DAMN Good Medics

In this episode of DAMN Good Medics, Mark and Jeff examine loyalty, the next trait in the Tact branch of the Character-Based Leadership Tree. Building on selflessness, loyalty is more than agreement or obedience—it is the disciplined commitment to the mission and the team, even when trust is strained, the full picture isn't clear, or there are easier paths available. Drawing from military doctrine, philosophy, and real-world EMS experience, this conversation explores how loyalty operates up, down, and across teams, how it must be earned through trust, and how it breaks down when directed at the wrong things—protecting individuals at the expense of the mission. Because loyalty doesn't prove itself when it's easy. It proves itself when there are a hundred reasons not to.

In this episode of DAMN Good Medics, Mark, Jeff, and Chiyo begin the Tact branch of the Character-Based Leadership Tree by examining its foundational trait: selflessness. Like the expectant triage category, every EMS provider knows that concept of a selfless leader exists. The parallels continue, leaders with the trait are often overshadowed as the characteristic is just lumped in with other traits just as expectant patients are normally folded into the black category. Rarer than the triage tags that are equipped are those leaders who truly embodying selflessness.  More than simple kindness or sacrifice, selflessness is deeply connected to humility—the discipline of placing the mission and your people ahead of ego, comfort, and personal advancement while maintaining the capacity to lead effectively. Drawing from military doctrine, crew resource management, and real-world EMS experience, this conversation explores how selflessness shapes leadership, accountability, and team dynamics—especially in the moments that don't resolve cleanly.

In this rare but timely solo episode, Mark concludes the Bearing branch of the Character-Based Leadership Tree by examining its final trait: endurance—as the rest of the cadre is out actively demonstrating it where the extremes have become the norm. Defined as the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, and hardship without giving way, endurance is more than persistence—it is the discipline of remaining aligned with the mission over time. Drawing from Marine Corps doctrine, mission-critical team research, and real-world EMS experience, this episode explores the physical, mental, and emotional demands of endurance—and the role leaders play in building it within themselves and their teams. Because endurance is not an individual act. It is the discipline of shared burden—so the mission doesn't fail when the pressure builds. (Episode summary written in part by ChatGPT)

In this episode of DAMN Good Medics, the crew explores initiative, the next trait growing from the Bearing branch of the Character-Based Leadership Tree. If enthusiasm is the emotional commitment to the mission, initiative is the moment that commitment becomes action. Drawing from military leadership doctrine and real-world EMS experience, Mark, Chad, Jeff, and Chiyo discuss what it means to act in the absence of orders while still operating within the mission and intent of the organization. The conversation examines the leadership foundations that make initiative possible—including commander's intent, psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and accountability—while also identifying the forces that suppress it: fear, ego, and micromanagement. Because initiative isn't just taking action, It's acting with purpose when the mission demands it. Resources Referenced • Life and Death Matters: Professionalism and Decision-Making for the First Responder — James & Carolyn Adams • US Marine Corps Leadership Traits and Principles • Mission Critical Team Institute – Teamcast Podcast Don't forget to check out Dylan Brabham's music! (Episode summary written, in part by ChatGPT)  

In this Hot Mic episode, the conversation unfolds as a candid discussion about the patterns that shape EMS culture from the inside. Jimmy Apple, the EMS Avenger, joins Mark, Chad, Lee, and Chiyo to explore the current state of EMS culture. Rather than placing blame solely on staff, systems, or leadership, the discussion centers on how strain within the profession can become self-reinforcing — not only through external pressures, but also through internal habits and expectations that shape how providers respond to them. Across the conversation, the group reflects on: how cultural norms can unintentionally normalize suffering how burnout and frustration influence day-to-day interactions why attempts to cope can sometimes entrench dysfunction the tension between advocacy and resignation the balance between system limitations and personal responsibility how leadership and peer influence shape workplace culture There are no solid conclusions here — only a shared recognition that meaningful change requires honesty about both the pressures imposed on EMS and the habits that sustain them. (Episode summary written in part by ChatGPT) Referenced content: It's Not Your Fault Addicted to Misery

