Tac Medic Whiskey: The Tactical Medicine Podcast

A review of plasma for TBI 

We discuss the when, the how, and the why of cricothyrotomy

This episode focuses on tactical care of rescue and recovery dive teams

In this episode we focus on managing injuries to our K9 Colleagues. 

In this episode we talk about the top tech and gadgets for the tactical setting. 

We look at injury patterns and medical examiner data of deaths due to officer down. 

In this quick hitter we look at some tricks of the trade for successful tactical operations. 

In this episode, I talk about the tools and tricks of the trade for managing pain in care under fire. 

In this episode of Tac Medic Whiskey, Dr. Stephen P. Wood dives deep into one of the most urgent—and controversial—topics in trauma care: the use of prehospital whole blood. Drawing on military data, civilian trials, and boots-on-the-ground experience, this episode explores why whole blood saves lives, why component therapy may fall short in the field, and what’s holding back broader implementation. Dr. Wood tackles everything from hemorrhagic shock and logistics of field transfusion to walking blood banks, cold-stored platelets, and freeze-dried plasma, all while challenging the institutional inertia that puts patients at risk. He also shines a light on the equity gap—why elite teams get whole blood while underserved urban communities often go without.   Eastridge BJ, et al. Death on the battlefield (2001–2011): implications for the future of combat casualty care. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012. Sperry JL, et al. Prehospital Plasma during Air Medical Transport in Trauma Patients at Risk for Hemorrhagic Shock. N Engl J Med. 2018. Yazer MH, et al. Safety of low‐titer group O whole blood in trauma patients: a retrospective cohort study. Transfusion. 2018. Seheult JN, et al. Platelet storage conditions and transfusion outcomes: cold vs. room temperature. Shock. 2020. Strandenes G, et al. Cold-stored platelets: physiology and emerging data. Transfusion. 2021.

In this episode, a live podcast from the FDNY SRFM conference in NYC for a discussion on eye pro, helmets and tactical gear. We discuss the minimum standards, vest levels and the rounds they protect you from, as well as the importance of training in that gear. 

In this episode we look at Tasers. We take a deep dive into how they work, some of the injuries associated with tasers, as well as special populations including pregnancy and people with cardiovascular disease.

In this episode we chat about major burns. From airways, to fluids and pain management, this episode covers the soup to nuts in major burn management. 

In this episode we get down and dirty on the management of sucking chest wounds and cricothyrotomy. We explore the methods and the science behind several cric methods as well as some myth busters around chest seals. 

In this episode we tackle mental health, wellness, selfcare and suicide. PTSD, depression, and suicide are 40% higher in our field than in the general population. Learn some of the keys to taking care of your mind and body, as well as your operator colleagues. 

In this episode we look at tourniquets. We discuss the controversy of high-and-tight versus proximal placement, tips for the best application, tourniquet removal, as well as some brand comparisons. Join us as we talk TKs!

In this episode of Tac Medic Whiskey, Dr. Stephen P. Wood breaks down the real and present dangers of chemical exposures faced by SWAT operators and tactical medics. From OC spray and tear gas to unknown deployed gases and hazardous industrial chemicals, we cover the risks, symptoms, and critical field treatments. We also dive into one of the deadliest hidden threats—detergent suicides—detailing how first responders can recognize, respond, and stay safe. Whether you're in the field or training for the next operation, this episode is packed with essential tactical medical knowledge to keep you and your team protected. Tune in, learn, and stay mission-ready!

In this episode we explore the Fatal Funnel, Tactical Movement, and Safety

This episodes focuses on prevention of eye injuries as well as the tactical management of simple to advanced eye injuries. 

In this episode we take a deep dive into junctional trauma. What is it and what can we do about it. We talk about some novel tools as well as Bordeaux and baguettes. 

In this episode we review the mechanisms of blast injury, as well as the pathophysiology and acute treatment. 

In this episode we tackle hypothermia - from prevention to treatment in the tactical environment.   References Jurkovich, G. J., Greiser, W. B., Luterman, A., Curreri, P. W. (1987). Hypothermia in trauma victims: An ominous predictor of survival. Journal of Trauma, 27(9), 1019-1024. Smith, C. E., et al. (1998). Thermal protection and hypothermia prevention in trauma patients. The Journal of Trauma, 44(3), 519-525. Deakin, C. D., et al. (2010). The efficacy of the Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit (HPMK) in prehospital settings. Prehospital Emergency Care, 14(4), 521-526. Sessler, D. I., et al. (1995). Perioperative thermoregulation and heat balance. Anesthesiology, 82(4), 892-899. Bristow, G. K., et al. (2006). Prevention of heat loss in cold environments: The role of Mylar blankets. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, 17(1), 18-22. Sessler, D. I. (1997). Current concepts: Mild perioperative hypothermia. New England Journal of Medicine, 336(24), 1730-1737. Kurz, A., et al. (1995). Perioperative normothermia to reduce the incidence of surgical-wound infection and shorten hospitalization. New England Journal of Medicine, 334(19), 1209-1215. Brown, D. J. A., et al. (2019). Prehospital hypothermia management in trauma patients: A systematic review. Critical Care Medicine, 47(7), 959-966.

In this episode I discuss penetrating neck trauma. What to do, how to do it and what to prioritize

In this episode we look at wound packing and a new product called Trauma gel. 

In this episode we look at point of care antibiotics. Can we learn from the combat experience? Should tactical medics carry antibiotics? If so, what should we carry? This and more on this episode of the Tac Medic Whiskey podcast.

In this episode we compare needle chest decompression versus finger thoracostomy

In this episode, I discuss TXA and Calcium and their role in hemorrhagic shock.

In this episode I look at the difference between the military and civilian experience with Casualty Collection Points. I review some case studies, lessons learns and best practices. 

In this episode, we look at the data on needle size for needle chest decompression.