In-Service EMS Podcast

Send us Fan MailThis episode digs into the real-world side of values, ethics, and culture in EMS—where the decisions are rarely clean and the consequences are never theoretical. Dave DiNapoli brings the conversation out of the classroom and onto the truck, exploring how values show up in patient care, how ethics can drift under pressure, and how providers are tested when policy, judgment, bias, and human emotion collide.We talk through the uncomfortable places where EMS providers and leaders are forced to make hard calls: refusals, terminal patients, first responder injuries, frequent callers, unhoused patients, intoxicated patients, and the moments when a policy can become a shield instead of a guide. Dave breaks down how shortcuts become normalized, how compassion fatigue and burnout can quietly change care, and why leaders have to pay attention before those warning signs become culture.The conversation then turns directly toward toxic EMS culture—what it feels like, how it grows, and why it can be so damaging to both providers and patients. When a medic or EMT walks into shift change with a pit in their stomach and says, “I don’t want to be here,” that culture has already redlined. And it did not get there overnight.We also examine the power of informal leaders, gossip, hypocrisy, and respected toxic providers. Policies may be written by leadership, but culture is often shaped in the day room, the ambulance bay, and the conversations leaders never hear. Dave challenges EMS leaders to stop avoiding confrontation, engage the people creating the culture, and understand the difference between managing the operation and actually leading the workforce.At the center of this episode is a simple but demanding standard: patient care has to trump everything else. If leaders tolerate shortcuts, bias, indifference, or toxic behavior, they are not just allowing a personnel problem—they are allowing a patient care problem. This is a hard conversation, but it is exactly the kind EMS leadership needs to keep having.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis episode of In-Service: The EMS Podcast dives into the evolving edge of prehospital care, exploring how advanced interventions like RSI, blood products, and ultrasound are reshaping what it means to be a paramedic. Jason sits down with Michael Henry and Eric Falvey to unpack not only the clinical tools driving modern EMS, but the operational realities of delivering that care in a high-volume, high-acuity environment with massive seasonal population surges. The conversation sets the stage for a deeper look at how systems must adapt when demand, geography, and patient complexity collide.Through personal stories, Mike and Eric ground the discussion in experience—from a first cardiac arrest complicated by CPR-induced consciousness to a seemingly routine transfer that reshaped an entire career perspective. These moments reinforce a core truth: EMS isn’t just about high-acuity interventions—it’s about human connection, decision-making under pressure, and recognizing the weight of every patient interaction. Whether it’s a D-Day veteran or a crashing CHF patient, the impact of care extends far beyond the immediate call.The episode also tackles the real-world challenges of implementing cutting-edge medicine in the field. From the logistics and provider buy-in required for carrying blood, to the cognitive load and safeguards necessary for RSI, to the cautious integration of ultrasound, the discussion highlights a system intentionally pushing forward without losing sight of fundamentals. The theme is clear—technology and capability mean nothing without disciplined providers, strong culture, and leadership that prioritizes both performance and patient outcomes.Ultimately, this conversation shifts toward the bigger picture: the evolution of the paramedic from protocol follower to clinical decision-maker. It explores what separates average providers from exceptional ones, the importance of feedback and continuous learning, and the leadership decisions required to raise the standard across an organization. As EMS continues to straddle the line between public safety and healthcare, this episode makes one thing clear—the future belongs to systems and providers willing to adapt, think critically, and commit to getting better every single call.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In Service, Jason Falvey sits down with Wayne Sandford for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, scale, and service across more than five decades in the fire service. From his beginnings as a firefighter in East Haven, Connecticut, to leading the Connecticut Fire Academy, serving 15 years as fire chief, helping build Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and later teaching at the University of New Haven, Sandford reflects on the lessons that shaped his approach to leadership.A central theme of the conversation is Sandford’s belief that the chief is not the “chief firefighter.” Rather than stepping in and taking over every incident, he saw his role as developing officers, strengthening decision-making, and preparing others to lead. He shares a pivotal early fire as chief that reinforced the need to coach officers in real time and build their confidence and judgment instead of rescuing them from responsibility.The episode also explores how leadership changes when incidents grow in complexity and scale. Sandford explains the shift from tactical problem-solving to broader system thinking: recognizing when a