EMS World Podcasts

Michael Poynter, senior consultant at Fitch & Associates, a first responder consulting firm, sits down with host Mike McCabe to discuss the organization's new training module. The Emergency Services Preparedness (ESP) course covers how agencies can prepare for natural disasters. If the roof on your building comes down during a tornado, do you have a contingency plan in place for serving your community? The course also helps agencies craft policies for caring for responders' families who may be affected by the weather. The first course kicks off in late March 2027 in Kansas City, Missouri and will feature guest speakers sharing best practices for fortifying your agency. Learn more at fitchassoc.com.

In this episode of EMS World’s Rapid Response with Mike and Josh, neurointerventional surgeon Dr. Brijesh Mehta explains how EMS decisions shape stroke care before a patient reaches the hospital. He discusses recognizing a possible large vessel occlusion, using stroke severity scales, and choosing a destination based on local stroke center capabilities. Mehta also explains mechanical thrombectomy, why a detailed prehospital alert helps hospital teams prepare, and how primary, thrombectomy-capable, and comprehensive stroke centers differ. The conversation closes with an effort to expand and standardize stroke education for EMS providers.

Mike McCabe and Josh Hartman come to you live from the exhibit hall at EMS World Expo 2026, which took place Sept. 28-Oct. 2. Josh dives into some highlights from the floor, sharing how learning happens during every part of the show. They also share an exciting update about "Into the Unknown," the EMS documentary produced by Randolph Mantooth of Emergency! coming to streaming later this year.

Eric Bauer, CEO of FlightBridgeED, LLC, joins Mike McCabe and Josh Hartman to share some highlights from the recent FASTCAN conference and his passion of safely managing the intubated patient using his acronym PHACTORS. Learn even more by attending Eric’s talk on PHACTORS next week at EMS World Expo.

With EMS World Expo less than two weeks away, William Heuser, PharmD, MS, BCEMP, BCCCP, BCNSP, EMT-P, FP-C, a clinical critical care pharmacist, course director/clinical professor of pharmacology, clinical toxicologist and certified flight paramedic/firefighter, joins Mike and Josh to preview his presentations at the upcoming show. Heuser highlights some of the latest research on ketamine and ventricular tachycardia storms and why this research matters for BLS and ALS providers

Mike McCabe and Joshua Hartman both responded 25 years ago when the world changed forever on 9/11. Hartman was in downtown Manhattan, staged near the towers, while McCabe was staged across the Hudson River in New Jersey. In this special episode of Rapid Response, McCabe and Hartman reflect on the events of 9/11/2001, the challenges of that day, and how the world and specifically the EMS World has changed since.

Michael W. Dailey, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, Chief of Prehospital and Operational Medicine and Professor of Emergency Medicine at Albany Medical College joins Mike McCabe and Joshua Hartman MBA, NRP, on what attendees can expect at EMS World Expo, Sept. 28-Oct. 2 in Orlando. Dr. Dailey also gives an update on regulatory advocacy in his home state of New York. Rapid Response is a new, quick-hit podcast from EMS World. Each week, Mike and Josh will tackle a new, important topic in EMS. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube!

Ryan Greenberg, Director of New York State EMS, joins Mike McCabe and Joshua Hartman to discuss the latest in EMS leadership. Greenberg shares how leaders are seeking more education, his Top 3 leadership success factors, changes in leadership style, and more. Rapid Response is a new, quick-hit podcast from EMS World. Each week, Mike and Josh will tackle a new, important topic in EMS. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube!

EMS World Rapid Response is a new podcast featuring quick dives into relevant topics for EMS. This week, Mike McCabe and Joshua Hartman share some of the latest innovations in artificial intelligence tools for EMS.

EMS World is proud to bring you a new format of the EMS World Podcast. These quick, 10-minute discussions with EMS leaders will break down hot topics in EMS, perfect for catching up on the latest innovations in whatever free time a provider may have. Dr. Peter Antevy discusses the role of plasma in prehospital emergency care and what it can mean for patients experiencing life-threatening bleeding. In this conversation, hear insights on bringing critical treatment closer to the point of injury, the impact of early intervention, and how advancements in prehospital care can help EMS teams improve outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.

