Welcome to "The Ten Minute Medic," your go-to podcast for concise, expert insights into emergency medicine. In our latest episode, we take a look at the critical topic of the pathophysiology of shock. Join us as we explore how the heart, vasculature, and blood can fail during the shock process, leading to life-threatening consequences. We'll break …

Thanks to Yusuf Ahady for his suggestion on this week's episode. I'll be in touch with Yusuf to get his SWAG package headed his way. End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) monitoring, a noninvasive technique measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, is emerging as a valuable tool in the management of sepsis, a systemic response to infection with…

Eclampsia, a life-threatening condition occurring during pregnancy, involves seizures and is preceded by preeclampsia. Understanding eclampsia is crucial for paramedics as it requires immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications for both mother and baby, highlighting the need for prompt recognition and emergency management in pre-hos…

Pulmonary embolism is a condition where one or more blood clots travel from elsewhere in the body, commonly from deep veins in the legs (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis), and lodge in the arteries of the lungs. This blockage can critically reduce blood flow to the lung tissue, causing damage. The lack of perfusion leads to impaired gas ex…

Understanding Sgarbossa's Criteria is important for paramedic students, similar to knowing that a defibrillator is not just a high-tech paperweight. These criteria are a set of electrocardiographic findings designed to sniff out myocardial infarction (MI) in the presence of a tricky accomplice—left bundle branch block (LBBB) or a paced rhythm. Unde…

In this episode of the Ten Minute Medic, we delve into the complex pathophysiology of cardiac arrest in pregnant patients, emphasizing why a deep understanding of these unique physiological changes is crucial for effective pre-hospital care and improved maternal and fetal outcomes. After you have listened, visit the Ten Minute Medic Facebook page a…

In this episode of The Ten Minute Medic, we dive into the essential aspects of asthma for paramedic students. Like the song Hotel California, air checks into the alveoli, but doesn't (tend) to leave without help. Join us as we explore the pathophysiology behind this common respiratory condition, understanding the inflammation and bronchoconstrictio…

Welcome to our podcast, where we dive into the critical world of cardiology and explore a topic that's of paramount importance for paramedic students. Today, we're shining a spotlight on the often subtle, sometimes deceptive, yet incredibly significant issue of STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) mimics. These impostors can lead to m…

Picture insulin as a key that unlocks the doors of our cells, allowing glucose to enter and power our bodies. When this intricate dance falters, as in diabetes, it can lead to a terrible symphony of health issues. So, think of insulin as the ultimate conductor, directing the harmonious flow of energy that keeps us in tune with life's rhythms. In th…

The assessment skills of the paramedic are the most important ones that she has. Yet this area continues to be one of the weakest parts of paramedic education. In this episode, we take a look at how to have an organized assessment routine of our pediatric patients. A brand new episode will drop by the middle of the week. During this new session, we…

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is not limited to pediatrics and can affect geriatric populations too. In older adults, RSV can lead to severe respiratory infections, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, often requiring hospitalization. In this weeks podcast, we'll review the pathophysiology, symptomology and treatme…

Mechanism of injury is important for the paramedic student to learn as it takes you beyond the obvious. You become a detective when you evaluate the clues found at the scene of a trauma...not to convict the perpetrator, but to ensure your assessment finds all of the injuries that could threaten your patient's life.…

Having a basic understanding of the physical forces behind trauma will help you to begin to suspect injuries that may not always be obvious. In this first podcast, of a three part series, we will look at how Newton (the scientist, not the fig guy!) is important to the paramedic as well as the role the multiple collisions that take place during trau…

In this episode we will take a look at the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome. We'll also take a look at the types of fractures and how they might impact your patient.By tenminutemedic

In this extended podcast, we take a look at the causes, pathophysiologies and treatments of some of the more common classifications of shock that you might see in your pediatric patient.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