In this episode of DAMN Good Medics, Mark and Chad examine the leadership trait of enthusiasm — not as optimism or emotional intensity, but as sustained commitment to mission in the face of fatigue, frustration, and realism. Drawing from classical philosophy and leadership doctrine, the discussion reframes enthusiasm as a disciplined habit rather than a passing mood. Echoing Aristotle's observation that "we are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit," the episode considers how enthusiasm functions as an ongoing choice rather than an emotional state. The conversation explores the tension between enthusiasm and burnout, introducing the concept of cynical enthusiasm — the ability to remain engaged even while clearly recognizing the flaws and limitations of the systems in which we work. This perspective aligns with G.K. Chesterton's insight that reform must preserve the elements that sustain life, not extinguish them in the name of improvement. Mark and Chad address: the distinction between happiness and enthusiasm the reciprocal relationship between burnout and disengagement the role of hope as a precursor to commitment the leadership challenge of authenticity versus projection how cynicism can coexist with care when it does not devolve into apathy The episode also connects individual enthusiasm to broader cultural outcomes, drawing on the military concept of esprit de corps — the shared commitment that sustains teams through adversity — and reinforcing General H. Norman Schwarzkopf's assertion that "leadership is a potent combination of character and strategy." Rather than advocating blind optimism, Cynical Enthusiasm frames enthusiasm as stewardship: maintaining commitment to the mission even when illusions have faded. In this light, enthusiasm becomes less about feeling inspired and more about continuing to invest — a practical expression of leadership that sustains both individuals and organizations over time. (Episode Summary by ChatGPT)

Mark, Chad, Lee, & Jeff complete a two-part exploration that began in Even a Student Is Known by Their Bearing. Where Bearing examined how a medic carries themselves internally — their steadiness, composure, and moral posture — this episode turns outward to ask how that same character appears in relationship with others. In the DAMN Good Medics framework, Bearing is the foundation; Tact is its expression. Bearing answers: Who are you when the world is pressing on you? Tact answers: How do you treat others when you are under that pressure? Guided by Schwarzkopf's principle that leadership is character before strategy, the crew treats tact as the relational discipline that allows integrity to be heard rather than resisted. Tact is the behavioral evidence that inner formation has actually taken root. Tact is therefore not a social trick; it is how moral formation becomes operational in real life. (Episode Summary by ChatGPT)

Even a Student Is Known by Their Bearing Leadership is observed before it's granted. In this episode of DAMN Good Medics, Mark, Lee, Chad, and Jeff break down bearing—how leaders are seen before they ever speak. Bearing isn't image or ego. It's professional presence: appearance, posture, composure, discipline, and consistency under observation. Drawing from EMS, military leadership, and public safety, the conversation explores why students and junior providers are judged early, why habits matter more than intent, and how professionalism becomes second nature under stress. This episode focuses on how character shows up visibly and sets the foundation for Part 2 on tact—how leaders are experienced once interaction begins. (Episode description created in part by ChatGPT) Resources & References Marine Corps Leadership Traits (JJDIDTIEBUCKLE) – Bearing Admiral William McRaven – Make Your Bed Cooper's Color Code – Situational awareness Warrior Mindset – Asken, Christensen, Grossman    

Pressors don't fix one problem—they improve system performance across multiple dimensions. Integrity works the same way. In this episode of DAMN Good Medics, Mark, Lee, and Chiyo examine integrity as the ultimate leadership pressor—one that improves decision-making, trust, communication, and culture simultaneously. Not a value statement. A systemic physiologic intervention combating the ethical hypoperfusion present in the wastelands of the EMS industry. This is the critical transition point of the DAMN Good Medics character based leadership framework—where character stops being theoretical and starts affecting outcomes. (Show notes written in part by ChatGPT)   Simon Sinek - Trust vs. Performance Team Before Self - Be Worthy

