What If No One Answered The Call

Michael seemed like a typical New Yorker and in a lot of ways he was. He had a swagger and an accent that was unmistakable. That's what he wanted people to think about him. And he risked his life on 9/11 to come to the aid of his city. He was a hero-but that was not always the case throughout much of his life. Rescued from a life that was heading into crime and prostitution, Michael was reset on a road to become a responsible citizen. But not being a "typical New Yorker" would steer him on a painful course in his search for a happy life-a life that he deemed willing to sacrifice in his efforts to help save lives. What happened in the years after that day would eventually lead him to local notoriety and acclaim. James talks with Michael's friend and Author of the book: FROM THE PILE: A 9-11 First Responder's Story, Neil Adams. Out on Amazon.com

James shares two good medical related stories of recent times. 

Dr. Peter Koway is a respected physician and medical author known for his work in cardiovascular health and patient education. With years of clinical experience, he has dedicated his career to helping patients better understand heart conditions and the importance of proactive care. His writing focuses on making complex medical information accessible, practical, and relevant for everyday life. His new book, Failure to Treat: How a Broken Healthcare System Puts Patients and Practitioners At Risk is out NOW! 

Dustin spent the last 14 years serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic, working the frontlines on one of the busiest ambulances in a high-risk, underserved area of my hometown. This job tests me mentally, physically, and spiritually every single day — and I love it. We’re called when seconds matter and lives hang in the balance. It’s in those critical moments that I’ve found my purpose: bringing light to people in their darkest hour. Through these experiences, he saw firsthand the devastating consequences of unprepared facilities — schools without AEDs, churches without bleeding control kits, businesses without staff trained to act when every second counts. That’s why in 2018, DUstin and his wife launched Talacko Safety Solutions — a life-saving equipment and training company built from the ground up by a firefighter and a teacher who care deeply about protecting our community. They specialize in AEDs, major bleeding control stations, secure enclosures, and hands-on emergency training that empowers organizations to respond before first responders arrive. At Talacko Safety,they help schools, businesses, churches, and public venues prepare for high-risk, low-frequency emergencies — the kind that may never happen… until they do. James Lott jr has an important conversation with him. Take a look and listen.

March 20, 2025 we began this podcast. Thank you listeners! 

Message from James Lott Jr.

Dr. Aaron Hartman's functional medicine journey began when traditional healthcare failed Anna, his adopted daughter with cerebral palsy. Despite being a physician, he felt helpless as specialists offered no solutions, only surgery and medications. Witnessing his daughter's impossible transformation shattered everything Dr. Hartman believed about medicine. This transformed his entire practice of medicine and now he’s become the doctor to turn to when all others have given up. He now helps patients reclaim their lives when conventional medicine says "there's nothing more we can do." His new book, "UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds," chronicles this transformation. A clinical researcher involved in 70+ studies and VCU Assistant Clinical Professor, he founded Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine in 2016. LINKS: Website: http://www.uncurablebook.com http://www.AaronHartmanMD.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rvaintegrative Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaronhartmanMD Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rvaintegrative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-hartman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronHartmanMD

James talks about how crucial the decisions made quickly and clearly within the first 10 minutes can save a life or change an outcome! 

James and Claudine use the backdrop of 2025's Eaton Fire here in Southern California to talk about the issues of disasters.Claudine Ripert is the Chief Operating Officer of Critical Control Restoration, where she works alongside executive teams during high-pressure operational disruptions such as fires, floods, and major system failures. She helps leaders maintain clarity, authority, and momentum when normal processes break down, protecting productivity, revenue, and team alignment when it matters most. Claudine brings practical, execution-driven insights on how disciplined leadership and strong systems prevent small incidents from becoming prolonged crises.LINKS:Website: https://criticalcontrol.coLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudine-ripert/

James talks about what needs to be done when first upon a scene. 

Do You Know Where Your ER or Urgent Care IS? And why that is important! 

Do You Know Your Blood Type? Why you should! 

I met Alex online and I liked what he was sharing and saying. He is a former first responder who now helps first responders (and all others) get healthy:mind body and spirit. We have an aamzing convo. Check us out and check him out at adaptablestrength.com

3 different Vanessa's in one day literally answer the call..for me! Take a listen!