scene is outgrowing the first plan, calling for resources early, protecting life safety, and seeing the incident beyond the immediate flames. He discusses why smaller departments can struggle with this transition, and why experience, education, and intentional teaching matter so much in preparing leaders to think ahead.Sandford also reflects on major events that shaped emergency management, including 9/11, the evolution of incident command, regional coordination, and the creation of state-level systems for resource deployment, intelligence sharing, and incident management. He shares powerful stories from the fire service response to 9/11, the contamination risks firefighters faced, and the operational realities of trying to protect a local community while also answering a national tragedy.Throughout the episode, one word keeps surfacing: relationships. Whether between chiefs, public works, law enforcement, neighboring departments, or state agencies, Sandford argues that large-scale leadership is built on trust long before the crisis begins. This is a conversation about leadership maturity, officer development, interagency coordination, and what it really means to serve at a higher level when the stakes keep rising.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis episode is a blunt, practical deep-dive into why patient refusals are the most dangerous decision a paramedic can make—not because the paperwork is hard, but because the mindset shifts: crews treat refusals like “not a real call,” cut corners, and then get crushed later when the outcome goes bad. Paul Girard breaks down how refusals become career-ending events through weak assessments, vague documentation, and failure to prove true decision-making capacity.Paul lays out what investigators and plaintiff attorneys actually do: they deconstruct the call to answer whether your actions were reasonable and prudent, and they’ll use far more than your narrative—EPCR metadata, timestamps, geolocation, monitor data, audit trails, and third-party video can all be pulled to expose inconsistencies or outright fraud. His message is simple: you can’t “clean it up later.” If it didn’t happen—and you can’t prove it—it will be assumed it didn’t happen.The core refusal skill is capacity, and Paul defines it in plain terms: the patient’s ability to understand their situation and the risks/benefits of refusing—and your ability to document that understanding. The most common “capacity failures” he sees aren’t exotic—they start with a bad or incomplete assessment, refusals signed by minors or intoxicated patients, and refusals done across language barriers without a real interpreter. He also calls out provider-induced refusals—subtle or direct steering (“the ER is slammed,” “it’s expensive,” “you sure?”) that looks like you’re trying to avoid transport.From there, the conversation goes hard into documentation: stop hiding behind “advised of risks up to and including death.” Paul explains why generalities destroy credibility and what works instead—specific risks tied to your assessment, plus a reasonable “we can’t rule out everything in the field” caveat. He also shares the brutal reality: your report is often your best defense or your demise, and short on-scene times, missing details, or signatures done later can sink you fast.They round out with high-exposure scenarios that trip up even good crews: lift assists as “hidden refusals,” repeat callers (the “boy who cried wolf” problem), police-driven evaluations in custody situations, and when to elevate to online medical control—not because it fixes every refusal, but because sometimes a physician voice gets a patient to go, and it documents prudence. Bottom line: treat refusals like high-acuity events, slow the scene down, do the assessment, and write the report like your career depends on it—because sometimes, it does.🔗 Website for Paul Girard & Associates – Expert EMS QA/CQI consulting and resources: 👉 https://girardassoc.com/  🎙️ Official Podcast – The G&A Way – Paul and Kevin’s EMS CQI podcast: 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-g-a-way/id1675678712  Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailJason Falvey sits down with Dave DiNapoli (former EMT/paramedic, police officer, police chief; now an executive coach) to unpack why strong clinicians often struggle once they step into leadership. Coaching isn’t about giving answers — it’s about creating clarity, pressure-testing decisions, and forcing leaders to confront unintended consequences. Dave breaks down the hardest transition in EMS: moving from line staff to formal leader, where identity, language, and expectations change overnight. They explore why effective leadership requires one eye on the current problem and one eye downrange, how the “broken window” effect applies to EMS culture—where ignoring small behaviors quietly rots the organization—why toxic high performers are unsustainable, and how burnout, emotional reactivity, and imposter syndrome undermine executive presence. The episode also draws a hard line between management and leadership: managers run the playbook, leaders write it.Memorable moment: Dave shares an early-career MVC where a medevac helicopter is talked into the scene without GPS — and why that decision changed regional practice.