Summary

In this episode of the Alert Medical Podcast, host Cody and co-hosts Josh and Mustafa Sidik engage with guest Kirk Smith, a seasoned respiratory therapist, to discuss the critical role of mechanical ventilation in emergency medical services (EMS). Kirk shares his journey from bartender to respiratory therapist, emphasizing the importance of proper ventilation techniques in patient care. The conversation covers various topics, including the selection of ventilators, the significance of CPAP and BiPAP, and the challenges faced in implementing ventilators in EMS settings. Kirk also introduces adaptive support ventilation (ASV) as a valuable tool for managing patients effectively. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of ventilation technology and the need for ongoing education in the field.

Takeaways

Kirk's journey from bartender to respiratory therapist highlights the importance of seizing opportunities.

Mechanical ventilation is crucial for optimizing patient care in EMS.

Choosing the right ventilator involves understanding the specific needs of the department.

CPAP and BiPAP are essential tools for managing respiratory distress in patients.

Feedback from ventilators is vital for ensuring effective patient care.

Education and training are key to overcoming resistance to using ventilators in EMS.

Adaptive support ventilation (ASV) simplifies the management of ventilated patients.

The future of ventilation technology includes intelligent and closed-loop systems.

Understanding ventilator settings can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Collaboration between EMS and hospitals is essential for improving patient care.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

03:33 Kirk's Journey into Respiratory Therapy

06:40 The Importance of Mechanical Ventilation

09:27 Ventilator Selection and Organizational Maturity

12:34 Implementing Ventilators in EMS

15:41 Understanding Ventilator Settings and Patient Care

18:21 The Role of Ventilators in CPR

21:44 Overcoming Barriers to Ventilator Use

24:38 Education and Training for Ventilator Use

40:21 Navigating New Equipment in Emergency Care

43:12 Understanding the Role of Leadership in Training

47:00 The Importance of Ventilation in Patient Care

49:48 The Case for Mechanical Ventilation

54:33 Innovations in Ventilation Technology

01:01:11 The Future of Ventilation: Intelligent Systems

Keywords

mechanical ventilation, EMS, respiratory therapy, Kirk Smith, patient care, CPAP, BiPAP, ventilator settings, cardiac arrest, adaptive support ventilation