In this episode, Kaitlin and Taylor sit down with Dan Basting and Adam Jackson to unpack what it really means to be a “cookbook medic.” Together, they explore how strict protocol reliance can limit critical thinking—and how digging into the why behind the medicine helps elevate care, confidence, and clinical judgment. This conversation challenges you to move past memorization and embrace true understanding in every call.

we sit down with Brad Garton to unpack one of the most intense calls of his career. A scene that required a rare and life-saving field amputation. Brad walks us through the events leading up to that critical moment, the challenges faced on scene, and the unconventional methods used to get the patient out safely. He also opens up about what comes after a decision like that—the emotional weight, the debrief, and how moments like these shape who we are in emergency services.

In honor of Halloween, The 260 is bringing you 11 spooky (and sometimes hilarious) stories straight from the field. From haunted houses and mysterious cars tailing the ambulance to good old-fashioned station pranks, this episode is all about light-hearted fun with a Halloween twist. Stick around until the end — our last story is absolutely phenomenal.

In this episode, Kaitlin sits down with Tim Skiver, HazMat Team Lead for Fort Wayne Fire, to pull back the curtain on one of the department’s most specialized units. Tim shares the ins and outs of HazMat response—from the dynamics of the team and the process of joining, to the unique challenges they face on scene. They tackle common misconceptions about HazMat work and highlight what it really takes to be part of a high-performing team.

In this episode, Kaitlin sits down with Dr. Scott and guest Bryan Heckman for a deep dive into one of the most critical conditions we face in EMS: sepsis. From breaking down the difference between SIRS and sepsis, to recognizing high-risk patients, to treatment strategies and what’s really happening inside the body, this conversation brings clarity to a complex and often misunderstood topic.

Below the Surface takes you inside the world of the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s elite Dive Team. Hosted by Kaitlin Carper and Dive Team Lead Brad Garton, explores the skills, training, and stories that define underwater rescue work — from how firefighters join the team to the life-saving missions that push divers to their limits.

In this episode, Kaitlin Carper sits down with  Ryan McCurdy, lead of the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team. Ryan shares what it takes to join the team, the certifications required, and the wide range of disciplines they cover—from trench and grain bin rescues to high- and low-angle operations. He also dives offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most challenging and rewarding specialties in the fire service.

For decades, medicine was designed around the “average male patient”—your medications, ER treatments, even heart attack and stroke protocols. It wasn’t intentional, it was invisible. Now, ER physician and medical researcher Dr. Alyson J. McGregor is spotlighting the science that’s been overlooked—from how heart attacks manifest differently in women, to how hormones alter drug metabolism. In this episode of The 260, Dr. McGregor shows us why this isn’t just an academic issue—it’s life and death.

Sex Matters: How Male-Centric Medicine Endangers Women’s Health—and What We Can Do About It

https://a.co/d/8coqLlV

Sex and Gender in Acute Care Medicine 

https://a.co/d/6FYsxZY

In this episode of the260, Kaitlin and Taylor take on one of the most difficult responsibilities in emergency services—giving a death notice. It’s a task that demands compassion, clarity, and courage, and yet it’s something many of us never truly feel prepared for. Together, we share real-world insight, personal experiences, and practical tips to help providers approach this moment with the professionalism and empathy it deserves.

In this episode of the260, we sit down with veterinarian Dr. Logan Eicher to explore the wild and rewarding world of emergency animal care. From roadside rescues to pet CPR, Dr. Eicher shares gripping stories from his path to becoming a vet and offers practical advice for first responders and pet owners alike. Learn how to provide lifesaving aid to animals in crisis and hear some unforgettable moments from the front lines of veterinary medicine.