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThe relationship between EMS and hospitals doesn’t begin at the doors of the emergency department—it’s tested there.In this episode of In-Service, Jason sits down with Brandon Carey and Eric Eberly, two professionals who have worked extensively on both the street and inside the hospital system, to unpack one of the most critical—and misunderstood—areas in emergency medicine: the EMS–hospital handoff.Drawing from decades of combined experience in EMS leadership, fire service, and hospital consulting at Emory Healthcare, this conversation explores where trust is built, where it breaks down, and why relationships—not protocols—often determine outcomes for patients and providers alike.Together, they discuss:•Why the handoff zone is where EMS and hospital systems “live or die”•The real causes of wall times and throughput delays•What EMS crews misunderstand about hospital pressures—and vice versa•How trust, professionalism, and simple human decency shape reputation and patient care•Why leadership, humility, and communication matter more than ever in today’s systemThis is not a complaint session. It’s a candid, experience-driven discussion about bridging the gap between two systems that depend on each other every single day.If you work in EMS, the ER, hospital leadership, or any role where handoffs matter, this episode will change how you see the space between the stretcher and the bed.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In-Service: The EMS Podcast, Jason Falvey sits down with Dave Kleiman, a U.S. Army medic turned veteran paramedic, to explore why prehospital blood is no longer a future concept, but a present-day necessity in trauma care.Dave’s career began in the military, where early exposure to battlefield trauma shaped his understanding of hemorrhage, shock, and survival. After transitioning into civilian EMS, he spent more than 30 years on the street before moving into quality improvement and continuing education with Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services. That combination of military experience, street medicine, and system-level leadership positioned him to help lead one of Georgia’s most forward-leaning prehospital blood programs.This conversation dives into why crystalloids alone fail hemorrhagic patients, how permissive hypotension changed trauma care, and what actually happens when blood reaches patients before the hospital. Dave shares firsthand accounts of unresponsive, pulseless trauma patients who woke up after receiving blood in the field — moments that didn’t just save lives, but fundamentally changed hospital decision-making once those patients arrived.But blood doesn’t work in isolation.The episode also breaks down early hemorrhage control, and how tools like TraumaGel, tourniquets, and TXA work together to stop bleeding, preserve clots, and buy time when seconds matter. Dave explains why EMS must control hemorrhage early — or blood won’t matter at all.The discussion then expands into a lesser-known but critical gap in EMS: K9 officer medical care. Dave recounts the call that exposed how unprepared most systems are to treat injured police dogs, and how that moment led to the development of canine treatment protocols, veterinary medical oversight, and specialized training for EMS providers — all while navigating legal gray areas and state-level barriers.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this deeply candid and wide-ranging conversation, Jason Falvey sits down with Chad Black, longtime EMS leader and Chairman of the Georgia EMS Association, to confront a hard truth: much of what’s breaking EMS isn’t the worst calls—it’s the relentless grind of the ones that never should have happened in the first place.Drawing on more than four decades in emergency services, Chad shares the calls that shaped him, the leadership lessons learned the hard way, and the emotional toll providers carry long after the sirens fade. He challenges the profession’s fixation on response times, exposes the unsustainable reimbursement model behind ambulance services, and explains why burnout and PTSD often stem from chronic fatigue, moral injury, and system misuse—not just trauma.The conversation goes far beyond the truck. Chad breaks down:Why EMS is “stalled between expectations and reality”How over-dispatching and non-emergent calls are wearing providers downThe growing gap between public demand and system capacityWhy medics and EMTs remain dramatically underpaid despite rising expectationsThe leadership failures—and successes—that shape agency cultureThe future of EMS reimbursement, workforce development, and professional identityThis episode also explores what real reform could look like: treat-in-place models, workforce investment, legislative advocacy, professionalism, and why EMS must be viewed as both public safety and healthcare to survive.This is not a surface-level conversation. It’s an honest, sometimes uncomfortable look at where EMS stands today—and where it’s headed if meaningful change doesn’t come soon.If you work in EMS, lead EMS, rely on EMS, or care about the future of emergency care in America, this is a conversation you need to hear.