The Shift Extension Paramedic Podcast

Today we talk about opportunities for paramedics outside of an ambulance service. From expeditions, to film, tv and flight work, we look at the skills, attributes and networks required to be successful. 

Today we chat about babies. Delivering one doesn't need to be scary. We talk about our experiences and insights into managing this cohort of patients.  

We all make mistakes. It's normal and a part of growth. Today you will hear about some of the mistakes Nick and Sunny have made during their careers. We also unpack perfectionism, something many paramedics are guilty of. 

Welcome back to season 2 of the podcast with our new co-host Lou. Today we break down the provisional diagnosis. Do we need one? How do we make one? Are they harmful?

Matt and Nick sit down to discuss this common challenge. What do you do if your patient refuses your advice?

How to provide advice and break down the barriers to refusal

How to assess capacity

What do documents like power of attorney and an ARP really mean?

Mr. Jordan Emery path has taken him from NSW ambulance to an NGO in New York, before landing the top job in Ambulance Tasmania. We sat down with Jordan earlier this year to talk about paramedic culture, making mistakes and the idea of heart centered leadership. 

We are back for our first episode in 2024. Time for Matt to pick Nick's brain about fast and slow dysrhythmias. 

Does electrode placement matter?

How do I differentiate between SVT and VT?

How do I manage these fast rhythms?

When should I worry about atrial fibrillation?

Do I need to be able to interpret all of the slow rhythms?

Today we sit down Sean Golding, an Australian commercial airline captain, paramedic and technical dive instructor. Not long after completing Australia's first non-stop flight from New York to Sydney, Sean found himself out of work due to covid.

We talk about how Sean became a paramedic, how he handles medical incidents during long haul flights and what we can learn from aviation to improve fatigue management and non-technical skills. 

Matt is back to pick Nick's brain. This time it's all about the respiratory patient. 

- Should I give adrenaline to a sick COPD patient?

- What is the difference between CPAP and BiPAP

- How do I figure out the BVM?

- How do I measure RR in an unconscious patient?

- What is the point of a BVM filter?

Today we sit down with Professor Peter O'Meara. Peter has been practicing paramedicine since the early 1970's and was one of the first to complete a profession focused PhD. We talk about his early career, the inception of paramedic degrees in Australia and where the future of professionalisation will take us.