Ken Simpson with Pafford Healthcare Services and Dr. Brent Myers, Chief Medical Officer of ESO, join Joshua D. Hartman, MBA, NRP, Sr. Vice President of HMP Global's Cardio Vascular/Emergency & Mobile Medicine Business Unit on this episode of the EMS World Podcast. The three discuss ESO's Logis Dispatch system. The system supports your communications center, with Computer-Aided Dispatch and Intelligent Decision Support working as one. Designed to expedite care for emergency services, mobile integrated health (MIH) and community paramedicine, and non-emergent medical transport teams, tailored to your team's unique needs and challenges. Simpson shares his experience choosing Logis for Pafford Health and the benefits the system has experienced. Myers shares how the data the system pulls contributes to an integrated system of care and mitigates risk in dispatch. Sponsored by ESO.

In this episode of the EMS World Podcast, host Mike McCabe sits down with Antoine Schreier, a mechanical engineer whose work has helped shape the evolution of modern ambulance design. Their conversation explores how listening to frontline providers, challenging long-held assumptions, and closely observing real-world EMS operations can uncover opportunities for meaningful innovation. The discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at how ambulance manufacturers approach problem-solving, what drives innovation in the industry, and why rethinking traditional practices may be key to the future of EMS. Sponsored by Demers Ambulances.

In this episode of the EMS World Podcast, Managing Editor Kristin Carroll chats with Director Tom Putnam and Producer Dr. Baxter Larmon for Into the Unknown: The Paramedic’s Journey. The long-awaited documentary follows several EMS agencies and providers through tough calls, highlighting the work they do as well as the toll it takes. Putnam and Larmon discuss some of the surprises of filming first responders and share an exciting update on when the film will be available for rent and purchase on streaming. Listeners can also learn how to support the film's distribution via Kickstarter.

Ambulance safety has come a long way, but what happens to medical devices during a crash or sudden stop is still a critical concern for patients and providers. Host Mike McCabe speaks with Nancy Morest and Eric Hamel of Technimount EMS about the safety challenges and operational impacts associated with unsecured equipment in EMS and critical care transport. From monitors and oxygen tanks to IV pumps and ventilators, medical devices that are not properly secured can become dangerous projectiles in a crash. Morest and Hamel explain how crash-tested mounting solutions designed to meet standards such as SAE J3043, help protect providers and patients while improving workflow. For EMS clinicians, fleet leaders, and anyone involved in patient transport, this episode is a must-listen dive into how innovation is helping make ambulances safer, more efficient, and better prepared for the realities of modern care on the move. Sponsored by Technimount System

Mike McCabe sits down with Dr. Jeannie Riner, EMS Lead Faculty at Columbia Southern University (CSU), to discuss some of the myths around EMS education. Dr. Riner traces the profession's education evolution, from department-led training to degrees being strongly encouraged. She notes that with many accrediting organizations, EMS leaders need to have a degree. Riner and McCabe also discuss the education options at CSU, which are geared toward working professionals who want to grow their skills and career.

Mike McCabe sits down with Brian MacLean, Assistant Chief of Cooper County (Missouri) Ambulance, to explore the realities of rural EMS. Serving 569 square miles in central Missouri, MacLean’s team manages thousands of calls each year—with transport times stretching up to 90 minutes since their local hospital closed. MacLean shares why rural EMS demands sharp clinical skills, resilience, and total confidence in your equipment. He offers candid insight into fleet decisions, explaining why his agency chose Crestline ambulances for their cost-effectiveness, faster delivery, smart layout, and safety-focused design. Drawing on personal experience from an ambulance-involved crash, he underscores how vehicle design and properly secured equipment can make all the difference. Sponsored by Crestline Ambulances

Rob Lawrence hosts this special episode of the EMS World Podcast. The Injury Prevention Alliance of Phoenix (Arizona) is the winner of the 2025 Nicholas Rosecrans Award, which recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations who make a significant impact in preventing injury and illness before they even happen. The award is named for Nicholas Rosecrans, a young boy who tragically drowned in 1996, spurring local paramedics to commit to increasing injury and illness prevention. The Injury Prevention Alliance of Phoenix won the award for their teen driver safety program. In addition to members of the Alliance, Nicholas's mother, Lynn Artz, and brother, Noah Rosecrans, join the episode.