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailParamedic Training Pipeline: Zero to Hero with Andrea, Tyler & MitchellWhat really happens when someone goes from citizen to paramedic in the fastest pathway EMS offers? In this raw, funny, and unexpectedly emotional episode, three medics who took the accelerated “zero to hero” pipeline sit down to talk about what the classroom didn’t teach them, what the field demanded of them, and what it actually feels like to learn EMS in real time.Andrea Marquez, Tyler George, and Mitchell Lamb come from completely different backgrounds — a seasoned EMT who worked through school, a former filmmaker turned medic, and a Georgia adrenaline-junkie who jumped straight from EMT class to paramedic certification. But each of them hit the field with the same challenge: be the medic your patch says you are… even if your knees are shaking.They share the calls that shaped them early in their careers — a teenage overdose, a seven-day-old infant who suddenly stopped breathing, a traumatic fall that permanently changed one medic’s fear of heights — and the moments when they realized the job is messier, louder, and far more human than anything in a textbook.And yes… the story of Butter Man — an early-morning psych call involving a naked, fully greased individual, a confused restaurant staff, and a Police wrestling match that defies physics, dignity, and imagination.The conversation goes deeper into:The gaps between school training and field realityHow it feels when everyone on scene suddenly looks to you — the new medic — for answersThe moment when confidence finally “clicks”Why CPAP humbles every new paramedicNavigating dangerous advice from another providerWhether zero-to-hero produces competent medics or unnecessary riskAnd the qualities that truly determine whether someone will make it in this fieldIt’s honest. It’s chaotic. It’s unfiltered EMS.And it captures exactly what it takes to survive the pipeline — and grow into the medic you’re supposed to become.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Jason sits down with paramedic Ian McGuigan and his EMT partner Marcia McCollum for an honest, deeply human conversation about what it means to be neurodivergent in EMS—and why it can be a superpower on scene. Ian shares his journey to discovering he is autistic in his late 20s, how years of masking shaped his career, and the unique strengths he brings to the truck: intense focus in chaos, rapid pattern recognition, and calm, structured thinking when everything around him is falling apart.Together, Ian and Marsha walk through some of the hardest calls they’ve ever run: a devastating pediatric trauma, a stillbirth in a crowded, chaotic home with a student onboard, and a mass-casualty shooting that forced Ian into one of the most demanding roles a medic can face. With no law enforcement available, gunfire still active, and crowds pushing wounded victims toward the flashing lights, Ian built a makeshift sidewalk triage area out of nothing—using bystanders as helpers, emptying every trauma supply he had, packing wounds, improvising chest seals, and coaching strangers through the worst moments of their lives. Amid the sirens, the screams, the ricocheting shots, and the sensory overload, his neurodivergent ability to hyper-focus became the anchor of the scene. Ian operated as a one-person MCI branch, stabilizing victim after victim until additional help finally arrived.They talk candidly about sensory overload, grounding techniques, “stimming” on scene, and how Marsha has learned to recognize when Ian is nearing his limit—and step forward to shield him so he can reset and keep functioning.Beyond the calls, this episode digs into culture and stigma in EMS, the pressure to “tough it out,” and how leadership and peers can actually support neurodivergent clinicians instead of sidelining them. Whether you’re on the spectrum, work with someone who is, or just want to be a better partner and leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that embracing neurodiversity doesn’t weaken EMS—it makes the whole profession stronger.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful and unfiltered episode of In-Service: EMS Podcast, Jason sits down with three extraordinary paramedics — Carra Rau, Eve Moody, and Mary Glasgow Brown — for an honest look at what it truly means to be a woman working in emergency medical services.Gritty stories of first field terminations, pediatric arrests, delivering babies in chaotic environments, and navigating a male-dominated profession, these women share the moments that shaped them, challenged them, and nearly broke them. They talk openly about balancing motherhood with trauma, carrying guilt home after difficult shifts, and the invisible emotional toll of a job that demands strength at all times.From the isolation of COVID-era calls to the pressure of proving themselves on every scene, Carra, Eve, and Mary pull back the curtain on the culture of EMS — the good, the bad, and the heartbreakingly human. They discuss stereotypes, missed family milestones, the struggle for mental health support, and the fierce resilience that keeps them showing up shift after shift.This episode is emotional, uncomfortable, and incredibly important. The women behind the sirens — the medics who carry grief, grit, compassion, and strength into every call, often at great personal cost.Whether you’re in EMS or simply want to understand the people who answer 9-1-1, this conversation will stay with you long after the episode ends.