This end-of-year wrap-up episode of DAMN Good Medics features a raw, "off-the-clock" conversation between Mark, Chad, and Chiyo. Leaning into their "understaffed" reality, they deliver an episode that feels less like a lecture and more like a debrief in the back of a rig on what the past year of conversations has revealed about leadership, EMS culture, and personal growth. What emerges (unintentionally) is a clear framework—Discipline, Accountability, Mindset, & Next—that captures both the lessons learned and the direction forward. Discipline The conversation opens with the behaviors that quietly separate good medics from great ones. Discipline shows up in preparation, work ethic, and consistency—checking trucks, knowing equipment, using checklists, and doing the unglamorous work that prevents failure long before a call goes sideways. The crew explores how discipline, not talent or motivation, is what ultimately defines culture and reliability in high-risk systems. Accountability Publishing leadership philosophy publicly comes with a cost—and an obligation. Mark discusses how the podcast has put his values under a microscope, inviting others to hold him to the standard he's advocating. The group unpacks integrity as the foundation of leadership accountability, and why transparency matters more than positional authority in EMS organizations. Mindset Imposter syndrome, burnout, gratitude, reinvention, and growth all surface as the crew reflects on their careers and the mental toll of the job. From tacit knowledge to conscious leadership, this segment explores how mindset shifts are necessary to survive—and thrive—over a long EMS career. The hosts discuss why gratitude matters, why being willing to be wrong accelerates learning, and why most medics have to reinvent themselves every few years to stay healthy in the profession. Next This episode isn't just a look back—it's a pivot point. The hosts preview what's coming next for DAMN Good Medics, including deeper dives into integrity, high-reliability organizations, aviation lessons from pilots, and more guest-driven conversations. The goal remains the same: translating leadership theory into actionable intelligence that improves EMS culture from the inside out. (Show notes created in part on ChatGPT)   Recommended & Referenced Chad Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink & Leif Babin The Dichotomy of Leadership – Jocko Willink & Leif Babin Chiyo The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande The ABG Survival Guide – Bryan Selvage The Flight Paramedic's Guide to Mechanical Ventilation – Austin Kiser Mark Burnt Out: A Paramedic's Memoir – Chad Davis Leading When It Counts – Dustin Wingate High Reliability for a Highly Unreliable World: Preparing for Code Blue through Daily Operations in Healthcare – Daved van Stralen, MD, FAAP; Spencer L. Byrum; and Bahadir Inozu, PhD   DGM Social Media Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X(Twitter), Threads,

In this short and intensely personal episode, Mark and Chad tackle the essential USMC leadership trait of Courage. They bridge the gap between physical courage on the Thin Red Line and the moral courage needed to lead through complexity. Using the Harvard Business Review framework of Five Characteristics of a Courageous Leader, the hosts break down the necessary traits for longevity and integrity in any high-stakes career. 🔑 Key Takeaways & The Five Points of Courage 1. Authenticity: The "Do What is Right No Matter the Cost" philosophy. Why defining your personal mission, vision, and values (M-V-V) is essential to avoid being a "bad prophet"—a leader who compromises belief for popularity or convenience. 2. Emotional Intelligence: The courage to be vulnerable and admit when you are wrong. We discuss the trap of the Sunken Cost Fallacy and how doubling down on bad decisions costs precious leadership capital. 3. Resilience: The power of adaptability. Chad shares why pivoting and repurposing your career is critical for surviving the seven-year burnout cycle, citing examples from business (Steve Jobs) and sports. 4. Commitment to Purpose: The hosts debate the difference between completing a mission and being fully committed to it, using the biblical story of Jonah as a metaphor for hitting a "hollow shell" outcome. We analyze the correlation between education, experience, and a willingness to commit to change. 5. Self-Discipline: Why continuous internal work is essential. We connect physical self-discipline (fitness) and mental self-discipline (muscle memory) to courage, illustrating how pilots and highly proficient clinicians use conditioned "muscle memory" to handle high-stress scenarios without panic, making the scariest moments feel like "Tuesday." (Summary by Google Gemini) References: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/courageous-leadership The Mission, The Men, & Me - Pete Blaber Burnt Out: A Paramedic's Memoir By Chad Davis Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225  

