong.bulletn.net