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In-Service, we sit down with a seasoned EMS leader who understands that great leadership begins in the field.Assistant Chief Brian McNeeley oversees countywide EMS operations in Montgomery County, Tennessee — but his foundation was built in the back of an ambulance and on the front lines of patient care.Chief McNeeley shares how his time as an Army medic shaped his leadership style and why he believes in keeping policies practical, people-focused, and rooted in real-world experience.We explore what it means to manage tasks while truly leading people, how to stay proactive in operations, and how to build culture across generations in today’s evolving EMS workforce.You’ll also hear insights on:Balancing confidence, humility, and patience in leadershipUsing data and consistency to stay ahead of problemsBuilding peer support and communication into agency cultureLeveraging technology like CAD/AVL systems and a countywide Motorola P25 radio network to strengthen operationsChief McNeeley reminds us that leadership isn’t about control — it’s about connection. Whether you’re a new paramedic, a field supervisor, or a command-level officer, this episode delivers practical wisdom on leading with purpose while never forgetting the view from the ambulance.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In-Service, host Jason Falvey pulls back the curtain with the EMS supervisors who keep our operation running every day. From juggling calls and managing crews to those late-night decisions no one ever sees, this conversation dives into what it’s really like to be in the hot seat.The team shares stories from the field, a few laughs about the chaos that comes with the job, and some honest reflections on leadership, teamwork, and trust. It’s an unfiltered look at the people who balance patient care, system oversight, and a thousand moving parts—all while keeping their sense of humor intact.If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the radio traffic or how supervisors keep it all together when things get hectic, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In-Service EMS Podcast, we sit down with Matt Moughalian, a seasoned paramedic with a decade of frontline experience, and Christian Whelan, his former EMT partner and now a newly minted paramedic. Together, they share the story of a partnership built in the back of an ambulance—one that evolved from running calls side by side to navigating the challenges of new roles and greater responsibility.Matt brings the perspective of a veteran provider who has honed his clinical edge and scene leadership over 10 years, while Christian offers the fresh insights and growing pains of stepping into paramedic practice. Their conversation explores how partnerships shape professional growth, how experience sharpens decision-making, and how both seasoned and new medics continue to push each other forward.This is more than just a story of career progression—it’s about trust, mentorship, and the shared commitment to delivering excellent patient care when it matters most.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In-Service, we sit down with two paramedics at very different stages of their EMS journeys. John Duplantis, with over 30 years of clinical experience and a reputation for calm leadership under pressure, shares his insights on mentorship, professionalism, and preparing the next generation of providers. Logan Durham, a paramedic just beginning his career, brings fresh perspective on the challenges of transitioning from classroom learning to the unpredictable world of patient care.Together, they explore what it takes to thrive in EMS—from the habits that build long-term excellence, to the emotional weight of tough calls, to bridging the gap between education and real-world practice. Whether you’re a seasoned provider or just starting out, this conversation offers wisdom, humility, and a powerful reminder that EMS is as much about people as it is about protocols.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In-Service, we explore the critical role of soft skills in EMS with  Jed Durden and Crystal Rimert. From effective communication and de-escalation techniques to building rapport with neurodivergent and autistic patients, Jed and Crystal share practical strategies that transform patient care and strengthen crew dynamics. They also discuss handling sensitive situations like death notifications, mentoring new EMTs, and using emotional intelligence to lead with empathy in high-pressure environments. Whether you’re an EMT just starting out or a seasoned paramedic, this conversation provides actionable tools to enhance your human side on every call.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In-Service: The EMS Podcast, host Jason Falvey sits down with Derek Hofmann, a paramedic nurse working in Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH)—a model that’s transforming how communities receive care. Derek brings a unique dual perspective in paramedicine and nursing, serving on the frontlines where emergency medicine, primary care, and community health intersect.We explore Derek’s journey into MIH, what a day in the life of a paramedic nurse looks like, and how MIH programs support patients after hospital discharge, manage chronic conditions, and connect people with vital resources. Derek shares real-world stories of impact, the challenges of bridging gaps between hospitals, EMS, and community services, and his vision for the future of MIH.Whether you’re an EMS provider, nurse, or community leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into how MIH is reducing ER visits, improving patient outcomes, and reshaping the role of EMS in modern healthcare.Waleska Cattle Co.: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61575634647694Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In-Service, we sit down with Dr. George “Ed” Malcom III, Emergency Department Medical Director at a Trauma Center in Metropolitan Atlanta. Dr. Malcom is a board-certified emergency physician whose career is defined by leadership in high-acuity care. Recognized by ApolloMD as Medical Director of the Year, he has guided teams through countless cardiac, stroke, and trauma emergencies—while strengthening communication between EMS and the hospital.Dr. Malcom also brings experience in hyperbaric medicine, adding another layer to his broad clinical background. In our conversation, he shares insights into leading an emergency department and an EMS agency in one of the most demanding environments in healthcare, and why calm, clear leadership is essential when every second counts.