In this episode of the Damn Good Medics podcast, your host Mark, alongside Chad and Chiyo, delves into the essential USMC Leadership Trait of Decisiveness. They bridge the highly relatable everyday challenge of where to go for lunch (the ultimate test of decision fatigue!) into the complex psychology of decision-making in high-pressure environments. The conversation highlights the transition from rapid-fire clinical judgment to slow, methodical organizational strategy. Key takeaways include: Frameworks for Speed: Understanding the "Can I, Should I, Must I" decision model and the difference between Problem Solving (known solution) and End State Resolution (backward-planning for uncertainty). Complexity and Context: An analysis of how uncertainty and high complexity—often visualized by the Cynefin Framework—determine whether you can afford to slow down or if you must simply commit to a path. Accountability & Integrity: The critical need for Closed-Loop Communication and the ultimate test of leadership: taking Extreme Ownership. The hosts discuss the power of the "I" vs. "We" rule and why accountability is the final piece needed to transform knowledge into integrity. Listen now to learn how to move beyond decision paralysis and apply the principles of effective, decisive action to every aspect of your career. (Episode Summery by Google Gemini) References: Extreme Ownership - Jocko Willink & Leif Babin The Mission, The Men, & Me - Pete Blaber Burnt Out: A Paramedic's Memoir By Chad Davis Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225

This week, we move past Justice to explore the crucial second filter in your leadership development tree: Judgment. This isn't just a clinical skill—it's the core of exemplary leadership, enabling sound choices in the absence of clear data. Mark, is joined by EMS Deputy Director Chad, (author of Burnt Out), reluctant leader Jeff, and special guest, retired NYPD/EMS veteran Mike Chanat, who ties in his "Key Three" of Communication, Mindset, and Empathy. What We Dissect in this Episode: Affective vs. Cognitive: We debate where good judgment lives. Does it come from the book knowledge (cognitive) or the amygdala's stored affective response (your gut feeling)? We explain how this "acquired instinct" separates seasoned professionals from rookies. The Three Domains of Decision-Making: We dive into the most critical areas for leaders—People, Strategy, and Crisis—and discuss why People Judgment is the most vital skill for organizational success. The Leadership Paradox: Why do leaders need to create a "safe space" for subordinates to make mistakes? We discuss the boundary condition of developing judgment and why allowing an "organizational scuff" (like a small scratch on the rig) builds integrity and long-term wisdom. Transforming Character: We analyze how procedural justice and integrity (like honestly reporting the scuff) are the non-negotiable foundations that allow field-level experience (Character) to eventually inform high-level Organizational Strategy. (Episode summary created by Google Gemini) Listen in to learn how to effectively apply the wisdom of your toughest calls to the strategic challenges facing your career and your department. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Mike Chanat's Leadership Development: https://mikechanat.com/emscoaching Chad's Book, Burnt Out: A Paramedic's Memoir: https://a.co/d/8hTj0RU References: https://bmcemergmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12873-018-0194-1 https://hbr.org/2020/01/the-elements-of-good-judgment https://hbr.org/2007/10/making-judgment-calls High Reliability for a Highly Unreliable World: Preparing for Code Blue through Daily Operations in Healthcare: https://a.co/d/89Ys4sg  

A Hot Mic captured our candid conversation about Rainn Wilson's and Patrick Pianezza's new movie Code 3. Why did this film, written by a paramedic, hit us so much harder than the usual Hollywood dramas? Because it left our feelings trauma naked. In this unscripted session, we confess that we've all been Rainn's character, Randy. We dissect the difference between the bloody calls and the daily, systemic issues (like chasing, bad management, and traffic) that cause long-term burnout and PTSD. We address the controversial topic of poor leadership and challenge the old "suck it up buttercup" mentality that breaks EMS professionals. Most importantly, we confront the one thought every long-term medic avoids: "What will it feel like to leave the ambulance for the last time?" We talk about the fear of losing our community and the painful truth that our essential skills are often undervalued. If you've ever felt "stuck" in this career, this special episiode is for you! Code 3 Movie Rainn Wilson EMS PTSD Medic Burnout Paramedic Life EMS Culture EMS Leadership

