Episode 183 [Full] James Dahmer, Canadian Rescue Specialist Paramedic

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by James Dahmer, rescue medic. Dahmer shares his background and talks about how he got into search-and-rescue (SAR). He also recounts some of his most memorable rescues, including a fatal resuscitation in the Tantalus Range, and a rescue where he had to perform CPR on a longline. This conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of SAR work in treacherous mountain environments. They discuss various incidents and challenges Dahmer has faced in his many rescue roles. These stories include a flight to rescue a patient in cold weather, the use of intraosseous (IO) and intravenous (IV) access, preventing IV from freezing in extreme temperatures, a large dockyard fire, a severe half torso laceration, and a major concussion case. In this conversation, Dahmer shares his experiences and insights as a paramedic, hoist rescue specialist, ropes rescue technician, and ski patrol member. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and psychology of patients in pre-hospital medicine. Dahmer also discusses the challenges and creativity required in rope rescues and the physical demands of high-stress situations. He highlights the value of training and mentoring in the field, plus the need to pass on knowledge to the next generation and share stories in the SAR community. Enjoy! This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ:Breeze-Eastern and AEM.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS. Plus, get your podcast gear at therealresqstore.com. 00:00 Introduction and Background02:52 James' Journey into Search and Rescue09:43 James' First Rescue28:49 Resuscitation on a Long Line33:19 Flight to the South36:12 CPR Basics in Cold Weather39:37 Intraosseous (IO) and IV Access42:29 Preventing IV Freezing46:32 Squamish Dockyard Fire52:12 Half Torso Laceration59:25 Major Concussion01:01:50 Treating Hypothermia and Stroke Symptoms01:04:07 Helicopter Rescue and Landing01:05:27 Recovery and Gratitude01:06:43 The Importance of Recognition01:07:09 The Role of Mentors and Training01:09:29 The Practice of Medicine and Trying New Techniques01:11:59 Realistic Training and Pushing Boundaries01:14:18 The Balancing Act of Risk and Rescue01:15:30 The Limitations of Helicopter Rescue01:19:22 Progressive Training and Building Skills01:25:19 The Loneliness of Air Operations01:27:22 The Speed and Efficiency of Helicopter Rescue01:30:03 The Challenges of Helicopter Rescue in Canada01:35:16 Triple Fatality at Shannon Falls01:41:00 The Importance of Context and Psychology in Pre-hospital Medicine01:43:18 The Challenges of Rope Rescue and the Need for Creativity01:49:25 The Intensity and Physical Demands of High-Stress Rescues01:56:40 The Value of Training and Mentoring02:01:41 The Jelly Newton Piñata and the Importance of Sharing Stories02:08:38 Train Your Replacement and Be a Genuine Mentor