We're joined again today by Radu Venter, Flight Paramedic and Substack blogger. Radu discusses the common sentiment that formal paramedic education is insufficient and that crucial learning happens only during on-the-job practice.

Radu also acknowledges that this perspective holds some truth because schooling often overemphasises skills and background knowledge, and can sometimes fail to adequately prepare students for the unpredictability of real patient interactions and essential non-clinical skills like communication and delivering bad news.

However, Radu argues that relying solely on on-the-job learning is flawed as practitioners may lack awareness, resources, or opportunities to develop certain competencies, often falling into the existing workplace culture. Therefore, the author suggests that educational institutions should incorporate subjects such as leadership, conflict resolution, humility, and inclusivity into the curriculum to provide a safer environment for developing these critical interpersonal skills before starting practice. You can read the blog here: https://theparamedicphilosopher.substack.com/p/the-real-learning-begins-on-the-job

This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.

When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.

PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.

PAX – built to perform, made to last.

Learn more at ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In today's episode of the Prehospital Care Podcast, we explore the complex intersection of adolescent male violence, social media's influence, and its profound impact on the medical professionals responding to these incidents. We're honoured to welcome Dr Naomi Murphy, one of the UK's most respected forensic clinical psychologists and recently appointed Honorary Professor of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University.

Naomi brings over 25 years of clinical experience working with complex trauma, particularly among young men who have experienced childhood adversity and gone on to display violent behaviour.

The rising tide of youth violence presents unique challenges for prehospital care providers who witness its devastating consequences firsthand. As medical professionals, we often focus on treating physical trauma without fully addressing the psychological dimensions, both for our patients and ourselves. 

Throughout our conversation, we'll examine the psychological foundations of youth violence, explore how digital platforms have altered its expression, and discuss evidence-based approaches for supporting both victims and the medical professionals who care for them. Dr Murphy's groundbreaking trauma-focused therapy work within high-security settings offers valuable insights for emergency responders experiencing vicarious trauma. You can find Naomi's work here: https://www.centrefortherapy.com/therapists/naomi-murphy/

This episode is brought to you by IndieBase.

IndieBase is the smart, simple, and budget-friendly Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system designed specifically for the demands of HEMS and pre-hospital care. Whether you're responding solo, working within a flexible team, or managing care across a larger organisation, IndieBase is built to support you. It runs seamlessly on laptops, tablets, or smartphones, and crucially, it operates offline, ensuring you can document care wherever you are, even in the most remote environments. Developed from the proven platform of HEMSbase by Medic One Systems, IndieBase offers a familiar, intuitive interface with the rock-solid reliability clinicians need. It's ready for everything from festival medical cover to high-acuity critical care transfers.

Key features include full integration with all major pre-hospital monitors, case review, and clinical governance modules, making it an ideal solution for teams preparing for CQC registration. A patient feedback module also helps drive service improvement and meaningful engagement. For clinicians working across multiple organisations, IndieBase provides a personal logbook that combines your data and links directly with your existing HEMSbase logbook.

IndieBase EPR made simple, wherever you are.

Find out more at https://indiebase.net/

This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.

When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.

PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.

PAX – built to perform, made to last.

Learn more at ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we explore Radu Venter’s insightful article “EMS Decision-Making”, which challenges the deeply held belief that faster is always better in emergency medicine. Venter questions the culture of constant urgency in EMS, the idea that every decision must be made in seconds, and argues that this mindset can sometimes compromise patient care, particularly in complex or ambiguous clinical scenarios that exist outside the realm of immediate cardiac arrest.

Drawing on the concept of the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), Venter highlights its limitations when rigidly applied to paramedic practice. While timely action remains vital, he suggests that taking a moment to pause, observe, and plan can often lead to more accurate decisions and improved outcomes.

We discuss how typical EMS training environments, often built around high-speed, high-stress simulations, may inadvertently reinforce reaction over reflection. The conversation explores how a culture of mindful, measured decision-making can empower clinicians to better manage uncertainty, allocate resources effectively, and ultimately provide safer, higher-quality care. Join us as we reframe what “fast” really means in pre-hospital medicine.