Sophie Fuller, Jaime Wesley, and Aubrey Lukis, hosts of the Life and Sirens podcast, join Managing Editor Kristin Carroll on the floor of EMS World Expo 2025 in Indianapolis. They discuss their roles as EMS influencers, being women in EMS, and more.

Simulation training has become a critical pillar of modern EMS education, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world field performance. In this episode of the EMS World Podcast, host Mike McCabe sits down with Nathan Harrison, Vice President of Operations at Simulator Solutions, to explore how high-fidelity simulation is transforming the way EMS providers train, prepare, and stay safe. Harrison shares the unique origin story of Simulator Solutions, a family-founded company born from the need for realistic ambulance training environments. Drawing on engineering expertise rather than clinical backgrounds, the team has focused on recreating the physical realities of EMS work — from confined spaces to constant motion — so providers can train under conditions that closely mirror the field. These simulators allow learners to experience challenges such as claustrophobia, equipment placement, and vehicle movement long before they encounter them on the job. The conversation highlights the safety…

Mike Grzyb, Senior Director of Field Support for ZOLL’s EMS business unit joins EMS World Managing Editor Kristin Carroll live at EMS World Expo 2025 in Indianapolis to discuss the new Zenix monitor defibrillator. The device has premarket approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this second part, Grzyb shares how the Zenix is uniquely suited for the EMS ambulance environment.

Mike Grzyb, Senior Director of Field Support for ZOLL’s EMS business unit joins EMS World Managing Editor Kristin Carroll live at EMS World Expo 2025 in Indianapolis to discuss the new Zenix monitor defibrillator. The device has premarket approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This episode goes into how customer feedback on previous ZOLL devices shaped the Zenix's unique, user friendly design.

EMS World Content Director Jonathan Bassett sits down with HMP Global Senior Vice President Josh Hartman and FlightBridge ED CEO Eric Bauer to discuss FAST 2026 and EMS World Live | Austin, which will co-locate in the Texas capital May 27-29, 2026. Listen to learn about course offerings and how to make the most of your time at both shows. Interested in attending? Register here.

In this episode of the EMS World Podcast, host Mike McCabe talks with Sherry Twitty, Director of Corporate Outreach at Columbia Southern University, about how flexible, online education is helping fire, EMS, and nursing professionals advance their careers without disrupting their demanding schedules. Twitty shares how CSU’s life-paced learning model, affordable tuition, multiple start dates, and transfer credit options are designed specifically for first responders balancing shift work and multiple jobs. She also highlights CSU’s wide range of EMS, fire, nursing, and public service degree programs—and how industry feedback helps shape them.

An EMS medic, an MVA, a STEMI, a stroke—and everyone’s still playing “telephone” with the hospital. In this episode of EMS World Podcasts, host Mike McCabe sits down with Mitch Scott, Solutions Architect at General Devices, to tackle one of EMS’s biggest headaches: communication and coordination with the emergency department and specialty teams. Scott breaks down how GD’s e-Bridge platform lets crews securely send photos, EKGs, videos, and patient data straight from the field to the ED, cath lab, stroke team, transfer centers, and more—all in one HIPAA-compliant app that never stores images on personal devices. They dig into real-world pain points: long wall times, “we never got your call,” lack of accountability, rural agencies with hour-long transports, and busy EDs juggling multiple priorities. You’ll hear how features like GPS tracking, acknowledgement alerts, and detailed timestamps create a defensible QA/QI trail and give everyone—from medics to cardiologists—a shared, real-time view of the patient…

The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) was abruptly disbanded earlier this year. Former chair Brenden Hayden, COO of Estella Health, a mobile Integrated healthcare company, and former vice chair, Tom Arkins, chief of IT and informatics with Indianapolis EMS, join us to discuss their time on the committee and look into the future for EMS.

