Best Defibrillator Podcasts (2024)

1
The Importance of Early CPR & Defibrillation 5:33

10d ago5:33

5:33

Two factors to cardiac arrest survivability that have been clearly shown to make the biggest difference is continuous, high-quality CPR and early defibrillation. The most common dysrhythmia present during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation (VF). The chance of successful defibrillation decreases every minute that pas…

1
S4 Ep48: DNC Part 2: The Dems' Defibrillator (with John Anzalone) 49:42

14d ago49:42

49:42

The Democratic National Convention was a respite from Democrats' summer of despair, and a lot of the good vibes filtered down to swing voters...but are good vibes enough? Democratic pollster John Anzalone joins Sarah to listen to how the new ticket looks to swing voters...and even some former Trump voters who are now Harris-curious.…

1
Beta Blocker Use in ACLS Algorithms 4:51

4h ago4:51

4:51

Beta blocking medications attach to Beta receptors to inhibit or “block” the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline)and norepinephrine in the body. The primary locations of Beta I, II, and III receptors. Effects of epinephrine & norepinephrine’s stimulation of beta receptors on the heart. Beta blockers effects on the heart. When we should consider the …

1
Advanced Airways 7:33

5h ago7:33

7:33

This episode we are reviewing the use of advanced airways in the adult cardiac arrest algorithm. When we should consider insertion of an advanced airway for patients in a shockable vs non-shockable rhythm. In addition to an endotracheal tube (ETT), other ACLS advanced airways include the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and the Laryngeal Tube airway. Th…

1
Antiarrhythmic Use After ROSC 5:00

5h ago5:00

5:00

Our primary focus immediately following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is aimed at ensuring adequate perfusion of the patient’s vital organs and decreasing cerebral damage. Post-arrest goals for O2 saturation, ETCO2, and BP/MAP. Indications for use of an antiarrhythmic after ROSC. Determining which antiarrhythmic to use post cardiac arres…

1
Journal Editorial - Familial hypercholesterolaemia: need for equitable treatment in women and men 7:21

1h ago7:21

7:21

With Raul Santos, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo - Brazil. Link to Editorial Link to PaperBy European Society of Cardiology

1
S4 Ep50: She Was Built for This (with Dana Bash) 1:01:49

35m ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Kamala Harris crushed Donald Trump in this week's debate...and swing voters noticed. CNN's Dana Bash joins Sarah to discuss her new book, this week's debate, her experience as the co-moderator of the June 27 debate, and the role of moderator fact-checking in both debates. show notes By Dana Bash and David Fisher: America's Deadliest Election: The C…

1
Hydrogen Ions as a H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 4:36

5d ago4:36

4:36

Hydrogen ions is on one of the Hs in ACLS's H&T reversible causes of cardiac arrest. When considering hydrogen ions as a cause, what we’re looking at is the patient’s pH, or acid/base balance, and conditions that affect it. The body's normal pH. Using patient history, ABGs, & labs to determine acidosis or alkalosis. Common conditions/causes that ma…

1
Code Flow Using the Adult Cardiac Arrest Algorithm 8:44

1d ago8:44

8:44

Being the team leader during a cardiac arrest is challenging. Using an algorithm helps by standardizing & prioritizing our interventions using an If/Then methodology. Review of BLS steps for determining if rescue breathing or CPR is needed and use of an AED for patients in cardiac arrest. If the patient is in a non-shockable rhythm on the ECG such …

1
Medication Review: Aspirin 4:24

2d ago4:24

4:24

For patients exhibiting symptoms consistent with myocardial ischemia, Aspirin is the first medications we should consider along with morphine, oxygen, and nitroglycerine; if indicated & safe. Aspirin's mechanism of action & benefits for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients. Contraindications and considerations for aspirin’s use. The dose and rout…

