The Shift Extension Paramedic Podcast

Episodes

1. 25

   S5 Ep3: Recap on RESPOND26

   Missed RESPOND26 and curious to know what you missed? Join Sunny, Lou and Hannah as they recap an eventful and thoroughly entertaining RESPOND26, giving you a little taste of the ideas, moments and madness that made this one a clinical conference to remember.

   Sep 8, 2026

   1h 06m
2. 24

   S5 Ep2: When Collaboration Leads the Conversation

   While we're passionate advocates for creative careers, innovation, and pushing our profession forward, we also have enormous respect for where we've come from. Ambulance services are the foundation of prehospital care, and that heritage deserves to be celebrated. That's why this episode is such a...

   Aug 7, 2026

   1h 07m
3. 23

   S5 Ep1: How creative can we be in seeking feedback?

   We're back after a 12 month break from recording with new hosts and a new take on what it is to be a shift worker! Join Sunny, Lou and Hannah as they welcome Hannah and delve into just how creative we can be in our jobs and seeking feedback from those below us.

   Jul 12, 2026

   59m
4. 22

   S4 Ep6: We got a letter! A handwritten one with a wax seal.

   We got a letter from an avid listener. A handwritten letter with a wax seal. They had some great questions about analgesia, working as a clinician while they are a student and the toll of the job.

   Aug 17, 2025

   46m
5. 21

   S4 Ep5: Leadership, followership and servantship: How to serve our team and our community

   This was a topic that came up over coffee. We hit record and wanted to see where the conversation would flow. Check it out! Join the TSE community today. Access member only content and discounts on events. Head to The Shift Extension | Preparing the next generation of paramedics for the real…

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   Jun 17, 2025

   38m
6. 20

   S4 Ep4: The "just in case" cannula.

   Have you heard the term, just because you can, doesn't mean you should? Today we discuss a paper called "Idle peripheral intravenous cannulation: an observational cohort study of pre-hospital and emergency department practices" by Hugo Evison. Article: Idle peripheral intravenous cannulation: an...

   May 29, 2025

   32m
7. 19

   S4 Ep3: Paramedicine outside the truck - Humanitarian medicine

   Paramedicine outside of the truck explores the opportunities for paramedics outside of traditional roles. Today we explore humanitarian medicine both in Australia and overseas. Become a member today and access exclusive content, discounts and a community of likeminded clinicians. Head to The…

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   May 12, 2025

   40m
8. 18

   S4 Ep2: Clinical Corner - Hypoglycemia

   A quick and easy chat about hypoglycemia. What have we learnt from our experiences, and what are the nuances of treatment. Do these patients need to go to hospital? Become a member today and access exclusive content, discounts and a community of likeminded clinicians. Head to The Shift Extension…

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   Apr 24, 2025

   36m
9. 17

   S4 Ep1: Can training replace experience?

   You hear comments like "paramedics need to gain experience to be competent". This is great in theory, but not in practice. Not all paramedics can gain vast amounts of experience simply by the nature of where they work and the role they work in. Is this, ok? Should we or could we replace…

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   Apr 7, 2025

   39m
10. 16

    S3 Ep6: Providing ethical medical support on remote expeditions

    The title says it all. Have a listen, tell us your thoughts.

    Mar 24, 2025

    47m
11. 15

    S3 Ep5: Paramedicine outside the truck: Music Festivals

    This is part 1 of a series called "Paramedicine outside the truck". Yes, there are plenty of places you can work as a paramedic outside of an ambulance service. This series will highlight a few. Today we talk about festival medicine, and what goes into keeping people safe.

    Mar 9, 2025

    35m
12. 14

    S3 Ep4: What is the hardest job in paramedicine?

    Sunny proposed this question about 6 minutes before we hit record. This is an unedited, unplanned chat that might surprise you.

    Feb 21, 2025

    38m
13. 13

    S3 Ep3: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

    Thanks to Sam for the question. She asked us if we suffer from imposter syndrome and how do we overcome it. If you have a question for the team, write to us at [email protected]

    Feb 3, 2025

    38m
14. 12

    S3 Ep2: Clinical corner - Haemorrhage control

    Lou wants to know how we manage bleeding. What has our experience taught us about major limb, junctional and internal bleeding?

    Jan 16, 2025

    40m
15. 11

    S3 Ep1: "There are no jobs" - Why they are wrong!

