Capnography, ETCO2, and what that squiggly little bastard is trying to tell you.

In this special episode: Salbutamol! The tiny blue puffer, surprisingly huge story. We unpack how this famous beta‑2 agonist opens airways, shifts potassium, and earned a spot in nearly every paramedic drug bag. From asthma history and spacer-versus-nebulizer debates to lactic acidosis, changing treatment guidelines, and an unexpected Tour de France cameo, discover why salbutamol is lifesaving—but sometimes little more than a “big blue Band-Aid.” Expect practical medicine, questionable jokes, and plenty of facts to help you breathe easier.

In this episode of That Paramedic Podcast, Jay and Courtney dive into ketamine—from its surprising origins and battlefield use to its modern role in sedation, pain management, behavioural emergencies, and mental health treatment. They explore how it works, its benefits and risks, evolving research, and practical considerations for paramedics—all with plenty of humour and real-world insight.

In this episode, we unpack midazolam—how it slips into the brain, turns up GABA’s “calm down” signal, and helps manage everything from seizures and severe agitation to procedural sedation. Along the way, we explore dosing, respiratory risks, surprising history, and real-world calls where Versed saved the day—or met a patient determined to remain a grumbly bear. Educational, practical, and only mildly sedating.