The 12th episode of "DAMN Good Medics" features Mark, Jeff, & Lee as they explore Justice, the second of the 14 Marine Corps Leadership Traits. Mark introduces justice as the first "filter in the root system" that builds off the foundation of Knowledge. Justice: The Individual and the Organization The hosts define justice as the practice of being fair and consistent, giving consideration to all sides, and basing rewards and punishment on merit. The consensus is that justice starts with the individual; you must internalize and practice it personally to gain the trust and respect necessary to lead effectively. The Conflict: The discussion opens with personal stories highlighting the dilemma of making everyone happy versus being fair. Lee shares his experience balancing the need for fair pay for medics against the company's need for profit, and Jeff discusses the difficulty of failing trainees when building relationships. Mark notes he consistently gave his wife the "short end of the stick" to avoid the appearance of impropriety, demonstrating that prioritizing the mission and organizational credibility often requires tough personal choices. Leading by Example: The hosts emphasize that personal practice drives organizational change. Lee recounts adopting a "kidney stone free policy," walking the deck with ice pops to encourage hydration—a simple, just act that boosted crew morale and became a routine. Organizational Justice and Procedure The hosts analyze organizational justice through the framework of employee perceptions of fairness: Distributive Justice: Focuses on the fairness of outcomes (e.g., shift assignments, promotions, or discipline). Mark stresses that perceived unfairness in small areas (like vehicle assignments) gets magnified and breeds dissent. Procedural Justice: Focuses on the fairness of the process that leads to the outcomes. This section delves into whether the ends justify the means. The hosts argue that clear, transparent, and easily repeatable procedures (like having a clear protocol for documenting even minor patient encounters, as Lee discusses) are essential to reduce friction, make decisions defensible, and build follower satisfaction. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that justice is the cornerstone of trust, demanding that leaders put aside emotional attachment to logically and consistently uphold the standards of the mission, the team, and the organization. (Episode summary provided by Google Gemini)

Summary In this episode, Mark, Chiyo, and for a brief time Will discuss the critical role of knowledge in leadership, particularly within the EMS field. They explore various types of knowledge, including declarative, procedural, and conditional knowledge, and introduce the Rumsfeld Matrix to categorize knowledge. The conversation emphasizes the importance of processing knowledge into actionable intelligence and the evolution of knowledge into wisdom and integrity. The episode concludes with a reflection on the foundational role of knowledge in effective leadership and decision-making. Keywords leadership, knowledge, EMS, Marine Corps, Rumsfeld Matrix, types of knowledge, processing knowledge, wisdom, integrity, actionable intelligence Takeaways Knowledge is the foundation of leadership. Understanding your people is crucial for effective leadership. There are different types of knowledge: declarative, procedural, and conditional. The Rumsfeld Matrix helps categorize knowledge into known knowns, known unknowns, unknown knowns, and unknown unknowns. Processing knowledge is essential for making informed decisions. Wisdom is the application of knowledge in real-world situations. Integrity is taking the right path based on knowledge. Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth. Effective communication is key in leadership roles. Knowledge impacts both clinical practice and leadership effectiveness.  

In the 10th episode of the Damn Good Medics podcast, host Mark, along with  new co-host Chiyo (Lee also joins later) and guest Dustin Yates Wingate, explore the critical relationship between followership and leadership in the EMS, Public Safety, & HRO communities. They discuss the importance of integrity, empathy, and active participation in followership as foundational elements for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the need for mentorship, the impact of communication, and the significance of loyalty to the mission over individual leaders. Through personal anecdotes and practical insights, this episode emphasizes that true leadership is revealed in challenging situations and that every team member plays a vital role in achieving success. Dustin's Book: Leading When It Counts: Real-World Leadership for First Responders   Burnt Out: A Paramedic's Memoir By Chad Davis Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225

