After a brief Spring break, The NewlyMeds is back with a conversation on one of the biggest questions in EMS: does time on the job actually make you better, or does real exposure, repetition, and continuous learning matter more? In this episode, we break down the difference between years of experience and meaningful experience, skill degradation in low-volume systems, confidence versus competence, and why evidence-based practice has to keep pushing EMS forward. We also talk rural vs urban volume, the value of simulation and training, and why every patient contact, including IFTs, can be a rep that makes you better.

Whether you’re a new paramedic, an EMT, or just someone who loves learning from the streets, this is a must-listen reminder that the only real mistake in medicine is not learning from the ones you make! As always, this podcast does not contain medical guidelines or protocols, please refer to your statewide scope of practice and accepted protocols and procedures for your level of licensure. TheNewlyMeds podcast has no agency affiliation and is an independently owned and operated podcast.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-02-frequent-patients-years-job-ems.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0736467987902149

https://www.cafsti.org/wp-content/uploads/Advanced-Life-Support-Skill-Deterioration-Among-Paramedics-in-Low-Call-Volume-Emergency-Medical-Service-Systems.pdf