    We have all heard someone say "there are no jobs when you graduate", but how true is this statement. Do graduates have less opportunities than those 15 years ago? Do paramedics feel stuck working for an ambulance service? Does education reflect the many opportunities for paramedics in the private...

    Dec 31, 2024

    56m
16. 10

    S2 Ep5: Every job is a "real" job.

    Have you ever been asked if you have done any real work today? What is a "real job"? Should we change our mindset? It might just improve our care and our own longevity.

    Nov 26, 2024

    28m
17. 9

    S2 Ep4: How to be a paramedic outside of an ambulance service.

    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.

    Nov 5, 2024

    46m
18. 8

    S2 Ep3: Scared to deliver a baby? Let's talk about it.

    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.

    Oct 14, 2024

    47m
19. 7

    S2 Ep2: Mistakes are ok and inevitable. Perfectionism is not your friend

    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.

    Sep 25, 2024

    48m
20. 6

    S2 Ep1: Do we need a provisional diagnosis? It's not as simple as you think.

    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?

    Sep 5, 2024

    42m
21. 5

    S1 Ep25: Episode 25 - What would you do if.....your patient doesn't want to go to hospital?

    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?

    Mar 2, 2024

    38m
22. 4

    S1 Ep24: Episode 24 - From student paramedic to chief executive of Ambulance Tasmania - A chat with Jordan Emery

    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.

    Feb 9, 2024

    1h 01m
23. 3

    S1 Ep23: Episode 23 - What would you do if.....your patient had a dysrhythmia. Clinical chats with Nick and Matt

    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...

    Jan 12, 2024

    46m
24. 2

    S1 Ep22: Episode 22 - Pilot to Paramedic with Captain Sean Golding

    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...

    Nov 27, 2023

    38m
25. 1

    S1 Ep21: Episode 21 - What would you do if....you went to a sick respiratory patient. Clinical chats with Nick and Matt

    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?

    Oct 17, 2023

    47m
26. S1 Ep20: Episode 20 - Paramedicine in the 70's and beyond with Professor Peter O'meara

    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...

    Oct 9, 2023

    43m
27. S1 Ep19: Episode 19 - What would you do if......a guy fell off a mountain. Clinical chats with Nick and Matt

    This is the first installment of our new case study "What would I do if". Matt poses a series of clinical questions on the topic of TBI and the general management of a trauma patient following a long fall. What should I take into a remote scene? Should I expose all of my trauma patients? Does...

    Sep 25, 2023

    1h 01m
28. 18

    18: Episode 18 - The triple threat - Associate Professor Belinda Flanagan

    We sat down with paramedic, nurse, midwife, and academic Belinda Flanigan. Belinda has had an incredible career in paramedicine from ambulance officer to now the head of the first school of paramedicine in Australia. We talk about her career, her life as a midwife, how her PhD changed practice…

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    Sep 10, 2023

    46m
29. S1 Ep17: Episode 17 - Clinical Guideline Manifesto with Matt Wilkinson - Stokes

    Today we sit down with Matt, a paramedic, phd candidate and lead author of "The Clinical Guidelines Manifesto". The CGM is the most up to date comparison of ambulance service CPG's across Australia and New Zealand. We dive into the manifesto, how ambulance services create their own guidelines…

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    Aug 27, 2023

    40m
30. S1 Ep16: Episode 16 - Finding paramedicine and purpose on a yacht in France - with Shell Piercy

    Today we sit down with New Zealand Extended Care Paramedic and Nurse Shell Piercy. Shell has had a diverse career working in military, ambulance, mining and wilderness settings. We talk about her experiences, finding your purpose and how to make the most of your career in paramedicine.

    Aug 3, 2023

    39m
31. S1 Ep15: Episode 15 - Are we ready to deal with death? - with paramedic and cardiac arrest survivor Dr Sandy Macquarrie,

    Dr Sandy Macquarrie is an accomplished paramedic, academic and researcher. After decades of ambulance and fire service in Canada, he migrated to Australia to teach. He completed a PhD in paramedic wellness and continues his work at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. Last year, Sandy suffered…

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    Jul 10, 2023

    49m
32. S1 Ep14: Episode 14 - Police providing a medical first response, with Dustin Osbourne

    Today we are joined by Dustin Osbourne, a police officer from Queensland, Australia. Dustin was instrumental in the creation and delivery of the police tactical first aid program. We talk about his experiences providing medical care in the community and the role police can play.