In this episode of the "Damn Good Medics Podcast," hosts Mark Chad, and Jeff discuss the concept of leadership and its critical importance in the public safety industry, particularly in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The episode begins with a heartfelt tribute from the hosts to Mark's late father, Mike Norris, who was a significant influence on the podcast and on their own professional lives. Mike Norris was a public safety professional who championed principles of leadership, high reliability, and human factors. The conversation then shifts to defining leadership. Jeff and Chad emphasize that leadership is about goal setting and providing a clear vision to unite a team. They use the analogy of a political party struggling without a clear figurehead to illustrate the need for a focused message and mission. The hosts also highlight the importance of communication in leadership, noting that it's not enough to set goals; a leader must also effectively communicate those goals to their team. The discussion also explores the concept of edification, or building people up. The hosts stress that a good leader doesn't just manage tasks but also develops the people on their team, helping them grow professionally and personally. They draw parallels between a toddler learning to walk and a new EMT learning the ropes—both require practice, patience, and support. Another key is the role of trust. The hosts agree that leadership is a two-way street and that a leader must first earn the trust of their team. They share personal anecdotes about their own experiences building trust when entering new leadership roles. They also discuss how a leader's character is more important than their strategy or personality, echoing quotes from historical figures like General Norman Schwarzkopf and George Washington. The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on why they choose to be leaders. For them, it's about making a positive impact, leaving things better than they found them, and a sense of responsibility to the profession. They underscore the idea that a leader's function is to produce more leaders, ensuring a legacy of good practice and continuous improvement in the EMS industry. Burnt Out: A Paramedic's Memoir By Chad Davis Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225

In this episode of the Damn Good Medics podcast, hosts Mark and Chad delve into the profound impact of action-oriented compassion in the field of emergency medical services. Joined by Emily who is a DNP, they explore the nuances between sympathy, empathy, and compassion, emphasizing how taking tangible actions can transform care and support for both patients and providers. Through personal stories and professional insights, they highlight the critical role of emotional intelligence and the challenges of compassion fatigue, offering listeners a thoughtful examination of what it truly means to care. Listen in to discover how compassion, when paired with action, can lead to meaningful change and resilience in the face of adversity. Links to resources:   Chads book https://a.co/d/a903FKN   Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic   Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225   High Reliability for a Highly Unreliable World: Preparing for Code Blue through Daily Operations in Healthcare by Daved van Stralen, MD, FAAP; Spencer L. Byrum; and Bahadir Inozu, PhD https://www.high-reliability.org/   www.Ironedoutmedia.com

In this episode, our crew continues the deep dive into confidence in EMS. Building on Part 1, this conversation turns to practical tools and strategies: how to cultivate grounded confidence through mentorship, peer support, and self-reflection. From recognizing early warning signs of overconfidence to reinforcing healthy habits in training and practice, this episode equips medics at every level with ways to strike the right balance. Season Recap: Why We're Here — setting the vision for transformation in EMS Affect in Action — how emotions shape workplace culture Felt, Not Taught — intuition, debriefing, and unspoken wisdom Conversations Unseen — how attitudes become values Return to the Basics (Part 1 & 2) — mentorship, self-doubt, and systemic leadership challenges The Narrow Therapeutic Index of Confidence (Part 1) — defining the line between confidence and overconfidence Part 2 (Finale) — moving from awareness to action Takeaway: Confidence isn't a fixed trait—it's a skill. When we learn to calibrate it with humility and practice, we set ourselves, our teams, and our patients up for success.   Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225 Ironed Out Media:  www.IronedOutMedia.com 