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of In-Service, we sit down with Greg Gallaher, an experienced Flight Paramedic whose career has taken him from the streets to the skies. Greg shares what it takes to thrive in one of the most demanding roles in emergency medicine—balancing advanced clinical decision-making, aviation safety, and teamwork at 3,000 feet.We’ll explore his journey into flight medicine, the challenges of critical care transport, and the mindset required when every second matters. Greg also reflects on leadership, training, and how flight paramedics integrate with ground EMS, hospitals, and trauma systems to deliver seamless patient care.Whether you’re a seasoned provider, a new medic, or simply fascinated by high-acuity medicine in the air, this episode offers insights into the skills, grit, and passion that define the world of aeromedical care.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Jason Falvey interviews Prosecutor Damion Overstreet to discuss how paramedics and EMTs can prepare for trial. EMS professionals often face high-stakes situations when called to testify in court, and the courtroom atmosphere can be just as intense as the emergency scene. Damion shares valuable strategies for giving clear testimony, handling cross-examination, and understanding the legal process. This conversation is beneficial for both new and experienced EMS providers, as it provides practical insights that can help them protect their patients and themselves in the courtroom.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailAfter the sirens have quieted and the immediate chaos subsides, the true challenges for first responders often start. In an insightful and impactful discussion, Nancy Wesselink, a seasoned expert in Critical Incident Stress Management, delves into her methods for assisting first responders in processing the trauma they encounter. She emphasizes the importance of building resilience and safeguarding their mental well-being. With a wealth of experience, Nancy provides actionable strategies to help these professionals manage the emotional burdens associated with emergency work. She underscores the critical need to support those who dedicate their lives to serving others, highlighting that their mental health is vital for the overall well-being of our communities.Nancy Wesselink, Founder and Chief ConsultantOne Source Counseling and Employee Assistance Services, [email protected] the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailToday’s guest is a true EMS icon. With over four decades of experience across ground and air medicine, Merritt Riner has not only witnessed the evolution of prehospital care—he’s helped shape it. A seasoned paramedic, former flight medic, and currently the Clinical Operations Manager in Metropolitan Atlanta, Merritt has influenced everything from protocols to paramedic education.You may recognize him from Trauma: Life in the ER, but his lasting legacy lies in the medics he’s mentored, the systems he’s improved, and the standards of care he continues to raise.In this episode, Merritt shares stories from the field, leadership lessons learned through trial and error, and a deep dive into the clinical investigation process and CMQP (Clinical Management and Quality Practices). We unpack the real-world impact of data on clinical performance—digging into metrics like glucose monitoring, airway management, and trauma indicators—and examine how these insights are driving better care. Plus, we discuss emerging tools and treatments like TXA, ANCEF, and the potential for blood product deployment in the field.Whether you’re a frontline provider, EMS educator, or administrator, this episode is packed with insights on accountability, data-driven improvement, and the future of EMS in Metro Atlanta and beyond.Support the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn the debut episode of In-Service: The EMS Podcast, we sit down with Derek Hendren, a seasoned paramedic and leader whose roots stretch from the rural landscapes of Wyoming to the fast-paced demands of Metropolitan Atlanta. Now serving as the new Operations Manager, Derek brings a unique blend of frontier-tested resilience and forward-thinking leadership to our team. We discuss the transition from rural to urban EMS, the importance of operational consistency, and his vision for leading high-performance teams in complex environments. Tune in to hear how Derek’s past is shaping the future of our operations — and what it means for the medics on the groundSupport the showIn-Service: The EMS Podcast is dedicated to the professional on the front lines of emergency care - in the field, the classroom and behind the scenes. Subscribe for new episodes featuring EMS leaders and innovators shaping the future of pre-hospital care.Merchandise Store:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/in-service-ems-podcast/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=in-service-ems-podcast&utm_content=defaultIf you have suggestions for future guests email: [email protected]