In this episode of the Not A-Fib podcast, Virginia Beach (VA) EMS Chief Jason Stroud discusses a recent operational shift limiting the use of lights and sirens for non-emergent calls. Drawing on research and local data showing minimal impact on patient outcomes but significant safety risks—including increased ambulance collisions—Chief Stroud explains why the department is prioritizing safer, more measured responses for priority two calls, which make up 75% of dispatches. He details the unique combination career-volunteer EMS model in Virginia Beach, the close partnership with local military installations, and the department’s advanced life support heritage. They also explore how evolving dispatch protocols and ongoing evaluation guide this change, alongside challenges like workforce development and growing call volumes.

Ed Fowler’s 40-year career in fire and EMS culminates in a transformative chapter as he helps El Reno, Oklahoma, transition its EMS from private to an in-house, city-managed service—an innovative model focusing on sustainability, independence, and community trust. Ed shares his leadership philosophy grounded in accountability, clear communication, and mentoring future leaders. Amid this professional milestone, Ed confronts a life-threatening liver condition, navigating the transplant process while ensuring the EMS startup stays on course. His story offers rare insight into the human side of emergency services, touching on resilience, collaboration, and purpose when facing the edge of life itself. Beyond operational challenges, Ed’s vulnerability inspires those struggling with adversity to find reasons to keep moving forward.

Jack, known online as Electric Medic, shares an unfiltered look at his journey through EMS—from earning his med school diploma to working high-stakes gigs like Electric Daisy Carnival cruises. He reveals what keeps him grounded amid intense calls, the challenges of overnight shifts, and why the low-speed fender bender calls grind his gears. Jack dives into his unexpected rise on TikTok and Instagram, explaining how viral videos and smart collaborations launched his digital brand. Beyond ambulance life, he thrives on music festival EMS work, mixing adrenaline with creativity, including collabs with dubstep artist Subtropics. He also reflects on teamwork, mental toughness, and the importance of pursuing a clear social media focus. For anyone curious about the blend of healthcare hustle and online content creation, Jack’s story showcases the raw reality and unexpected opportunities within modern EMS culture.

In this episode of The Chief’s Cadence, Shane Wheeler sits down with Dr. Anthony Minge, senior partner at Fitch and Associates, to explore the overlooked role of structured communication in EMS leadership. Dr. Minge discusses why communication should be as prioritized as budgets or staffing. He highlights practical strategies like rounding, scheduled huddles, and purposeful meetings to build trust, improve culture, and reduce operational chaos. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by modern communication technology and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of face-to-face dialogue and emotional connection. For aspiring and current EMS leaders, this episode offers actionable insights on fostering psychological safety, encouraging two-way communication, and leading with transparency and intentionality.

The 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care introduce significant updates, including a focus on on-scene resuscitation, cautious use of mechanical CPR devices, and prioritizing IV over IO access. While these changes aim to improve outcomes, they’ve sparked debate among seasoned paramedics like Jimmy Apple, the “EMS Avenger,” who highlights the challenges of implementation.

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EMS Research Podcast Host Bram Duffee dives into a recent study examining ChatGPT’s ability to predict prehospital patient diagnoses based on paramedic care reports.

ChatGPT accurately identified conditions 75% of the time and often erred on the side of caution, potentially reducing dangerous under-triage. Duffee is joined by lead researcher Erik Miller, a nurse practitioner and paramedic turned researcher, who sheds light on the study’s design, limitations, and real-world implications.

They discuss how AI can support—but not replace—the critical thinking skills of EMS providers, the challenges of legal liability, and the risks of overreliance on technology. The conversation also explores future possibilities for AI integration in dispatch and patient care reporting, while emphasizing the irreplaceable human touch in emergency medicine.

In this candid episode of Just Little Salt, Nurse Stankk—an ER nurse and viral healthcare content creator—breaks down what really goes down behind hospital doors. He shares the tough realities of nonstop demands, overlooked tasks, and the emotional toll of burnout, especially dealing with difficult patients and tragic cases involving children. Yet amid the chaos, he reveals how healthcare humor and genuine mentorship have kept him sane. Nurse Stankk also opens up about launching his social media presence out of frustration, which quickly exploded, connecting him with fellow medical pros and fans nationwide. From wild patient stories and TikTok trends at work to navigating skepticism from coworkers, he unpacks the highs and lows of being a nurse with an edge. Whether you’re in healthcare or just curious, this episode offers a raw, relatable glimpse into the life of an ER nurse balancing care, comedy, and viral fame.

JEMS Development Editor Mike Brown sits down with Jason Nunn, the creator of Stetta Sleeves, a personal and innovative solution designed to protect healthcare workers from bites, scratches, and needle injuries. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in medical care, Jason shares the incident that inspired the product—his own injury during a hospital code involving an agitated patient—and highlights the alarming rise in violence faced by nurses, EMS providers, and other healthcare professionals. Stetta Sleeves offers a lightweight, easy-to-wear protective sleeve that’s scratch-, puncture-, and needle-resistant, providing confidence and safety in high-risk environments like emergency rooms, ambulances, psychiatric units, and beyond. Jason emphasizes the importance of equipping those on the front lines with practical tools to ensure better patient care and reduce costly injury claims.

Visit www.stettasleeves.com to learn more.

Dr. Richard Janka, CEO of the 911 Training Institute joins the podcast to talk about resilience. He talks about the mission of the training institute as well as what got him involved with the institute. The bulk of the podcast is spent discussing resilience and what it means for first responders, as well as the telecommunicators who have to take these calls. We talk about the key role leadership plays in the success of a resilience program as well as the key role they play in the culture of an organization. We also discuss some of the reasons that these resilience programs can fail and how to avoid them.

In this heartfelt episode of Just a Little Salt, Chris Spaulding sits down with his son, Cody, to explore a lifetime shaped by fire service. Chris recounts how a family tragedy set him on this path over three decades ago, sharing stories that blend humor and hardship—from prank wars and raw chicken mishaps to the heavy toll of witnessing trauma. Father and son reveal the deep bonds that grow in firehouses, lessons in discipline, persistence, and the importance of mental health awareness in a demanding profession. They also discuss the challenge of balancing career and family, reflecting on personal growth and the evolving culture within emergency services. Through candid anecdotes and thoughtful advice, this conversation captures the unique camaraderie and real-world impact of a life committed to helping others, offering inspiration and insight for first responders and civilians alike.