In this episode, the team explores the evolving approach to patient extrication, with insights from DFES rescue officer Andrew “Strunky” Strunk.

They unpack the evidence behind the Extrication in Trauma (EXIT) project, challenging long-held practices, particularly the low incidence of spinal cord injury, and the shift away from movement minimisation toward faster, patient-focused extrication.

A practical look at what’s changing on the ground, and how closer collaboration between paramedics and rescue crews is improving outcomes by getting patients to definitive care sooner.

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In this episode, the team turns their focus to major burns, one of the most complex and confronting presentations in pre-hospital care.

They discuss what defines a major burn, the systemic cascade that follows large TBSA injuries, and key priorities including early cooling, analgesia, fluid management, airway considerations, hypothermia prevention and transport decisions.

A practical refresher for clinicians who may not see major burns often but need to manage them well when they do.

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In this episode, the team tackles some of the most enduring myths in emergency medical services and asks a simple question: are we still doing things because they work, or because it’s how they’ve always been done?

Topics include analgesia and pain management, soft tissue injuries and the RICE principle, oxygen use in COPD patients, ketamine and haemodynamic effects, tourniquet use, and other long-held assumptions in pre-hospital care.

Through evidence, physiology and reflective practice, the conversation highlights how clinical practice continues to evolve and why staying curious and adapting to new evidence is essential for delivering high-quality patient care.

A thought-provoking listen for clinicians at any stage of their career.

In this episode, the team takes a deep dive into Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) — one of the most complex and confronting scenarios in pre-hospital care.

They explore what truly defines an MCI, why early recognition and declaration using tools like METHANE is critical, and how structured command and communication can bring order to chaotic scenes.

The team also breaks down modern triage approaches, including 10-Second Triage, and discuss how prioritising rapid decision-making and simple algorithms can save lives when resources are overwhelmed.

Whether you’re new to practice or an experienced clinician, this episode offers clear, practical insights to help you navigate MCIs with confidence and purpose.

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In this episode, the team is joined by Jason Belcher, Resuscitation Improvement Specialist at St John WA, to explore what makes the biggest difference in surviving an Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA).

With a background in paramedicine, research and education, Jason’s work focuses on strengthening the entire chain of survival, from community recognition and bystander CPR through to high-performance resuscitation and clinical decision-making in the field.

Together, the team discusses the critical role of early recognition, the impact of community defibrillators and first responder apps, and why mastering the fundamentals of CPR remains the most powerful intervention for saving lives. 

Whether you’re a student, volunteer, or experienced clinician, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights to help you deliver the best possible outcomes for patients in cardiac arrest.

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In this episode, the team is joined by Greta Hammer, a Clinical Lead Paramedic, to unpack red flag ECG findings in syncope.

Greta has a special interest in cardiology and the nuances of ECGs, a passion that began during her years working under a cardiologist here in Perth, before transitioning to her career as a paramedic with St John WA. Since then, she has been involved in educating new paramedics and developing ECG tools tailored for the pre-hospital setting, all with the goal of enhancing clinical excellence in the field.

Together, the team explores key warning signs that shouldn’t be missed and shares practical tools to help identify potentially life-threatening conditions. Greta also introduces a simple mnemonic – “ABCDE Left Right” – designed to make recognising these findings easier in the field.

Whether you’re a student, volunteer, or seasoned clinician, this episode is full of valuable insights to elevate your patient care. 

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Trigger Warning: This episode discusses birth experiences, including potentially distressing or sensitive content. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, the team is joined by the incredible Mel Gardiner, a highly experienced paramedic with over 20 years on the road and a passion for improving maternal care in the pre-hospital space. Mel talks through the nuances of maternal assessment, highlighting the unique challenges paramedics face when providing care to mothers and babies outside of hospital. 

The team dive into STORC (State Obstetrics Referral Call) — an innovative program Mel has helped develop. STORC connects paramedics with registered midwives trained specifically in pre-hospital care, offering immediate expert support, guidance, and even life-saving interventions over the phone. With WA’s vast and often remote geography, this program has been a game-changer for families and clinicians alike, bridging gaps between the community, paramedics, and maternity wards. 

Whether you’re a paramedic, student, or simply curious about how critical maternal care is delivered in the field, this episode provides practical insights, valuable learning, and an inspiring look at how collaboration can transform patient outcomes.

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In this episode, the team dive into the critical but often under-discussed phase of post-ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) care in non-traumatic adult cardiac arrest. Achieving ROSC is a major win, but it's just the beginning. What comes next can be the difference between survival and meaningful recovery. They break down the essential steps for optimising airway, ventilation, circulation, and neurological outcomes in the immediate post-arrest period, all through a practical and prehospital lens. From optimal positioning and end-tidal monitoring to fluid strategies and medication titration, this episode is packed with tips to help you stabilise and support your patient when it matters most. 

They also explore the importance of tactical pauses, human factors, and mindset shifts that help crews transition from the chaos of resuscitation to focused post-arrest care. You’ll hear about the role of targeted temperature management, post-ROSC ECG interpretation, and real-world considerations like agitation, sedation, and hospital destination decisions. Whether you're a new clinician or an experienced provider, this episode will give you practical, evidence-based strategies to help keep your post-ROSC patients alive and thriving. Don’t just aim for ROSC—plan for what comes after.

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In this episode, the team unpack the vital topic of human factors—the skills and attributes beyond the technical that shape effective clinical performance. They explore how elements like situational awareness, communication, stress management, and decision-making influence paramedic practice in unpredictable environments. The conversation dives into the cognitive load faced on scene, how preparation and routine can enhance performance, and the importance of stress inoculation and reflective practice.

Listeners will gain insight into how experienced clinicians filter variables more efficiently, why adaptability is key, and how good habits—like staying hydrated, being physically prepared, and knowing your kit—can reduce mental strain. The team also highlights how human factors can be developed through deliberate practice and how leadership style must flex to support team members' different learning and feedback needs. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned paramedic, this episode offers practical strategies and relatable reflections to sharpen your non-technical skills and support better patient care.

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In this episode, the team dives into the high-acuity, low-occurrence world of penetrating trauma, a critical but often under-practiced area in pre-hospital care. They explore how limited exposure can impact clinical confidence —and discuss how cognitive overload can affect approaches during major trauma situations.

The conversation introduces the “STAB-5” approach, a UK-based system designed to guide clinicians through scene safety, triage, assertive management, bleeding control, and rapid transport, all within a targeted five-minute scene time. Emphasis is placed on early recognition of time-critical injuries, prioritising rapid transport over prolonged on-scene treatment, and using tools like direct pressure, arterial tourniquets, wound packing, and chest seals effectively.

The team also reflects on the importance of balancing interventions with the urgency to move, highlighting the role of mentation and physical appearance over vital signs in assessing perfusion. It’s a practical, engaging episode for anyone looking to sharpen their skills in managing life-threatening penetrating trauma in the field.

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Figure 1 https://greatwesternairambulance.com/what-we-do/education/clinical-engagement/stab-5/