Alert Medic 1 - Podcast

Alert Medic 1

Alert Medic 1 is a website and podcast developed by EMS professionals with strict physician oversight focused on educating EMS providers on all aspects of the sciences and medicine. We accomplish our goal through blog entries, case studies, video lectures, and social media interaction. We encourage and welcome health care providers of all backgrounds to join in our discussion.

  • 1 hour 40 minutes
    The Role of Policy & Innovation in Transforming Emergency Care, w/ Sam Magill, NRP

    Summary generated by Riverside AI


    This episode features a conversation on the future of EMS, mobile integrated health (MIH), and systemic reforms needed to improve healthcare access and outcomes. Mustafa and Cody discuss with Sam Magill the challenges of reactionary models, the importance of behavior change, and advocacy for policy reform to support EMS innovation. This episode features an in-depth discussion on the importance of strategic thinking, communication skills, and advocacy in EMS and community paramedicine. The speakers explore how to elevate paramedic practice from tactical skills to strategic decision-making, emphasizing the role of motivational interviewing, policy advocacy, and systemic change.



    10 March 2026, 1:17 am
  • 2 hours 12 minutes
    Topics in Mental Health w/ Amanda Baker, LCSW-C

    Summary


    In this conversation, Amanda Baker sits down with Cody & Mustafa to discuss her journey into the field of mental health, emphasizing the importance of active listening, the complexities of mental health diagnoses, and the integration of body and mind in therapy. The discussion explores the significance of authenticity, engagement strategies, and the concept of flow state in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Amanda shares her insights on the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, advocating for a holistic approach to therapy that fosters self-discovery and personal growth.



    13 February 2026, 11:00 pm
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Utilizing AI & Virtual Reality in EMS Education w/ Danny Kustra, CCP, B.SC.P

    Summary


    In this conversation, Danny Kustra, a critical care paramedic and educator from Manitoba, Canada, discusses the evolving landscape of EMS education, particularly the integration of AI and VR technologies. He explains the structure of the EMS system in Manitoba, the educational pathways for paramedics, and the importance of simulation in training. Danny highlights how AI and VR can enhance communication skills and clinical decision-making, and he shares insights on various VR platforms and AI tools that are being utilized in EMS education. The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies, as well as the future innovations that may shape the field of emergency medical services.



    6 February 2026, 11:00 pm
  • 1 hour 43 minutes
    Book Discussion: Call Sign Chaos, With Cody & Mustafa

    Summary generated by Riverside AI.


    Summary


    In this conversation, Mustafa Sidik and Cody delve into the intricacies of leadership, drawing insights from the book Call Sign Chaos, by James Mattis & Bing West. They explore the importance of character versus competence, the dynamics of team leadership, and the lessons learned from failures in leadership roles. The discussion emphasizes the need for decentralized leadership, trust within teams, and the significance of making good decisions over merely achieving good outcomes. This conversation delves into the multifaceted aspects of leadership, emphasizing the importance of execution, decision-making, and effective communication. The speakers explore how leaders can navigate challenges by fostering a culture of clarity, accountability, and competence while balancing personal relationships with professional responsibilities. They highlight the significance of understanding team dynamics and the role of information in leadership, ultimately advocating for a thoughtful approach to leadership that prioritizes both individual and organizational growth.



    30 January 2026, 11:00 pm
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
    Introduction to the Master of Trauma Science Program at the University of Baltimore, with Shailvi Gupta,MD,MPH,FACS

    Summary generated by Riverside AI


    In this conversation, Cody Winniford, Jim Brady, and Mustafa Sidik sit down to interview Shailvi Gupta, a trauma and acute care surgeon, about the newly started Masters in Trauma Sciences program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. They discuss the program's structure, curriculum, and its focus on developing leaders in trauma care. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding trauma from a global perspective, the role of education in advancing trauma systems, and the impact of social determinants of health on trauma care. Gupta emphasizes the need for a diverse student body and the integration of clinical rotations for hands-on experience. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) education and practice, emphasizing the importance of data in advocacy, the need for tangible skills, and the role of mentorship. The speakers discuss advancements in EMS practices, the challenges faced by paramedics in career advancement, and the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in trauma care. They also highlight funding opportunities for education and the necessity of leadership training in trauma systems, ultimately advocating for a shift in mindset towards a more holistic approach to trauma care.


    Shailvi Gupta, MD MPH FACS, is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Shock Trauma Center's Program in Trauma. Her secondary appointment is with the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health.

    Dr. Gupta is an acute care surgeon practicing trauma surgery, surgical critical care and emergency general surgery. She is double boarded in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. She is the Course Director for the Global Health elective at the School of Medicine, teaches the Global Public Health Emergencies course within the MPH Program, and is core faculty for the interdisciplinary Climate Change, Health and Society course.

