We all learned it.

We've all done it.

And we (mostly) all know that it's wrong.

Dr. Seth Collings Hawkins joins Trevor and Claire to discuss spinal immobilization. Rigid immobilization of trauma patients is entrenched dogma, but we've probably all heard that this procedure is not just without benefit, but is in fact harmful to our patients. Dr. Collings Hawkins is a leader in the wilderness EMS community, and he breaks down the reality of spinal immobilization and how we can all do better. Listen up as he talks about the history of this intervention, discusses appropriate uses for the rigid backboard and c-collar, and then shows how we can do better. This is important information for everyone to hear, from new medics to experienced flight surgeons. Have a listen and let us know what you think!

Spinal Immobilization

Education and issues for military flight medics.

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Matthew Sovine joins the pod for a quick conversation about research he's conducting into sustainment training for active duty flight medics. Have a listen and make sure to fill out the survey in your work email.

Important for COMPO 1 F2s!

In this episode, Trooper Mike Allen joins us to discuss the Arizona State Police's Aviation Unit. Trooper Allen is a flight paramedic who came to AZDPS from the fire service. Mike discusses the history of the program, the criteria for flight medic selection, the types of missions they respond to, the types of continuing education they run, and some pearls of wisdom for medics looking to use their skills in the civilian sector. 

Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Unit

Canadian Army Master Corporal Justin Weiler joins Max and Trevor to talk about his new country's rotary-wing medical program. Canada is one of our closest allies, but they have taken a different approach to clearing the battlefield. Listen up for interesting differences in how they equip and crew their aircraft.
You can learn more about CMERTs capabilities at aerospace medicine.ca, and you can reach the CMERT team at fwdaeops&trg;@forces.gc.ca.
Have a listen and let us know what you think!

Canadian Armed Forces MERT

Seain, Keegan, and Joe were the last three DUSTOFF medics in Afghanistan during the 2021 U.S. withdrawal. In this episode, they describe their experience during the attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport's Abbey Gate.

HKIA AAR Part 2

Seain, Keegan, and Joe were the last three DUSTOFF medics in Afghanistan during the 2021 U.S. withdrawal. In this episode, they describe their experiences in the days and weeks leading up to the attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport's Abbey Gate.

ProPublica is a non-profit news site that published a comprehensive account of the Abbey Gate attack earlier this year; you can read it here. The U.S. Central Command conducted an investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the attack; that report is available on the U.S. Naval Institute's website.

Spinal Immobilization

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