1
First & Third Degree AV Blocks 7:25

3d ago7:25

7:25

To pass ACLS, you will need to be able to identify common rhythms on a monitor during your mega code and ECG strips on your written exam. If you don't normally monitor patients as part of your job, I suggest two things: 1. Find a system for ECG interpretation that works well for you; and 2. Practice reading ECGs every day for a few weeks before you…

1
Lidocaine & Amiodarone Review 6:44

4d ago6:44

6:44

In the Adult Cardiac Arrest algorithm, we should administer an antiarrhythmic medication to patients in V-Fib or pulseless ventricular tachycardia approximately two minutes after the first dose of epinephrine. The two first-line ACLS antiarrhythmics that are generally used are Amiodarone and Lidocaine. Review of Lidocaine dosing and administration …

1
Journal Editorial - Valvular heart disease: the oncoming tsunami 6:16

4d ago6:16

6:16

With Kwan-Leung CHAN & Lawrence Lau, University of Ottawa Heart institute - Canada. Link to editorial Link to paperBy European Society of Cardiology

1
S4 Ep49: Can Kamala Be Unburdened? (with Benjy Sarlin) 1:07:59

7d ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Kamala Harris's campaign has created a month of immaculate vibes, but plenty of voters are still skeptical. Semafor Washington bureau chief Benjy Sarlin joins Sarah to discuss the state of the race going into the second debate, and Harris's standing with skeptical former Biden voters. show notes Adam Carlson's Crosstab Aggregator Relevant past epis…

1
Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) Review 4:56

7d ago4:56

4:56

The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious patient. For patients with a decreased level of consciousness that can't control their airway, yet have an intact gag reflex, the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) should be used as an alternative to the oropharyngeal airway (OPA). Examples of when a NPA should be considered. Contraindica…

1
Tamponade as an H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 5:21

8d ago5:21

5:21

When blood, or other fluids, accumulate in the sac around the heart it’s called a cardiac tamponade or pericardial tamponade. The effects of tamponade on the electrical system and chambers of the heart. Cardiac tamponade can be acute or chronic and caused by traumatic, iatrogenic, or pathological etiologies. Common traumatic events, medical procedu…

1
Team Leader and Use of Quick Reference Cards 5:04

9d ago5:04

5:04

Two things have changed in recent years to aid students that don't use ACLS in their daily practice. 1. The role of the team leader; and 2. The ability to use your quick reference cards. The team leader is responsible for assigning tasks and overall direction of the team but can & should ask team members for help. Using closed-loop communication to…

1
Quantitative Waveform Capnography Use in ACLS 5:02

11d ago5:02

5:02

Quantitative waveform capnography is used in ACLS as a way to confirm good CPR and placement of an endotracheal tube; identify return of spontaneous circulation; and during post-cardiac arrest care. We can use waveform capnography with, and without, an advanced airway in place. Monitoring end tidal CO2 during rescue breathing. Use of capnography to…

1
Review of Vagal Maneuvers 5:38

14d ago5:38

5:38

Patients with a narrow complex tachycardia with a rate over 150 BPM are in SVT. Unstable patients in SVT, or V-Tach with a pulse, should be cardioverted with a synchronized shock. Assessment & treatment of stable tachycardic patients. Commonly used vagal techniques. A less common technique to stimulate the vagus nerve is the dive reflex. Indication…

1
Energy Settings for Defibrillation & Synchronized Cardioversion 5:34

15d ago5:34

5:34

Remembering all the different energy setting needed for synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation used to be confusing for a lot of people. Defibrillators can be broken down into three basic categories: 1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED); 2. Biphasic defibrillators; and 3. Monophasic defibrillators. Use of an AED to rapidly deliver a sho…

1
Identification and Treatment of Unstable Bradycardia 5:17

16d ago5:17

5:17

Patients with a heart rate less than 60 are bradycardic. Some people can have a resting heart rate in the 40s without any compromise. For others, a heart rate of 50 or less could signify the need for immediate intervention and warrants additional assessment. Signs & symptoms that indicate a bradycardic patient is unstable. Monitoring oxygen saturat…