    Jun 22, 2023

    27m
33. S1 Ep13: Episode 13 - Adapting to changing practice. Rice, collars and vinegar with Mark Ward

    Today we are joined by Mark Ward, an experienced remote area paramedic from QLD. We sat down to discuss how paramedics can adapt to their ever-changing clinical practice. We look at why things change slowly, why change is important and why vinegar and box jellyfish are not your friends.

    Jun 6, 2023

    31m
34. S1 Ep12: Episode 12 - The not so common cardiac arrest - Case Studies

    Today Nick and Sunny talk about cardiac arrest. How do we become better at managing these in our environment and care for others when the outcome is poor.

    Mar 16, 2023

    31m
35. S1 Ep11: Episode 11 - Fever and Syncope - Case Studies

    Today Sunny and Nick discuss the case of a 70-year-old with syncope in the presence of an ongoing infection. We talk about assessment, red flags, patient needs, and recommendation of care.

    Feb 22, 2023

    24m
36. S1 Ep10: Episode 10 - Taskforce Flood Assist, with Kate Carmody

    Today we welcome Clinical Nurse Kate Carmody to the show. Kate is an experienced nurse, with military, civilian and out of hospital experience. Today we talk about the taskforce she led during the recent NSW flood disaster, providing vital medical care to isolated and vulnerable communities.

    Dec 12, 2022

    25m
37. S1 Ep9: Episode 9 - When Animals Attack - Case Studies

    The poem "I'm a paramedic, but no one taught me how" by Julia Cornah teaches us that our studies can't prepare us for everything that we will encounter. That sometimes we have to be creative and think outside the box. Today Sunny and Nick reflect on some of the stranger jobs, the ones you can't...

    Oct 6, 2022

    27m
38. S1 Ep8: Episode 8 - Paediatrics and perspectives with Dr Andrew Tagg

    We were fortunate to sit down with Dr Andrew Tagg, an paediatric emergency specialist from Australia. Andy is also the co-founder of the education platform, "Don't Forget the Bubbles". We had an amazing chat about how to a better clinician and how to look after yourself in the process.

    Aug 22, 2022

    50m
39. S1 Ep7: Episode 7 - The Amputation, The Aftermath, with Darren Hodge.

    Today we sit down with Mr Darren Hodge. Darren is a MICA Flight Paramedic from Melbourne, Australia. Today he shares a case from his book "A Life on the Line". Not only did the case push Darren to his limits, but so did the aftermath.

    Aug 9, 2022

    41m
40. S1 Ep6: Episode 6 - Underestimated and Underutilised - The private paramedic sector

    Today we are joined by Ekaterina (Kat) Puzanova, the author of the article "Underestimated and Underutilised - The private paramedic sector". We explore this emerging sector, challenge some misconceptions, and discuss how private paramedics can serve our profession.

    Jul 10, 2022

    35m
41. S1 Ep5: Episode 5 - Big things from small beginnings, with Alex Mair

    Today we sit down with Alex Mair, to talk about her highly successful podcast. The Student Paramedic Podcast has been providing fantastic insights, learnings and ideas for students and paramedics alike. Alex tells us about where it all began, the lessons she learnt along the way, and how it…

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    Jun 20, 2022

    32m
42. S1 Ep4: Episode 4 - Soft skills or essential skills? with Andy Bell

    We spend a lot of time developing our technical skills. But have we lost sight of the importance of the so called "soft skills"? Today we sit down with Andy Bell to discuss these skills and why they are essential to our practice. "A patient won't remember what you said, or what you did, they will...

    May 30, 2022

    36m
43. S1 Ep3: Episode 3 - Should family be present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation? with Mitchell Trethowan

    We recently sat down with Mitchell Trethowan, to have a chat about his recent publication "Good Grief, Bad Grief - Should family be present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation". Can being present benefit the family, or can it hinder clinical interventions? Does being present allow the family to…

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    Apr 21, 2022

    25m
44. S1 Ep2: Episode 2 - Not your average case of anaphylaxis. A case study.

    On today's episode, Sunny and Nick explore a case of atypical anaphylaxis.

    Apr 4, 2022

    19m
45. S1 Ep1: Episode 1 - Maybe they are not "just" drunk. Serotonin Syndrome - A case study.

    Welcome to the first episode of The Shift Extension Paramedic Podcast. Today Sunny and Nick dive into our first case study. We have all been to the intoxicated patient who we believe is "just drunk" and thus absolutely fine. But what if there was something else contributing to their presentation,...

    Mar 17, 2022

    21m