This is Part 2 of this Incredulous story of Caregiving gone wrong. Rachel Waters made headlines in 2025 when she was indicted on two counts of murder following her mother’s hospice death in Columbia County, Georgia. Facing charges so severe that they carried the possibility of the death penalty, Rachel's life was upended overnight. Her journey began in 2020 as an only child caregiver to her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and cancer (multiple myeloma). In July 2023, Rachel and her husband were urgently called down from New York City to Georgia after her mother was found nonresponsive and had been declared “actively dying” by hospice staff. Within hours of her mother's death, Rachel learned that she had become a murder suspect. By February 2025, she faced a high-profile indictment alleging that she administered "a lethal dose" of morphine to her mother while she was residing in a memory care facility. In the US, caregivers such as Rachel are issued hospice comfort kits that contain small amounts of prescribed medications, including morphine, which are used to treat end-of-life symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and shortness of breath. After additional records and evidence were presented to the state medical examiner and district attorney, all charges were dismissed in August 2025. Her legal ordeal and personal experience transformed Rachel into a passionate advocate for patients and families navigating end-of-life care. Rachel now works to spotlight systemic gaps in hospice practices and pushes for caregiver protections so that other families and their loved ones are not left vulnerable. A former nonprofit communications professional and life sciences writer, Rachel spent more than a decade exploring the intersections of medicine and technology, human rights, and culture. Rachel grew up in Georgia and now lives in Sunnyside, Queens, with her two husbands and their beloved cats. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Augusta State University and a master’s degree in international affairs from The New School in New York. When she’s not writing or speaking, Rachel can be found lifting heavy, testing the latest biometric gadget, or immersing herself in a good book or creative project. https://gofund.me/77e3e7ad9

This is Part 1 of this Incredulous story of Caregiving gone wrong. Rachel Waters made headlines in 2025 when she was indicted on two counts of murder following her mother’s hospice death in Columbia County, Georgia. Facing charges so severe that they carried the possibility of the death penalty, Rachel's life was upended overnight. Her journey began in 2020 as an only child caregiver to her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and cancer (multiple myeloma). In July 2023, Rachel and her husband were urgently called down from New York City to Georgia after her mother was found nonresponsive and had been declared “actively dying” by hospice staff. Within hours of her mother's death, Rachel learned that she had become a murder suspect. By February 2025, she faced a high-profile indictment alleging that she administered "a lethal dose" of morphine to her mother while she was residing in a memory care facility. In the US, caregivers such as Rachel are issued hospice comfort kits that contain small amounts of prescribed medications, including morphine, which are used to treat end-of-life symptoms such as pain, anxiety, and shortness of breath. After additional records and evidence were presented to the state medical examiner and district attorney, all charges were dismissed in August 2025. Her legal ordeal and personal experience transformed Rachel into a passionate advocate for patients and families navigating end-of-life care. Rachel now works to spotlight systemic gaps in hospice practices and pushes for caregiver protections so that other families and their loved ones are not left vulnerable. A former nonprofit communications professional and life sciences writer, Rachel spent more than a decade exploring the intersections of medicine and technology, human rights, and culture. Rachel grew up in Georgia and now lives in Sunnyside, Queens, with her two husbands and their beloved cats. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Augusta State University and a master’s degree in international affairs from The New School in New York. When she’s not writing or speaking, Rachel can be found lifting heavy, testing the latest biometric gadget, or immersing herself in a good book or creative project. https://gofund.me/77e3e7ad9

James shares how you can go about learning CPR and First aid and other first responder training. You could help save a life. Americanredcross.org 

This is a special mini episode. The Los Angeles Fire Department makes history as it gets a Star on the Walk of Fame! James Lott Jr tells you more! 

James shares a current experience with his Doctors and medical team. 

Thank you!

JLJ speaks with the Memphis based non profit who teamed up with the Memphis Police Domestic Violence Division to put on this fair on Nov 15th from 10am-1pm in Memphis at the Lester Community Center. Featured on the show are Sgt Love, Sgt Knowlton, Lt Fields and Kimmie Webb.All of them are answering the call to help their community end Domestic violence, and help those you need the resources to get our of their situations. Pleasae check out unityserivicealliance.org or email [email protected] or call 901-212-2783.

Moon Child is the new book about Anthony Dyer and its a memoir filled with his life and times. We chat about his combat missions, being in the Air Force and answering that call every time. He has numerous accolades including 2018's Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year award. The book is available in Amazon.

AAA are considered First Responders. James talks about that! Thanks to sponsor and co Exec producer Meredith Addison and Exec Producer Doug Hess! 