The early recognition of shock in the pediatric patient is imperative to the survival of your young patient. It's is important to remember that this condition does not always exhibit itself the same as it would in the adult. In this first of a multi-podcast series, we will take a look at pathophysiology of shock and how to recognize some of the sub…

Watching a child struggle to breath is difficult to deal with. However, what you do in the first few minutes of care could determine the outcome for your patient. In this episode, we take a brief look at the issue of respiratory distress versus respiratory failure.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

Pediatric cardiac arrests are rare, but can be among the most stressful calls that the paramedic will encounter. In this podcast, we take a look at the PALS algorithm for dealing with such high risk calls.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

The assessment skills of the paramedic are the most important ones that she posses. In this episode, we take a look at how to have an organized assessment routine of our pediatric patients.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

Effective communication is imperative for the paramedic who is called upon to care for a pediatric patient. Failure to communicate raises both the human, social and economic costs of medicine. In today’s podcast, we take a look at what some of the components of an effective resuscitation team are. benefit from increased access to their medical hist…

For most pediatric patients, the cause of cardiac arrest can be traced to a respiratory issue. In emergencies dealing with children, having impeccable BLS skills is critical. In this podcast, we take a look at the importance of high quality CPR and other issues that address cardiac arrest in the pediatric patient.…

It is important for the paramedic student to understand the pathophysiology that accompanies chest trauma, both blunt and penetrating. In this podcast, we take a look at: 1. Simple pneumothorax 2. Open pneumothorax 3. Tension pneumothoraxBy Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

In this week's podcast, you will learn 1. The pathophysiology behind an asthma attack 2. The three types of asthma attacks 3. The role of bronchodilators and corticosterioids in the treatment of asthma. Additional Resources for Students The Pathophysiology of Asthma-The Khan Academy What is Asthma-Dr. Alex Thomas Paramedic Student Review Questions:…

Trauma has become the most frequent cause of death of the OB patient in the United States. Although maternal mortality due to other causes such as infection, hemorrhage, hypertension, and thromboembolism, has declined over the years, the number of maternal deaths due to penetrating trauma, suicide, homicide and motor vehicle accidents has risen ste…

This is the second part of our Autism and What EMS Needs to Know series. My guests are Dustin Young, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Tillamook Family Counseling Corporation and Nick Watts, Community Paramedic with Tillamook County EMS. In this week’s presentation the student will Identify the changes in autism as a child transitions into a…

This week’s podcast will be a two parter! Recently I was with the paramedic students at Arkansas State University and they requested a podcast on the EMS response to autism. In response to their request, I’ve changed the format just a bit from that of a monologue to an interview. My guests are Dustin Young, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the …

In this episode of the Ten Minute Medic, we take a look at the ability of your patient to make competent decisions. At the end of this podcast, the student will 1. Understand the difference between competency and capacity 2. Understand the legal ramifications of failing to recognize competency 3. Understand the ASSET method of assessing competency.…

In this episode, the paramedic student will: 1. Understand the pathophysiology behind the cellular immune response 2. Be able to recognize the differences between anaphylaxis and a localized allergic reaction 3. Understand the role of epinephrine and diphenhydramine in the treatment of anaphylaxis.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

It's that time of the year when EMS students begin to sign up for their NREMT exams. In this podcast, we take a look a couple of urban legends regarding the exam, how the exam is constructed and what you can do to give yourself that added edge when you are sitting in front of that computer in the testing center.…

In this episode of the Ten Minute Medic the listener will: 1. understand the pathophysiology behind the development and destruction of clots after trauma; 2. learn the findings of the CRASH 2 study regarding TXA administration; 3. review one potential protocol for the administration of TXA.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

At the end of this podcast the paramedic student will: 1. understand the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia 2. understand the treatment of hypoglycemia 3. be able to differentiate the different levels of hyperglycemia 4. verbalize the treatment approaches for hyperglycemia Please consider leaving us a rating with your favorite podcast delivery serv…