Las Vegas EMS Captain Jeremy Sonenschein is the winner of the 2025 First Responder Caring Award, sponsored by Dynarex Corporation. He sits down with host Kristin Carroll to discuss his career, the award, and his personal motto, "training tomorrow's heroes today." Dyanarex Respiratory Category Manager & Respiratory Therapist, Shauna Winston, also joins the show to share the award's background and about Dynarex's Resp-O2 product portfolio.

Tom Arkins, Chief of IT and Informatics and Steven Norman a Paramedic with Indianapolis EMS discuss what it took to bring the show to the "Crossroads of America" for EMS World Expo 2025.

Running an EMS operation on a large scale demands great responsibilities—for both the community you serve as well as the personnel that deliver that service. Mike McCabe sits down with David Basnak, president and executive director of EmergyCare, the largest EMS and medical transport provider in northwest Pennsylvania, to learn more about his priorities in the areas of career development, quality improvement, staff safety and state-of-the-art equipment. Sponsored by Medix Specialty Vehicles.

During EMS Week, it’s important to recognize dedicated EMS providers as well as spotlight ways they can move forward in their careers. To that end, the fire and EMS degree programs offered by Columbia Southern University were designed with busy professionals in mind. Keith Padgett, MS, EFO, a 45-year veteran of the fire service, serves as academic program director for the fire and emergency medical services programs at CSU. In our latest EMS World podcast, host Mike McCabe sits down with Padgett to learn more about the career-expanding options available to today’s hardworking first responders. Sponsored by Columbia Southern University. Follow EMS World on social media at EMSWorldOFCL

What began as a routine patient call in 2023 reshaped Ohio paramedic Jesse Sopko’s perspective on life and duty. Despite enduring severe injuries—including multiple fractures, brain bleeds, and a traumatic brain injury—Sopko’s spirit has remained unbroken. Sopko’s journey of recovery, marked by weeks in the ICU and extensive rehabilitation, is a testament to human resilience and the relentless will to survive. Reflecting on his experience, he advises, “Don’t ever take a day for granted. Always kiss your loved ones goodbye.” This candid conversation between Sopko and host Mike McCabe offers an inspiring look at recovery and a heartfelt reminder for EMS professionals to cherish every moment. Sponsored by Braun Ambulances. Follow EMS World on social media at EMSWorldOFCL

Plasma for TBI, dual sequential defibrillation, a new cardiac arrest “bundle,” distal femur IO, and comparable innovations will make EMS care in 10 years look much different than it does today. Back by popular demand, McCabe sits down with two of our most popular guests—Peter Antevy, MD, CEO and founder of Pediatric Emergency Standards and EMS medical director for several Florida agencies, and Charlie Coyle, division chief at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue—to look at what innovations are set to revolutionize prehospital care in the coming years. Follow EMS World on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @EMSWorldOFCL

Artificial intelligence is permeating all niches of public and private life. Can it enhance decision making and situational awareness in EMS? What does that look like? Azhar Khan, an associate director who leads the Solutions Specialist and Public Safety Outreach Program Teams for Verizon Frontline, speaks with our host Mike McCabe on the present and future applications of AI in EMS. Follow EMS World on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @EMSWorldOFCL

The National EMS Quality Alliance (NEMSQA) was honored as this year’s prestigious Nicholas Rosecrans Award winner for their exceptional work on the Lights and Sirens Collaborative. NEMSQA’s initiative has been pivotal in reducing the risks associated with the use of lights and sirens in emergency medical services, improving safety for EMS providers and the public while maintaining high standards of patient care. Live from the EMS World Expo 2024 exhibit hall floor in Las Vegas, Mike McCabe hosts a roundtable with Mike Taigman, Brooke Burton, Jeff Jarvis, Lynn Artz and Rob Lawrence to learn more about the Nicholas Rosecrans Award and this year’s winner.

