Medics, Musings, and Mayhem

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a silent epidemic. In Part II of the Kleinschmidt series, Dr. David, Dr. Regan, Phil, and Jason peel back the layers of burnout and moral injury across emergency medicine, nursing, and EMS. Inspired by EM:RAP’s powerful reflection, the team gets personal, exploring how young providers face the warning signs before they’ve even entered the field—and what real resilience looks like beyond wellness lectures and football games. With raw stories, hard-earned wisdom, and an honest call to protect your people while protecting yourself, this episode digs deep into generational shifts, system flaws, and the strategies that actually move the needle. Whether you’re a med student, paramedic, or veteran of the frontlines, this conversation will hit home—and maybe even heal a little.

Host: David Collins, MD, FACEP

Co-host: Regan Washist, MD, Phil Aguet, NRP, RN and Jason Kells, MS II, NRP

Editor/Reviewer: Michelle Collins

Editing Wizard: Phil Aguet

Contact us at [email protected]

Check out our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.medicsmusingsandmayhem.com⁠⁠⁠

If you or someone you know is struggling...

• ⁠⁠findhelp.org⁠⁠

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988

What drives a paramedic to trade the ambulance for a white coat? In this compelling episode, we sit down with Jason Kells—former SWAT medic, paramedic, and now medical student. From wild calls on the streets to high-stakes medicine in the field, Jason shares how his EMS experience is shaping his future as a doctor. Whether you're a first responder, a healthcare professional, or just fascinated by the world of emergency medicine, this episode delivers deep insights and raw conversations.

Credit of intro/outro: Joseph McDade (https://josephmcdade.com)

Host: Phil Aguet

Editor/Reviewer: Michelle Collins

Editing Wizard: Phil Aguet

Contact us at [email protected]

Check out our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.medicsmusingsandmayhem.com⁠

In this latest high-intensity episode of Medics Musings and Mayhem, Phil, Dr. David Collins, newly minted Dr. Regan Washist, and UND meds school’s own Marie Tate break down a real trauma case that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. A backyard pool explosion, flying debris, and an EMS crew balancing chaos with critical care—this episode is packed with real-world takeaways for medics in the field. From rapid trauma assessment to the dos and don’ts of managing gruesome eye injuries, we cover it all. Whether you’re in EMS, medicine, or just love adrenaline-filled stories, this one’s for you!

Host: David Collins, MD, FACEP

Co-host: Dr. Regan Washist, Phil Aguet, and Marie Tate, MS IV

Editor/Reviewer: Michelle Collins

Editing Wizard: Phil Aguet

Contact us at [email protected]

Check out our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.medicsmusingsandmayhem.com⁠

An ice fisherman’s hut plunges into freezing waters, and the clock starts ticking. How do emergency responders navigate extreme cold, unpredictable environments, and limited resources to save lives? In this episode of Medics Musings and Mayhem, Doc Dave, medic and firefighter Phil Aguet, and NOW newly minted Dr. Regan Washist tackle the real-world challenges of hypothermia response in rural settings. Join us as we break down critical pre-hospital care strategies, rapid assessment techniques, and the life-saving interventions that matter most when time and temperature are working against you. From hands-on field protocols to the complexities of rural emergency departments, this conversation is packed with expert insights, practical takeaways, and a dose of humor. Whether you're an EMT, first responder, healthcare provider, or just someone fascinated by high-stakes emergency medicine, this episode will change the way you think about cold-weather rescues. Stay warm, stay prepared, and tune in now!

Host: David Collins, MD, FACEP

Co-host: Regan Washist, MD (congrats Regan!) and Phil Aguet!