1
Post-Arrest Care & Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) 5:14

17d ago5:14

5:14

The goal of CPR is to keep the brain and vital organs perfused until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved. Post-arrest care and recovery are the final two links in the chain of survival. Identification of ROSC during CPR. Initial patient management goals after identifying ROSC. The patient’s GCS/LOC should be evaluated to determine …

1
The Stroke & Cardiac Chain of Survival 5:04

18d ago5:04

5:04

The chain of survival for ACLS is the same as was learned in your BLS class. The beginning steps of the Cardiac Emergency and Stroke chain of survival. ACLS's timed goals for first medical contact to PCI for STEMI and door-to-needle for ischemic stroke. Characteristics of areas that have significantly better stroke and out-of-hospital cardiac arres…

1
S4 Ep47: DNC-Palooza, Part 1 (with Joe Perticone) 44:55

20d ago44:55

44:55

The Bulwark is ON LOCATION at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and we've got quite a lot to talk about! National Political Reporter Joe Perticone joins Sarah to recap the sights and sounds from the convention. They also walk through swing voters' reactions to the Harris-Walz ticket, and how plugged in they were to convention coverage …

1
H&T Reversible Causes of Cardiac Arrest: Hypokalemia & Hyperkalemia 4:32

21d ago4:32

4:32

Heart muscle contraction and repolarization is dependent on Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium ions crossing cellular membranes. When a patient’s potassium levels get too low or too high, hypokalemia or hyperkalemia results respectively. Two things that may lead us to suspect hypo or hyperkalemia. Medical conditions & medications that can ca…

1
Time Goals for Stroke Assessment & Therapy 4:59

27d ago4:59

4:59

When treating patients having an MI or stroke, more minutes equals more dead cells. Because the majority of strokes are the ischemic type, the treatment for stroke is similar to an MI – to reestablish perfusion to the ischemic tissues. Review the first four steps in the Stroke Chain of Survival. Time criteria for the administration of tPA (or a sim…

1
Medication Review: Adenosine 5:50

23d ago5:50

5:50

Adenosine is the first IV medication given to stable patients with sustained supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) refractory to vagal maneuvers. Symptoms indicating a stable vs unstable patient. Common causes of tachycardia. Cardiac effects of Adenosine. Indications for use in the ACLS Tachycardia algorithm. Considerations and contraindications. Aden…

1
Recognition of Second Degree Heart Blocks and Possible Interventions 7:20

24d ago7:20

7:20

To pass the written ACLS exam and mega code, students need to be able to identify basic ECG dysrhythmias, including the two types of second-degree heart block. One method of ECG rhythm identification is to ask a series of questions such as: What's the rate (<60, 60-100, 101-149, or >150); Is the rhythm regular or irregular; What's the shape, width,…

1
Oxygen and Pulse Oximetry 4:40

25d ago4:40

4:40

When treating patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), MONA is an acronym sometimes used to help us remember the initial interventions. The O in MONA is Oxygen. When we should administer oxygen to ACS patients. When O2 administration is unnecessary based on an accurate pulse ox. Monitoring patient's oxygen saturation (SaO2) using a pulse oximet…

1
S4 Ep46: MAGA According to JD Vance (with Ian Ward) 52:06

27d ago52:06

52:06

JD Vance's evolution on Trump over the years has left voters wondering what he really believes. But our guest this week can shed some light on that. POLITICO's Ian Ward joins Sarah to discuss his reporting on JD Vance and the "new right" more broadly. They also discuss Ian's reporting from inside Project 2025, and the role it may play in a future T…

1
Objective Measures of Good CPR 6:41

28d ago6:41

6:41

Along with early defibrillation, high quality CPR with minimal interruptions is one of the two factors that has been shown to improve cardiac arrest outcomes. How do we know if high quality, effective CPR is being performed? Objective measures of good, high-quality CPR include: Compression rate; Compression depth & recoil; ETCO2; and Chest Compress…