Navigating the complex landscape of ambulance fleet management can be challenging, especially in the face of rising costs and supply chain disruptions. How can EMS agencies optimize their fleet performance while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness? On this episode of EMS World Podcasts, host Mike McCabe sits down with Kyle Wells, assistant chief of EMS for AtlantiCare, to delve into these critical issues. Together, they explore key obstacles and discuss strategies for implementing a standardized approach to improve fleet performance.

The field of hemorrhage control is experiencing rapid advancements, particularly in the area of abdominal bleeding. And on this episode of the EMS World Podcasts, we'll be taking a look at one product in particular—the AAJT-S tourniquet. Live from the exhibit floor at EMS World Expo 2024, host Mike McCabe is joined by Dr. John Croushorn, an emergency medicine physician in Birmingham, Alabama, to explore this innovative abdominal tourniquet.

Anyone familiar with tactical medicine knows the name Dr. Frank Butler—Navy SEAL, captain, ophthalmologist, former director of the SEAL biomedical research program, and one of the founders of tactical combat casualty care (TCCC). Butler’s new book Tell Them Yourself: It's Not Your Day to Die is the extraordinary account of how a small group of world-class trauma experts joined forces with America's best combat medics to rewrite the rule book in battlefield medicine—and then to sell these revolutionary new concepts to a disbelieving medical world. Mike McCabe gets some time with one of the most distinguished, decorated and influential medical minds in TCCC to discuss challenges and innovations in battlefield medicine and what those lessons can bring to civilian EMS.

In our newest episode of EMS World Podcasts, host Mike McCabe chats with Dynarex executives John Burns, corporate training and events director, and Kristen Dreyer, product development director, about their company's latest technological advancements as well as their commitment to supporting first responders and the EMS community.

As we approach the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we honor the heroes who risked their lives that day and the countless others who have served in the aftermath. In our newest episode of EMS World Podcasts, host Mike McCabe sits down with former NYPD Commissioner William Bratton, former FDNY Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, and former FDNY EMS Chief John Peruggia. Together, they reflect on the lessons learned from 9/11, the advancements made in emergency services since then, and the ongoing challenges faced by first responders.

Communication is key to operational success. However, according to podcast host Mike McCabe, "Clear and coordinated communications between field units and receiving hospitals has always been and continues to be a problem." In our newest episode of EMS World Podcasts, McCabe sits down with Darin Helkowski, Southeast Regional Manager at General Devices, to explore how EMS providers can improve communication and coordination between field units and receiving hospitals and leverage technology to streamline EMS-hospital handoffs.

Data-driven research might sound like a dry topic, but according to podcast host Mike McCabe it’s “the way we are going to progress as a profession.” In our newest episode of EMS World Podcasts, McCabe sits down with Peter Antevy, MD, CEO and founder of Pediatric Emergency Standards and EMS medical director for several Florida agencies, and Charles Coyle, division chief at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, to learn more about why research in EMS matters.

Despite their variety of backgrounds, certifications and areas of expertise, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team galvanizes behind a single mission when disaster strikes. Their first and primary objective is to restore network connectivity amid the worst of conditions so their partners in medical response, law enforcement and emergency operations can do their jobs. “Verizon Frontline has basically built a 30-year partnership with public safety from the ground up, by meeting their unique and evolving needs,” says Jason Mitchell, Associate Director of the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team. “And we do that by having conversations with them consistently, finding out what's top of their mind, and what keeps them up at night.” Host Mike McCabe sits down with Mitchell to learn more about this unique team and the critical work they do in damaged communities.

Mobile integrated healthcare and community paramedicine continue to evolve daily. And these rapid advancements often lead to questions and confusion. EMS World’s Mike McCabe sits down with Jeanine Newton-Riner, EdD, MHSA, RRT, EMT-P, CP-C, lead faculty for fire and emergency medical services for Columbia Southern University, to gain some clarity and guidance around getting yourself fully prepared to offer optimal MIH-CP services to your community. Follow EMS World on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @EMSWorldOFCL

How do you get the most out of your ambulance fleet while ensuring the highest-quality patient care, especially when funding and resources are stretched thin? Host Mike McCabe sits down with Matt Hart, division chief of logistics for Washington County Ambulance District in Missouri, to learn success stories from his unique agency and service area. Brought to you by Demers Ambulances, featuring the all-new eFX Ambulance: a reimagined ambulance with never-before-seen clinical design including revolutionary new FX Action Seats.

