In the LIVE version of this episode of the Pre-Hospital Paradigm Podcast, Dr. Jon Hill and Scott Wildenheim are joined by Ashley Rosser and Leisha Starkey of Thrive for Change, a Cleveland-based harm reduction nonprofit. They explore the real-life challenges and successes of harm reduction, tackling stigma, overdose response, safer use practices, and EMS integration. This episode bridges clinical EMS care with public health strategies, offering insights and tools for anyone committed to reducing overdose deaths and improving patient engagement. #prehospitalparadigmpodcast Thank you to Highland Heights Fire Department for hosting us!

Dr. Hill and Scott wind up this discussion in Part 3 by addressing proper terminology to use when interacting with the patients and the public record availability of previous abuse with guests Ashley Rosser and Elisha Starkey from Thrive for Change.

Ashley Rosser and Elisha Starkey from Thrive for Change continue the discussion of drug abuse patients and the treatment of in this episode.  The challenge of stigmatizing of these patients is significant but the crew also finds out there is stigmatization that goes on within the drug use patient community.

Ashley Rosser and Elisha Starkey from Thrive for Change join the crew this month to talk about the stigma of drug use or opiate use disorders. According to the Thrive for Change website, their “vision is a world free from drug overdose fatalities, where people who use drugs have equal access to basic needs and are empowered to advocate for themselves.” In episode 1, Ashley talks about her personal addiction story including being “narcaned” by local police. Elisha opens with the types of programming and products for which the organization is known.

A question of Dopamine or Epinephrine initiates a discussion regarding what should/should not be in a drug box, how to have a good relationship with your pharmacy and the possible use of apps in the prehospital setting. The big question in this episode, when is it appropriate to downgrade a call from an ALS to a BLS?

Answering questions from the listeners as the grab bag episode continues.  Patient refusals, the use of Ketamine within in the seizure algorithm and sepsis are part of the discussion.

Some online questions have come in through the website.. time to clear out the email box. In this grab bag, chest pain assessment, the contraindications of epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

EMS Education Podcast

As will be the routine in 2025, the Extra Monday Episodes are dedicated to interpreting EKG rhythms. This month, the crew discusses, bradycardias, tachycardias and wide and narrow rhythms.

In this in-depth episode, host Scott Wildenheim is joined by regular contributors Caleb Ferroni and Ray Pace, along with special guest Falon Steiner, EMS Manager of Initial Training Programs. Together, they explore the full spectrum of modern EMS education—from foundational program structure and mentorship to test-taking psychology, AI integration, and simulation-based training. The team addresses real challenges that students, instructors, and program directors face while sharing actionable insights to build better clinicians and more effective EMS educators.

As the crew prepare to head out of the studio for the live version of the podcast, the discussion of medical math and “teaching for the test” vs. preparing providers for “the real world” of EMS, becomes a thing. And, yes, you still will have to memorize some things. Finally, how about letting potential students sit in on the courses?  Might that help interested students to realize that EMS is not what they want for a career, earlier, vs. waiting until the end of the course?