1
Review of Atropine & Dopamine for Unstable Bradycardia 5:56

29d ago5:56

5:56

When we should use the bradycardia algorithm. The signs & symptoms of unstable bradycardia. Atropine's bradycardic dose and maximum. The use of atropine when a patient is in a second degree type II or third degree heart block. ECG changes that indicate subsequent doses of atropine are likely to be ineffective. The starting dose of Dopamine. The use…

1
Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) Review 6:04

1M ago6:04

6:04

The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious patient. Insertion an oropharyngeal airway helps keep the patient’s tongue from falling to the back of the pharynx, causing an airway obstruction. The oropharyngeal airway is sometimes called an OPA or simply an oral airway. Indications for using an oral airway. Contraindication for…

1
Hypoxia: An H&T Reversible Cause of Cardiac Arrest 5:54

1M ago5:54

5:54

Hypoxia is a state of low oxygen levels in the blood. Determining hypoxia using a pulse oximeter or arterial blood gasses (ABGs). A goal of ACLS is to recognize signs of hypoxia and provide timely treatment to prevent an arrest. Examples of some things that might lead us to think of hypoxia as a cause of cardiac arrest. Why we should not rely on pu…

1
Sinus Tachycardia vs. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) 6:07

1M ago6:07

6:07

ECG characteristics of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) vs. sinus tachycardia. Signs & symptoms that indicate a patient is unstable. Delivery of a synchronized shock for the treatment of unstable SVT using a biphasic vs monophasic defibrillator. Consideration for team safety while performing synchronized cardioversion. Actions to take immediately…

1
S4 Ep45: Quick Reaction: Tim Walz Edition 16:00

1M ago16:00

16:00

Sarah is on vacation this week, but we didn't want to leave you without some focus group reactions to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joining the Democratic ticket. Listen to how swing voters from around the country AND Minnesota voters who know Walz best are thinking about him and the presidential race more broadly. We'll see you next week.…

1
Epinephrine During Cardiac Arrest 5:12

1M ago5:12

5:12

When working to resuscitate a patient in sudden cardiac arrest, Epinephrine is the first IV medication we administer. When we give the first dose of epinephrine depends on whether the patient is in a shockable or non-shockable rhythm. When to give the first dose of epinephrine and its frequency for patients in asystole or PEA following the right si…

1
Common Conditions That Can Mimic a Stroke 6:00

1M ago6:00

6:00

If a person suddenly develops symptoms such as weakness, slurred or garbled speech, loss of balance, or a massive & severe headache; it’s possible they could be having a stroke. The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale. There are several conditions that can mimic a stroke. Identification & treatment of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Identification &…

1
S4 Ep44: Does Kamala Need A Straight White Guy? (with Sam Stein) 52:09

1M ago52:09

52:09

Kamala Harris is closing in on a vice presidential pick, and her shortlist looks...a LOT different than Joe Biden's shortlist did in 2020. New Bulwark managing editor Sam Stein joins Sarah to break down Harris's options and walk through his new reporting on scammy Democratic PACs. show notes By Sam Stein: Harris Camp Warns Supporters: Don’t Get Dup…

1
S4 Ep43: Kamala Gets The Start (with David Axelrod) 47:56

2M ago47:56

47:56

At the 11th hour, Kamala Harris is now the presumptive Democratic nominee. Longtime listeners will know that swing voters have had a negative impression of her--but luckily, it's just an impression! David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Obama, joins Sarah to walk through where Harris goes from here. show notes The Bulwark in Dallas on S…

1
S4 Ep42: The 'Jekyll and Hyde' Running Mate (with Marc Caputo) 43:57

2M ago43:57

43:57

The Republican National Convention took place with the backdrop of an assassination attempt, and Donald Trump added a MAGA true believer to his ticket, in J.D. Vance. The Bulwark's Marc Caputo joins Sarah from Milwaukee to discuss the convention, the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Trump, and voters' reactions to the Trump-Vance ticket. T…

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Defibrillator Podcasts

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