From approximately May 2014 to August 2018, Brandl served as Director of Porter County EMS, where she led strategic initiatives, public outreach efforts, and community partnerships.  Under her direction, Porter EMS received national recognition for community engagement and outreach.  One notable public action was the donation of a decommissioned ambulance to the Porter County Search & Rescue team, a move she supported and appeared publicly with.  During her tenure, she was also vocal during high-profile incidents—for instance, when a truck rolled over on the Indiana Toll Road, her statements credited EMS staff for their work ethic and readiness in responding to emergencies. She is a part tie Paramedic for Lutheren EMS in Knox Indiana! She and James co authored a book with several others, You Can Overcome Anything Vol 16! Number one Amazon Bestseller! 

Talk about answering a very sobering type of call. Who are Death Doulas and what do they do. James explains. 

 I Passed A Paramedic Skills Test and I tell you all about it! 

Its been 24 years since that tragic day. Never forget! 

If you are the caregiver of a family memeber, do you ahve any help? Is thereanyone to answer the call? James shares a story about that! 

It's a very tricky and difficult decision, whether or not to call an ambulance for someone. James Lott Jr gives you examples and answers.

James talks about bad doctors and other health care professionals.

who are first repsonders AND who were considered essential workers during the early part of the pandemic/lockdown! Hosted by James Lott JR. Produced by Meredith Addison, Doug Hess and JLJ.

James Lott Jr shares some of his experiences of answering the call during 9/11, while working at a hospital and what that takes of a person. 

A listener of this show sends me a letter and shares a story of when someone answered the call. JLJ is the host! 

In this episode, I spoke with Samantha Mitchell who is the Director of Mobile Intergraded Health, Carlin Traylor an RN with the project and Darrin Forman who is a paramedic.  Hosted by Doug Hess.  For more goto crawfordsville.in.gov

James answered the call and that person send him a letter. Take a listen to this story.

James Lott Jr has a great chat with the Administrator of Uinta County Fire and ambulance in Wyoming! Eric gives some real useful tips regarding fires and fire prevention and they talk about ways YOU can help at your local firehouses. 

James Lott Jr shares his house fire story of 2006. Thank you to the San Francisco Fire Dept.

James Lott JR has a great chat with Eric about the Volunteer Fire council: what they do, how they help, and how local Firehouses could use your help! goto www.nvfc.org for more details.

Mike shares important info and what he does for a living. He's a Fire Prevention Captain and Airport Crash Rescue Team Member here in Southern California! Was A firefighter in the Armed forces too. AND he is a CPR Instructor and First Aid teacher. Follow on IG @mejiacrewThis episode is sponsored by Lori L Martin PA-C (LA)

James Lott Jr again shares another life saving story of him and an ex roommate! 

Nurse James Lott Jr tells the story of overcoming his fear of flying to help a flight attendent with Low blood sugar! 

In this episode, I spoke with Putnam County EMS Chief Kelly Russ regarding her role.  We also discussed her time on Capital Hill advocating for resources for the EMS Community. Hosted by Doug Hess 

n this episode, I spoke with Dennis Stewart, a veteran Fire Fighter and EMT who works for the city of Terre Haute. Dennis also spent time in the military asa combat Nurse.

In this episode, I discuss with Clinton, Indiana's Fire Chief, Chris Strohm. Chief Strohm discusses his interest in helping others and we discuss the real possibility that perhaps some day, there may not be someone there to answer the call.

What If No One Answered the Call is a powerful podcast that takes you inside the high-stakes world of emergency medicine. Through firsthand accounts from ER nurses, paramedics, and first responders, we explore the moments that define life and death—the calls that demand split-second decisions, the chaos of the trauma bay, and the resilience of those who fight to save lives.Each episode dives into real-life emergencies, the emotional and physical toll on healthcare professionals, and the triumphs that make it all worth it. Because when crisis strikes, someone has to answer the call.

What If No One Answered the Call is a powerful podcast that takes you inside the high-stakes world of emergency medicine. Through firsthand accounts from ER nurses, paramedics, and first responders, we explore the moments that define life and death—the calls that demand split-second decisions, the chaos of the trauma bay, and the resilience of those who fight to save lives. Each episode dives into real-life emergencies, the emotional and physical toll on healthcare professionals, and the triumphs that make it all worth it. Because when crisis strikes, someone has to answer the call. New episodes every week. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.