Paramedic-educator Sara Moore joins Medic on the Mic for one of our most heartfelt conversations yet—on autism, neurodivergence, and truly people-first care in EMS. From the school incident that ignited her advocacy to field-tested de-escalation tools (sensory kits, visual priming, and rapport-building through hyperfocus), this episode gives leaders, educators, and street-level providers practical steps they can implement today.

What you’ll learn

• How “people first, diagnosis second” changes outcomes
• Building a low-cost sensory kit (fidgets, chew tool, noise-canceling headphones, whiteboard/markers, PECs board, simple coloring items)
• Visual priming: photos of the stretcher, rig interior, ambulance bay, and patient rooms to reduce anxiety before transitions
• Using hyperfocus/info-dumping to build rapport quickly
• The “blue envelope” idea for disclosure—and Sara’s EMS-specific version in development
• Why so many EMS pros may be neurodivergent—and what that means for training and wellness

Power takeaway:

“Treat the person before the diagnosis.”

Timestamps

00:00 Intro & why this episode matters

02:00 Meet Sara (paramedic, educator, mom)

06:00 The handcuff incident—and what it changed

16:00 Autism traits & communication differences

24:00 Visual priming to ease transitions

29:00 What’s in a field-ready sensory kit

33:00 Applying these tools to dementia, kids, and panic attacks

34:30 Why EMS attracts neurodivergent minds

47:00 ‘Blue envelope’ for EMS—what’s next

50:00 One-sentence takeaway: people first

Connect with Sara

• LinkedIn: search “Sarah Moore Groover”

• Email: [email protected]

Host: Brandon Heggie | Medic on the Mic

Questions or feedback? Message us—your notes may shape a future episode.

Keywords: EMS, Autism, Neurodiversity, De-escalation, First Responders, Education, Inclusion

Episode 5 — From Small-Town Firefighting to Big Change in EMS (with Cody Rohrig)

In this episode, Brandon sits down with friend and instigator of this very podcast, Cody Rohrig—Army veteran, legacy EMT, volunteer firefighter, and rural hospital emergency response coordinator from Nebraska. Cody shares how his community raised $280,000 to launch an ambulance service, what it’s really like to cover massive districts with limited resources, and why community paramedicine may be the lifeline rural EMS needs.

We also talk leadership, imposter syndrome, mental health, and parenting a child with Type 1 diabetes—plus some nerdy solutions (hello, Raspberry Pi timestamp project) that make small teams more effective.

Highlights

• Brandon’s quick life updates: newly promoted Fire Captain, shift changes, and starting the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy.
• Cody’s path: Army deployment → railroad work → rural hospital life safety & EMS leadership.
• The fundraiser that changed everything: $280K raised to bring an ambulance to town.
• Rural realities: 40–50 minute response times, flight volumes, and creative mutual aid.
• Community paramedic as a force multiplier for chronic care and ER load reduction.
• Volunteerism challenges—and how Explorer programs & high-school EMT pathways can help.
• Mental health & imposter syndrome in public safety.
• T1D at home: tech wins, middle-of-the-night lows, and care team shoutouts.
• Rapid-fire nerd corner: Raspberry Pi station alerts, in-unit time-stamping, and practical micro-innovations.

Takeaways

• Rural systems survive on community, creativity, and relentless problem-solving.
• Leadership isn’t a title—it’s showing up, asking “why?”, and building buy-in.
• Small process improvements can create big operational wins.
• Community paramedicine can bridge gaps where distance and staffing make “load & go” the default.

Connect & Support

• Subscribe to Medic on the Mic on YouTube and your favorite podcast app.
• Share this episode with a first responder, volunteer firefighter, or rural health advocate.

#EMS #Firefighting #RuralEMS #CommunityParamedic #FirstResponders #Leadership #MentalHealth

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In this deeply personal solo episode, Brandon shares the story of losing his father at 21 and how the instinct to “stay busy” shaped his journey through grief, trauma, and eventual burnout.

While busyness can feel like strength, Brandon explores why distraction isn’t the same as healing — and how unprocessed grief can quietly fuel years of emotional exhaustion. Speaking from both lived experience and nearly two decades in Fire/EMS, he reflects on:

• Why we instinctively stay busy in times of trauma and grief
• The hidden costs of ignoring grief and pushing forward too quickly
• How unresolved pain contributes to burnout, especially for first responders
• Healthier ways to process grief, reconnect, and build resilience

This episode isn’t just Brandon’s story — it’s a universal reminder that true healing comes from stillness, connection, and intentional reflection, not from endless busyness.

If you’ve faced loss, trauma, or burnout, this conversation will give you perspective, validation, and hope.

👉 Subscribe for future episodes on mental health, resilience, and life in Fire/EMS.

In episode three of the 'Medic on the Mic' podcast, host Brandon Hagy welcomes guest Bill Young from Kentucky to discuss imposter syndrome and its impact on EMS professionals. They explore personal experiences, the importance of addressing mistakes openly, and the role of feedback and mentorship in personal and professional growth. The conversation also touches on the evolution of EMS education, the benefits of modern teaching tools, and the critical need for mental health awareness in the industry. Bill emphasizes the value of learning from failure, staying updated with new knowledge, and fostering a supportive environment for EMS personnel.

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Transforming First Responder Wellness: From Crisis to Confidence - Medic on the Mic Podcast Ep. 2

In this powerful episode of the Medic on the Mic podcast, host Brandon and special guest Allan from Third Alarm Coaching dive deep into the personal and professional struggles faced by first responders. Allan shares his journey from being an overwhelmed and burned-out firefighter/paramedic to becoming a successful nutritionist and coach. They discuss the importance of hydration, nutrition, sleep, and movement—elements of Allan's 'core four' principles in transforming mental and physical health. Vulnerable and insightful, this conversation offers valuable tips and strategies for anyone looking to rebuild their life from the ground up. Listen in to discover how you can face adversity and come out stronger on the other side.

Follow Allan Dignard @ www.third-alarm-coaching.com


🔗 Stay Connected & Grow With Us
🎙️ Subscribe for more real conversations, insights, and stories that challenge the norm and inspire personal growth.
📩 Want updates, exclusive content, or to work together? Visit www.brandonheggie.com
🌱 New episodes as much as I can – hit the bell so you don’t miss out!

💬 Like what you heard?
Leave a comment, share with a friend, and let’s build something meaningful together.

📌 Follow along:
Instagram: @medic.on.the.mic
Courses + Coaching: www.brandonheggie.com

#HealingStartsWithConversation #UnfilteredForum #MedicOnTheMic #BurnoutRecovery #Leadership #RealTalk

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Welcome to Medic on the Mic! Meet Your Host Brandon Heggie - Episode 1

Join host Brandon Heggie, a Lieutenant Firefighter Paramedic and EMS educator, in the debut episode of the Medic on the Mic podcast. Brandon shares his journey of overcoming challenges, his 20 years of experience in fire and EMS, and his motivations for starting this podcast. Expect discussions on a wide range of topics from mental health, family relationships, and clinical knowledge to leadership and personal growth. Don't miss out on this captivating introduction to a podcast designed to inspire and educate.

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