Sometimes in EMS, we overlook the importance of a safe and reliable vehicle to transport ourselves and our patients. The ambulance serves as a fast-track transport device, trauma bay, and code room all under one roof and on top of four wheels. Deciding how to outfit your fleet can be a daunting process with significant consequences to patient care and staff performance—not to mention how your service is perceived by the public. In this episode sponsored by Medix, Mike McCabe sits down with two seasoned EMS leaders—John Smith, CEO of UT Health East Texas EMS, based in Tyler, TX, and Clay Hobbs, COO of Pafford Medical Services, with EMS operations across multiple states and the U.S. Virgin Islands—to discuss models, designs, and features desired by today’s prehospital personnel and the communities they serve. Follow EMS World on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @EMSWorldOFCL

EMS World Expo celebrated its 35th anniversary in New Orleans in September 2023, and the best and brightest in the profession were there for the festivities as always. But this year had extra tangible energy among the attendees, the presenters and the exhibitors. EMS World Editorial Advisory Board Member Rob Lawrence has been integral to the continued growth, momentum and prominence of the event through the years. In this interview recorded on the Expo floor, Rob talks with podcast host Mike McCabe about the origins, evolution and future of what he calls “the biggest and the best EMS conference in the country, if not the world.”

A career in EMS is physically, mentally and emotionally taxing—and can place tremendous strain on relationships and health. Are there life habits that can overturn the exhaustion and heal broken consciousness? In this powerful and hard-hitting episode, Mike McCabe sits down with an EMS captain who shares her candid account of hitting rock bottom—and how you can follow her strategies to come back stronger than ever. Read the companion article to this podcast at https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/feature-story/nervous-system-resuscitation-first-responders

Mike McCabe sits down with Verizon Frontline's vice president of public safety to discuss the significance of recently released survey findings that spotlight the communication needs of first responders. The first installment of our new Executive Interview series brought to you by Verizon Frontline.

EMS World Expo 2023 in New Orleans was buzzing with activity, and the “voice of EMS World” Mike McCabe was at the center of the action as usual. In this episode direct from the exhibit hall floor, McCabe sits down with two esteemed friends—Chief Charlie Coyle and Dr. Peter Antevy from Florida—for a hard-hitting discussion on "wall time" in EMS. What can be done to combat this strain on EMS resources? Follow EMS World (EMSWorldOFCL) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

During EMS World Expo 2023 in New Orleans, keynote presenters Drs. B. Woods Curry and Jason McMullan of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine presented “A Shock Heard Round the World: Important Lessons for EMS Providers in the Wake of the Damar Hamlin Resuscitation” to thousands of attendees. The presenters described lessons learned from the high-profile response to an NFL player’s collapse on the field during a Monday Night Football game. Mike McCabe caught up to Drs. Curry and McMullan later in the day to get their thoughts on the conference, the reaction to their keynote address, and the messages they hoped to convey to their audience. Follow EMS World (EMSWorldOFCL) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Leading up to EMS World Expo 2023, we are releasing never-before heard episodes from EMS World Expo 2022 in Orlando. As always, the EMS World podcast team will be busy bringing you the most current conference coverage with key speakers and dignitaries from the 2023 event in New Orleans. If you can’t join us in person, these podcasts are the next best thing to being there! In this episode from 2022, Mike McCabe sits down with Matthew Levy, DO, MSc, FACEP, FAEMS, NRP, associate professor of emergency medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and president of the Stop the Bleed Coalition, to learn more about this campaign that has made a significant impact in training the civilian population on lifesaving techniques related to exsanguination. Follow EMS World (EMSWorldOFCL) on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.