Confidence in EMS practice is a critical but so often overlooked aspect of emergency medical services. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the delicate balance between having enough confidence to make life-saving decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of overconfidence. As EMS professionals, we've all experienced those moments of self-doubt, right? Especially early on in our careers. But how do we cultivate healthy, mature, confidence that empowers us to provide the best care possible? We delve into this, dare I say, critical topic, sharing personal experiences and insights from our combined years in the field. This episode offers valuable insights for both new and experienced EMS professionals looking to build and maintain healthy confidence in their practice. Whether you're just starting your career or you're a seasoned veteran, you'll find actionable advice to help you navigate the complex world of emergency medical services with assurance and skill.   Addressing Industry Challenges: We don't shy away from tapping into the systemic issues that can undermine confidence in EMS, including:   • The "buddy to boss" transition and its effect on leadership • How outdated management practices can stifle growth and innovation • The importance of learning from other systems and experiences   Real-world Examples: We share compelling stories from our careers, including: • A high-stakes needle decompression that tested a paramedic's confidence • How a pediatric anesthesiologist father stepped in during a critical moment • The impact of fatigue on decision-making and confidence Confidence in EMS practice is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of emergency medical services. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the delicate balance between having enough confidence to make life-saving decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of overconfidence.   Key Points Discussed: • The importance of self-awareness in building confidence • How experience shapes our decision-making abilities • The role of mentorship in developing confident EMS practitioners • Balancing confidence with humility and continuous learning • Overcoming systemic challenges that can erode confidence   Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225 Ironed Out Media:  www.IronedOutMedia.com 

In Part Two of our conversation on competence, we shift focus from the individual provider to leadership. Lee explores how burnout, poor training, and unclear expectations often cause leaders to stall—or fail altogether. From the dangers of "flying by the seat of your pants" to the missed potential of under-supported FTOs, we ask: Are we preparing people to lead, or just promoting them? We dig into the real gaps—between expectation and education, between promotion and preparation—and ask what it really means to be competent in leadership roles.   Topics Covered: The role of burnout and fatigue in stalling leadership development How interpersonal strain within agencies erodes leadership capacity Why many leaders are promoted without meaningful training The difference between expectations and preparation Are provider training programs actually building proficiency—or just checking boxes? Why FTOs (Field Training Officers) may be the best-suited candidates for field supervisor roles How to identify knowledge gaps before they turn into leadership failures The case for supporting FTOs and training program directors Rethinking promotion criteria: Are we promoting too soon, too often, or at the wrong level? The core message: Competence is more than meeting the minimum. 🎧 Listen to Part One if you haven't already, and stay tuned for future episodes as we keep unpacking what it takes to lead with integrity and skill in EMS. 📲 Share this episode with a colleague or supervisor—it might start a conversation worth having. Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225 Ironed Out Media:  www.IronedOutMedia.com 

In this episode, Lee opens up about a time when he was on the verge of walking away from his EMS career. He struggled with intense self-doubt and wrestled with the question so many of us face: Am I really cut out for this? That turning point came when he found mentors who didn't just encourage him—but challenged him. They offered constructive criticism, not just praise. That guidance helped him reframe his journey and understand where he truly was in his professional development. We dive into two key models that help explain how we grow in our careers: the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisitionand the Conscious Competence Ladder. The Dreyfus Model outlines five levels: Novice Advanced Beginner Competent Proficient Expert Meanwhile, the Conscious Competence Ladder runs parallel, tracking our awareness of our skills: Unconscious Incompetence – You don't know what you don't know. Conscious Incompetence – You know what you can't do yet. Conscious Competence – You know how to do it, but it takes effort. Unconscious Competence – It's second nature. You do it without thinking. These models raise two key questions for our field: Where do you think most EMS providers—or leaders—fall within these stages? At what level do you think providers or leaders are most dangerous—and to whom? We also touch on concepts from political theory, including Chesterton's Fence and the Overton Window, to explore how institutional knowledge and boundaries protect against reckless change. Lee reflects on the "cookbook paramedic" phase—often where advanced beginners live. These providers may stick to the rules and protocols but miss the bigger picture. It's only through proficiency, where pattern recognition kicks in, that you begin to truly understand what to do—not just follow steps. At the expert level, practitioners rely on tacit knowledge—intuitive, fast, and often hard to explain. They've seen the patterns before. They innovate because they understand the system. Where are you on that ladder? Where is your team? Be sure to listen to the next episode, where we finish this conversation and talk about what it really takes to grow as a provider—and what to do when you feel stuck. Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225 Ironed Out Media:  www.IronedOutMedia.com 