Some forms of diabetes have been called a disease of lifestyle. There is no doubt that, in western culture, it is increasing. In this two part podcast we will : 1. review the anatomy and physiology of the pancreatic system 2. understand the role that insulin, glucose and glycogen play in homeostasis Thanks for listening!…

In this final session of this two part podcast, the student will 1. weigh the benefits versus the risks of moving from basic airway maneuvers to more advanced ones. 2. understand the importance of adequate airway suctioning versus limiting it to 10-15 seconds. 3. be introduced to the concepts of rapid sequence intubation and drug assisted intubatio…

The Ten Minute Medic takes a look at the airway of the trauma patient. In this session, you will learn: 1. the role of external and internal respiration. 2. factors that influence alveolar and cellular gas exchange. 3. the dangers of hyperventilation of your patient. Next weeks podcast will continue the discussion of the airway of the trauma patien…

This is the second part of the Pathophysiology of Shock episode. In this recording we'll look at: 1. Why relying on a BP for indication of shock could be deadly for your patient, 2. The three stages of shock and why you must be aggressive in its recognition and treatment and, 3. How the movement of fluid in and out of the cells affects the hemostat…

This week and next week the Ten Minute Medic will cover the workings of the body in shock and why this topic is probably the most important lecture you will cover in your paramedic class. This is a two part episode.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

The rules of engagement for active shooting scenes have changed. No longer can EMS sit back until the "scene is secure". In this podcast, we will review the kinematics of gunshot wounds that will enable you to better assess, recognize and treat your gunshot patient.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

We come to the end of our series on acid base balance with a look at metabolic acidosis and alkalosis. In this podcast you will learn: 1. The most common cause of metabolic acidosis 2. Why the administration of sodium bicarbonate for your patient in metabolic acidosis may be deadly 3. A summary of pathophysiology pearls to remember when addressing …

For your patient, there is, probably, no more frightening sensation than that of not being able to breathe. This is never more true than in the patient who is in respiratory alkalosis. In this podcast we look at: 1. What respiratory alkalosis is. 2. The pathophysiology behind it. 3. The best way to treat, and not treat, your patient.…

Respiratory acidosis is commonly seen in the pre-hospital patient. In this episode, we take a look at the pathophysiology and treatment approach of this frequently encountered condition.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

We've all been there! What do you do after that massive chili cheese burger? You reach for an antacid! In this episode, we take a look at the mechanisms that the body uses to help maintain a homeostatic pH so that we live the best life. This also introduces a four part series in which we will take a look at each of the syndromes that occur when aci…

Conventional EMS education says that T wave abnormalities are present with an elevated potassium. Is that always true. In today's podcast, Dr. Bill Young takes a look at some of the most common symptoms of hyperkalemia as well as the importance of understanding the pathophysiology behind it.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

Could oxygen be detrimental to our cardiac patients? You bet your sweet nitroglycerine it could be. Learn more from this week's podcast!By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

Although a newcomer to the drug bags of paramedics, ketamine was first developed in 1962 and used as an anesthetic in surgery. Over the last couple of years, it has become an attractive option for use in the prehospital arena because of it many applications, it’s safety as an anesthetic and fairly rapid onset of action.…

It is fall of the year and this is the time that health care providers begin to think about childhood respiratory diseases. In this podcast, we will take a brief look at some of the more common pediatric respiratory diseases that you may come into contact with.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.

The presence of a right ventricular MI has always been something that has a mysterious hold for paramedics. In the past, any patient with a RVMI was prohibited from receiving NTG because of a possibility that they would suffer from life threatening hypotension. However, is this the case. In this podcast, we will look at the pathophysiology of the R…

One of the most common cardiac related emergencies that the paramedic will be called upon to deal with is that of congestive heart failure. In this podcast, we will look at the pathophysiology of the disease process, the symptoms that your patient may present and the treatment that you may be called upon to give.…

If you are anything like most paramedic students, you will, at some point in time struggle with AV heart blocks. In this short podcast, learn how to become much more proficient in their identification.By Dr. Bill Young, NRP, Ed. D.