Read the full article here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-101941847

In this episode, we take a deeper look at the many faces of grief that pre-hospital professionals may encounter in the field, often in subtle, complex, and deeply human ways. While grief is commonly associated with death, it extends far beyond, touching every kind of loss: from separation and divorce to anticipatory grief, perinatal loss, and the unique pain of suicide bereavement.

We’re joined once again by Liz Gleeson, psychotherapist, educator, and grief specialist, to explore these lesser discussed but critical aspects of grief. Together, we’ll examine disenfranchised grief, where people mourn losses that aren’t openly acknowledged or socially supported; anticipatory grief, where loved ones begin grieving before a death occurs; and specific experiences such as parental bereavement, sibling loss, grief in older adults, and grief following perinatal loss.

We’ll also explore how non-death losses like divorce or family estrangement can trigger profound grief responses that may go unrecognised during emergency care. This conversation will help you better understand the many forms grief can take and offer insights into how you, as a pre-hospital professional, can provide more compassionate, informed, and sensitive care during some of life’s most difficult moments.

You can find Liz's podcast "Shapes of Grief' podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/shapes-of-grief/id1450116449

This is Liz's website, where further training on grief can be found: https://shapesofgrief.com/

In this episode of the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast, we explore Radu Venter’s powerful piece “No One Dies From Pain”, written under his pseudonym The Paramedic Philosopher. The article challenges one of the most common sayings in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the idea that “no one dies from pain.”

While the phrase may have originated from a focus on rapid transport and prioritising life-saving interventions, Venter argues that this mindset risks neglecting an essential part of paramedic practice: the management of human suffering.

Pain is not just a symptom; it’s a physiological stressor that can worsen shock, elevate heart rate, and impede recovery. By dismissing it, we not only overlook patient comfort but also potentially compromise outcomes. Venter calls for a more compassionate, patient-centred approach that recognises pain management as integral to modern paramedicine.

In this discussion, we unpack how our attitudes toward pain reflect broader cultural values within EMS and consider how clinicians can balance speed with empathy. Join us as we challenge traditional thinking, explore evidence behind pain’s physiological impact, and discuss practical ways to ensure comfort and care coexist in the pre-hospital environment.

Read the full article here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-103748534

In this episode, we bring together a remarkable group of guests to discuss an often overlooked but incredibly important condition, Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD). Joining us today are a SCAD survivor, the clinician who treated her, and an advocate working to raise awareness and improve patient outcomes.

Together, they share their powerful and unique perspectives on what SCAD is, how it presents, and the challenges faced in recognising it, particularly in the pre-hospital environment, where diagnostic overshadowing can easily occur. We explore why SCAD is sometimes missed, how it differs from other cardiac events, and what clinicians can do to better support patients who may be experiencing it.

Most importantly, we hear the real lived experience of surviving SCAD, the uncertainty, recovery, and the crucial role of awareness and advocacy in improving care pathways.

This conversation is both educational and deeply human, offering vital insights for pre-hospital professionals, clinicians, and anyone interested in improving outcomes for patients with this rare and often misunderstood condition. Tune in to hear their stories, their expertise, and how we can all play a part in recognising and responding to SCAD more effectively. You can find more on SCAD here: https://beatscad.org.uk/SCAD-for-Patients/What-is-SCAD

In this episode, we explore “Leaving Room for Rougher Edges in EMS” by Radu Venter, a powerful reflection on perfectionism in paramedicine. Radu is a Flight Paramedic based in Canada. He challenges the unrealistic pursuit of flawless performance in an unpredictable, high-pressure environment and asks when “good enough” should truly be enough.

We discuss how flexibility, honesty, and self-compassion can replace self-criticism, and how embracing imperfection can actually strengthen team culture and patient care. Join us as we explore the realities of being human in emergency medicine.
Read the full article here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-116881333

This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.

When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.

PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.PAX – built to perform, made to last.