Editor/Reviewer: Michelle Collins

Editing Wizard: Phil Aguet

Contact us at [email protected]

Check out our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.medicsmusingsandmayhem.com⁠

EMS isn’t just about protocols and procedures—it’s about the emotional toll of saving lives and navigating impossible situations. In this episode, Doc Dave, along with co-hosts, newly minted Dr. Regan Washist and Jason Kells, MS I, dive into the raw realities of EMS work. They share personal experiences with traumatic calls, from a cardiac arrest involving an infant to a devastating pediatric trauma, and discuss how these moments shape first responders mentally and physically. The conversation tackles adrenaline crashes—that intense energy surge followed by emotional exhaustion—and explores how medics and EMTs can manage their recovery. They also break down the back-to-work mentality and the pressure to immediately move on after tragic events, highlighting how leadership and peer support can play a role in fostering resilience. From peer mentorship to mental health resources, this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of emergency responders and what needs to change to better support them. Whether you’re an EMT, paramedic, first responder, or just curious about what happens behind the sirens, this conversation will leave you with a new appreciation for the resilience of those on the frontlines.

Host: David Collins, MD, FACEP

Co-host: Regan Washist, MD (congrats Regan!) and Jason Kells, MS I; brief cameo from our very own Phil Aguet!

Editor/Reviewer: Michelle Collins

Editing Wizard: Phil Aguet

Contact us at [email protected]

Check out our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.medicsmusingsandmayhem.com⁠⁠

If you or someone you know is struggling...

• ⁠findhelp.org⁠

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988

Join Dr. David and Phil as they dive deep into the world of medical education—how it’s learned, how it’s taught, and where to find the best resources to sharpen your knowledge. From prehospital emergency medicine to hospital-based expertise, they’ll explore invaluable tools, strategies, and insights to help learners and educators alike. Plus, get a sneak peek at some exciting new directions the podcast is heading in! Whether you're a seasoned clinician, an eager student, or simply passionate about medicine, this episode is packed with knowledge you won’t want to miss.

Host: David Collins, MD, FACEP

Co-host: Phil Aguet

Editor/Reviewer: Michelle Collins

Editing Wizard: Phil Aguet

Contact us at [email protected]

Check out our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.medicsmusingsandmayhem.com⁠

Join us in this insightful episode as Regan, a US medical student, and Livia, a Polish medical student, delve into the intricacies of identifying STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) in the prehospital setting. Listen as they explore the vital signs and symptoms to watch for and discuss the role of prehospital care providers in early detection and treatment. Additionally, Livia shares her valuable expertise on POCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasound) and its application in assessing cardiac chest pain. Discover how this powerful diagnostic tool can enhance patient care and improve outcomes in emergency situations. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with professional insights and practical tips for both aspiring and experienced medical/prehospital practitioners. Tune in and elevate your understanding of STEMI identification and POCUS in prehospital care.

Host: David Collins, MD, FACEP

Co-host: Regan Washist, MSIV

Guest host: Livia Van Humbeeck, MSVI (yes, they go that high in Poland!)

Editor/Reviewer: Michelle Collins

Editing Wizard: Phil Aguet

Contact us at [email protected]

Check out our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.medicsmusingsandmayhem.com⁠

In this episode, Phil peppers Dr. Dave with various topics in EMS. This episode includes discussion regarding good patient handoff, how to be a lifelong learner, the resurgence of whole blood, and several other quick hits!

In this podcast, we explore how to manage patients in the dog days of summer. Dr. David and Regan discuss the pathophysiology, the interventions generally recommended, a protocol example, a brief discussion of relevant literature, as well as a case example of a patient presenting with hyperthermia.

Credit of intro/outro: Joseph McDade (https://josephmcdade.com)

Co-host: Regan Washist, MS IV

Editor/Reviewer: Michelle Collins

Editing Wizard: Phil Aguet

Contact us at [email protected]

Check out our website ⁠⁠⁠www.medicsmusingsandmayhem.com⁠

In this podcast, special host Phil Aguet interviews Dr. David Collins, MD, FACEP about why he went into medicine, what led him to EM, why EMS is special to him, and much more!

Credit of intro/outro: Joseph McDade (https://josephmcdade.com)

Host: Phil Aguet

Editor/Reviewer: Michelle Collins

Editing Wizard: Phil Aguet

Contact us at [email protected]

Check out our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.medicsmusingsandmayhem.com⁠