In this episode of 'Damn Good Medics,' hosts Mark, Lee and Chad delve into the transformation from good medics to great medics by exploring the high reliability components within the EMS industry. They discuss how attitudes, if held for long enough, can become deeply ingrained values influencing personal and professional behavior. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, adaptive attitudes, and the impact of workplace environment and social circles on individual and collective performance. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight the need for continuous engagement and positive organizational dynamics to foster growth and counteract complacency. 00:00 Introduction: Defining Greatness in EMS 01:05 Transforming Attitudes into Values 05:27 The Impact of Work Environment on Attitudes 07:04 The Role of Social Circles and Mentorship 10:53 Engagement and Organizational Values 13:48 The Importance of Leadership and Mentorship 28:34 Hiring and Training for the Right Attitudes 45:52 Conclusion: Character and Strategy in Leadership   Links to resources: Chads book www.burnoutmedic.com Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225 HRO Bible (Van Stralen et al): https://a.co/d/iEcilM www.Ironedoutmedia.com

Felt, Not Taught: Gut Instincts and the Weight of the Unspoken EP 2 Show notes: EMS, paramedics, emergency response, and mental health In this episode, we dive into the unseen layers of emergency medical services—the things we feel, but don't always say out loud. From the valence of our gut reactions to the unspoken knowledge passed between seasoned medics, we explore how tacit knowledge shapes clinical judgment and real-time decision-making. We ask the big questions: Do all EMS professionals share the same fears on the job? And if so, why don't we talk about them more openly? Join us as we discuss the critical importance of after-action reports and debriefings, not just for operational improvement but for mental health and team cohesion. We also address the very real dangers of complacency in the field, and why trusting your gut—when paired with experience—can sometimes make all the difference. This episode encourages EMS professionals to reflect on their own internal compass, stay curious, stay vigilant, and most importantly, stay connected. Topics Covered: Trusting your gut in the field What we fear as EMS providers—and why it matters Teaching the "unteachable": sharing tacit knowledge The risks of complacency in high-stakes environments Valance and emotional charge in decision-making The role of after-action reports and mental health debriefs Why open discussion about mental well-being is critical in EMS Whether you're new to EMS or a seasoned veteran, this episode offers insight, validation, and a renewed focus on the human side of emergency care.   Links to resources:   Chads book www.burnoutmedic.com   Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic   Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225   HRO Bible (Van Stralen et al): https://a.co/d/iEcilM   www.Ironedoutmedia.com

Ep 01 Affect in Action: Emotions on the Front Lines Show Notes   In this inaugural episode, the hosts introduce themselves and share their diverse backgrounds, education, and experiences in the industry. They lay the groundwork for the podcast by offering personal stories that shaped their perspectives and professional paths. The discussion dives into the concept of affect — exploring how emotional tone and presence shape workplace culture and interpersonal dynamics. The hosts also examine the value of continued education and the importance of staying current in a field that demands lifelong learning. Additionally, they confront a common challenge in leadership pipelines: the influence of "good ole boy" networks in selecting leaders. They share candid insights on how this unspoken system impacts diversity, equity, and the evolution of leadership in their space.     Links to resources:   Chads book www.burnoutmedic.com   Lee's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@accessmedic   Dylan's Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225   HRO Bible (Van Stralen et al): https://a.co/d/iEcilM   www.Ironedoutmedia.com      

What separates a good medic from a great one? In the high-stakes world of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), it's not just about following protocols—it's about transformation. Join us as we draw the lines in the sand, cutting through the chaos of the EMS industry to uncover what truly elevates patient care, strengthens organizations, and empowers medics to exceed their potential. Each episode breaks down actionable strategies, hard-earned insights, and the mindset shifts necessary to bridge the gap between good and DAMN good. If you're ready to make meaningful, lasting changes in your career and your impact, this podcast is your roadmap. It's time to go beyond "good enough." Welcome to D.A.M.N. Good Medics.