Learn more at https://www.pax-bags.com/en/

In this episode, we delve into one of the most universal and often misunderstood experiences: grief. Whether it's supporting families after a sudden loss, witnessing trauma firsthand, or coping with personal emotional impacts, grief is an ever-present companion in pre-hospital care.

Joining us is Liz Gleeson, a highly respected psychotherapist, educator, and specialist in grief. Liz is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Shapes of Grief podcast and training program, and she lectures widely on grief and loss. With a background in somatic therapies and a PhD in progress on Forest Therapy and bereavement, Liz brings a compassionate, embodied, and deeply informed perspective to the conversation.

We’ll explore key models of grief, including Kübler-Ross’s Five Stages, the Dual Process Model, Attachment Theory, and Continuing Bonds. We’ll also discuss the art of listening, cultural competence, caregiver compassion and burnout, and ethical challenges in grief support. This conversation is for anyone navigating the emotional complexities of pre-hospital work and seeking ways to respond with presence, professionalism, and care in moments of profound human vulnerability.

You can find Liz's podcast "Shapes of Grief' podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/shapes-of-grief/id1450116449

This is Liz's website, where further training on grief can be found: https://shapesofgrief.com/

This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.

When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.

PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life. PAX – built to perform, made to last.

Learn more at ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠

In this audio blog, Carl Betts employs the analogy of a traditional dry stone wall to explain the principles of healthcare improvement. Carl suggests that just as these walls rely on the careful placement and interconnection of unique stones without mortar, healthcare systems depend on the relationships between processes, people, and policies. A key point is that a single failure or "slippage" in either the wall or the system can cause a cascading disruption.

The blog advocates for a thoughtful approach to improvement, stressing that rebuilding requires assessment and learning rather than simply replacing components. Ultimately, the source frames the dry stone wall as a blueprint for success in healthcare, emphasising connection, resilience, and the value of incremental progress.

This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.

When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.

PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.PAX – built to perform, made to last.

Learn more at https://www.pax-bags.com/en/

In this episode, we’re diving into the journey of Zoe Boswell, a dedicated paramedic, mother, and community volunteer with the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). Zoe brings over a decade of experience as a road paramedic, all while balancing the demands of family life and volunteering with the GWAAC Heartstarters program.

Zoe’s story is a powerful example of resilience, progression, and passion within the pre-hospital care world. Her ability to manage complex clinical challenges on scene, train at an advanced level, and still give back to the community through CPR education speaks volumes about her commitment to the profession.

In our conversation, we explore her motivations, her aspirations from road to critical care paramedic, the emotional impact of high-acuity cases, and the unique perspective she brings as a parent working on the front line. Whether you’re a student paramedic, a seasoned clinician, or just curious about the realities of life on the HEMS pathway, Zoe’s insights are both inspiring and deeply grounded in the realities of modern pre-hospital care. Let’s dive into this episode with Zoe Boswell.

This episode is brought to you by IndieBase.

IndieBase is the smart, simple, and budget-friendly Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system designed specifically for the demands of HEMS and pre-hospital care. Whether you're responding solo, working within a flexible team, or managing care across a larger organisation, IndieBase is built to support you. It runs seamlessly on laptops, tablets, or smartphones, and crucially, it operates offline, ensuring you can document care wherever you are, even in the most remote environments. Developed from the proven platform of HEMSbase by Medic One Systems, IndieBase offers a familiar, intuitive interface with the rock-solid reliability clinicians need. It's ready for everything from festival medical cover to high-acuity critical care transfers.

Key features include full integration with all major pre-hospital monitors, case review, and clinical governance modules, making it an ideal solution for teams preparing for CQC registration. A patient feedback module also helps drive service improvement and meaningful engagement. For clinicians working across multiple organisations, IndieBase provides a personal logbook that combines your data and links directly with your existing HEMSbase logbook.

IndieBase EPR made simple, wherever you are.

Find out more at https://indiebase.net/

This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.

When you’re working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That’s exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They’ve partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.

PAX doesn’t chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.PAX – built to perform, made to last.

Learn more at ⁠https://www.pax-bags.com/en/⁠