Dr. John Croushorn - Compression Works (RideAlong Interview)

In this special interview episode of the RideAlong: EMT School Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. John Croushorn, Emergency Medicine Physician, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Compression Works, and co-inventor of the AAJT-S. Dr. Croushorn sits down with us to discuss the AAJT-S (Abdominal Aortic and Junctional Tourniquet – Stabilized) — what it is, why it was developed, and where it fits into the management of severe, life-threatening hemorrhage when standard extremity tourniquets aren’t enough. We break down junctional and truncal bleeding, device indications, physiologic effects, and the realities of deploying advanced hemorrhage control tools in high-stress environments. The conversation also explores how devices like the AAJT-S translate from military and tactical medicine into civilian EMS, the challenges of training and decision-making around low-frequency / high-consequence tools, and what EMTs and paramedics should understand about hemorrhage control beyond “tourniquet goes high and tight.” This episode is an honest, practical discussion about capability, limitations, and clinical judgment — and what it actually looks like when advanced bleeding control meets the real world. -------------------------------------- Check out the AAJT-S from Compression Works! https://compressionworks.com/ -------------------------------------- Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction & welcoming Dr. Croushorn 03:45 – Background in emergency medicine and device development 08:30 – The problem of junctional and truncal hemorrhage 14:00 – What the AAJT-S is and how it works 21:00 – Indications, contraindications, and physiologic considerations 29:30 – Civilian vs military use cases for junctional tourniquets 38:00 – Training challenges with low-frequency, high-risk devices 47:15 – Decision-making under pressure and hemorrhage prioritization 56:00 – Where tools like the AAJT-S fit in modern EMS systems 01:04:30 – Advice for EMTs encountering severe bleeding scenarios 01:12:00 – Final thoughts on hemorrhage control and preparedness -------------------------------------- ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols. -------------------------------------- 🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links www.ridealong.bulletn.net