SMFR EMS Podcast

This episode takes a closer look at geriatric care, why “minor” complaints aren’t always minor, and how small misses can become big problems. Together with Dr. Jonathan Apfelbaum and EMS Lieutenant Dusty King, we review high-risk considerations in older adults, from bradycardia management, to low-speed trauma with hidden injuries, unwitnessed falls, and the “lift assist." Through real cases, we highlight atypical ACS presentations, medication and anticoagulant considerations, dehydration, and when a low threshold for transport is warranted. The conversation blends fundamentals with nuance to give EMS providers practical insight into balancing protocol, presentation, and sound clinical judgment in the field.

This episode takes a closer look at STEMI alerts—when they apply, when they don’t, and why accuracy matters. Together with Dr. Jonathan Apfelbaum and EMS Lieutenant Dusty King, reviews the four key criteria, discusses common pitfalls and mimics, and walks through real-world cases where judgment calls made all the difference. The conversation highlights both the fundamentals and the nuances, giving EMS providers practical insight into balancing protocol, patient presentation, and sound clinical decision-making in the field.

This episode dives into a real-world case of a patient found altered and seizing at Cherry Creek State Park during a string of heat-related calls. Paramedic Zach Hutchins recounts the challenges of navigating multiple simultaneous incidents, accessing the patient in a campsite, and recognizing the signs of heat stroke. Together with Dr. Jonathan Apfelbaum, the team breaks down key assessment points, including differential diagnosis for altered mental status, the role of environmental factors, and when to initiate active cooling. The conversation provides practical takeaways for EMS providers managing hyperthermic patients in the pre-hospital setting.

Join EMS Lieutenant Dusty King, EMS Lieutenant Scott Hipwell and Medical Director Dr. Jonathan Apfelbaum for part two of the "ECGs Unlocked: Crack the Code" series. In this episode, they apply their systematic approach to interpreting complex and challenging 12-lead ECGs. Covering rhythms such as first-degree AV block, second-degree type I and type II heart blocks, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and bundle branch blocks, the hosts provide clear guidance to ensure accuracy in recognizing subtle and critical findings. The podcast concludes with a compelling real-world case discussion on hyperkalemia and how expert ECG interpretation can significantly impact patient outcomes. Tune in to reinforce your understanding and continue elevating your clinical competence.

In this episode, EMS Lieutenant Dusty King hosts EMS Lieutenant Scott Hipwell and Medical Director Dr. Jonathan Apfelbaum for a deep dive into systematically interpreting 12-lead ECGs. Whether you’re refreshing your knowledge or learning a consistent method for the first time, this practical discussion simplifies ECG interpretation through a clear, step-by-step approach.

Join host Dusty King, EMS Lieutenant, and Medical Director Jonathan Apfelbaum as they tackle one of the most important decisions in prehospital care: choosing the right destination for your patient. This episode breaks down the capabilities and limitations of free-standing emergency departments (FSEDs), who should (and shouldn’t) be transported there, and why good clinical judgment is critical. Through real-world case reviews and practical guidance, you’ll learn how to avoid unnecessary secondary transfers and ensure your patients get the care they truly need. Whether it’s a minor injury, complex medical condition, psychiatric crisis, or pediatric emergency, this episode helps you sharpen your decision-making when every mile matters.

In this episode of the SMFR EMS podcast, EMS Lieutenant Dusty King, along with Paramedic Bob Rafferty and Medical Director Jonathan Apfelbaum, break down the essentials of safe patient transport in the field. This episode explores the latest protocols for securing adult and pediatric patients, provider restraint safety, and why proper use of seatbelts and restraint systems is critical for everyone in the ambulance. We’ll discuss real-world risks, national standards, and how small changes in transport decisions can make a big difference in patient and provider outcomes.

In this episode of the SMFR EMS podcast, EMS Lieutenant Dusty King, along with Medical Director Jonathan Apfelbaum and Legal Counsel Allison Ulmer, explores key considerations when handling refusals, including when a patient has the capacity to refuse care and how to navigate the legal and ethical implications. The conversation covers real-world scenarios, offering practical advice for making these challenging decisions, ensuring patient safety, and maintaining proper documentation.

In this episode of the SMFR EMS podcast, EMS Lieutenant Dusty King, along with Paramedic Austin Burrell and Medical Director Jonathan Apfelbaum, explores the evolving legal and ethical framework around patient refusals. The discussion covers key topics such as assessing a patient's capacity to refuse care, handling difficult or impaired patients, and the importance of effective communication and documentation. Through a case study example, the team highlights how to manage refusals professionally while ensuring patient safety and legal protection, especially when dealing with aggressive or uncooperative individuals.

Welcome to Sound Decisions: Ultrasound's Role in EMS, a podcast that dives deep into the evolving capabilities of ultrasound in the pre-hospital setting. Hosted by EMS Lieutenant Dusty King, this series features case studies and expert insights from Medical Director Dr. Jonathan Apfelbaum and Paramedic Zac Hutchins, exploring how ultrasound technology is transforming patient care in EMS. This episode will review real-life incidents where ultrasound changed the course of treatment, from routine protocol to advanced applications in critical care. Whether you're a paramedic or healthcare provider, this podcast will highlight how ultrasound is becoming a game-changer in EMS, improving patient outcomes, and saving lives. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions, expert analysis, and valuable lessons learned from the field.