    Dr. Gupta's global health endeavors focus on improving surgical capacity and trauma education in low resource settings. She has led country-wide research projects in Nepal helping to grow surgical capacity nationally. She worked with the Ministry of Health in Mozambique to help develop a country-wide ambulance system and country wide trauma registries. She is also helping to elevate trauma education in Europe with University of Milan and Niguarda Hospital in Milan, Italy, as she helped develop one of Europe's first Trauma Masters Programs. Dr. Gupta has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons as a "Future Trauma Leader" and is utilizing this opportunity to help develop protocols and educational materials to improve trauma care in low resource settings.

    Link to the Master of Trauma Science program: https://www.umaryland.edu/alumni/highlights/umb-launches-nations-first-masters-program-in-trauma-sciences-.php


    Link to the Charley Riley Scholarship: https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/pages/financialaid/programdescriptions/prog_fire.aspx



    26 January 2026, 5:00 pm
  • 40 minutes 46 seconds
    Airway Management Tips w/ Kaleb Lachenicht

    Cody sits down with Kaleb Lachenicht to discuss various topics related to Airway Management & Airway Management training.

    23 January 2026, 11:00 pm
  • 1 hour 10 minutes
    Rethinking the Management of Spinal Cord Injuries w/ Michael Millin, MD, MPH & Benjamin Abo, DO, Paramedic

    Summary generated by Riverside AI.


    Mustafa Sidik and Dr. Jim Brady sit down with Dr. Michael Millin and Dr. Ben Abo to discuss their recent paper, Prehospital Trauma Compendium: Prehospital Management of Spinal Cord Injuries - A NAEMSP Comprehensive Review and Analysis of the Literature. During the episode, they discuss the importance of evidence-based practices in EMS, challenging traditional dogmas surrounding spinal motion restriction. They emphasize the need for a shift in protocols to prioritize patient comfort and perfusion over rigid immobilization techniques. The discussion highlights the ethical implications of current practices and the necessity for ongoing research to improve patient outcomes in emergency medicine.


    Link to the paper: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/10903127.2025.2541258?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed


    Keywords: EMS, spinal cord injuries, trauma compendium, patient safety, spinal motion restriction, medical ethics, emergency medicine, research methodology, patient care, perfusion


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to EMS and Personal Experiences

    05:46 Exploring the Paper: Background and Purpose

    11:14 Scientific Rigor and Methodology

    16:34 Research Findings and Implications

    22:05 Discussion on Evidence and Hypotheses

    27:42 Pathophysiology and Patient Care

    32:58 Historical Context and Evolution of Practices

    35:53 Spinal Immobilization: The Maryland Way

    39:18 The Harms of Spinal Motion Restriction

    42:39 Effectiveness of Spinal Motion Restriction Procedures

    45:34 Limitations and Future Directions

    50:11 Perfusion and Patient Management

    55:07 Challenging the Status Quo in EMS

    59:43 The Importance of Evidence-Based Medicine




    28 November 2025, 6:12 pm
  • 51 minutes 20 seconds
    Case Study: A Funky Bradycardia Story

    Summary


    In this episode, the Dr. Brady, Josh, Cody, and Mustafa sit down to discuss a complex case involving a middle-aged female patient who presented with bradycardia. The conversation delves into the assessment of the patient, the identification of a third-degree heart block, and the treatment options considered, including the use of an Epi drip. The team explores the importance of understanding the nuances of cardiac rhythms and treatment protocols in emergency medicine.



    17 October 2025, 10:00 pm
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Discussion on the Identification and Management of Pseudo-PEA

    Summary generated by RIVERSIDE AI


    In this conversation, the Alert Medic 1 team discusses the concept of pseudo PEA in the context of cardiac arrest, exploring its implications for EMS. They delve into the role of ultrasound in identifying viable rhythms, the importance of clinical context in decision-making, and the management of reversible causes such as hyperkalemia. The discussion emphasizes the need for flexibility in protocols and the significance of understanding the patient's overall condition during resuscitation efforts. This conversation delves into the complexities of managing cardiac arrest, focusing on hyperkalemia, dynamic arrest strategies, the importance of pulse checks, and understanding PEA. The panel discusses the nuances of resuscitation techniques, the role of ultrasound, and the evolving landscape of emergency medicine practices. They emphasize the need for clinical acumen and the integration of technology in improving patient outcomes during cardiac emergencies.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Pseudo PEA

    03:04 Understanding PEA and Pseudo PEA

    05:34 The Role of Ultrasound in Cardiac Arrest

    08:06 Clinical Implications of Pseudo PEA

    10:43 Differentiating Narrow vs Wide Complex PEA

    13:23 Management Strategies for PEA

    15:56 Reversible Causes and Treatment Approaches

    18:29 Final Thoughts on PEA Management

    26:39 Navigating Management Approaches in Cardiac Arrest

    29:39 The Role of Ultrasound in Resuscitation Decisions

    35:46 Understanding Hyperkalemia and Its Impact on Cardiac Arrest

    43:01 Dynamic Arrests and the Importance of Clinical Context

    48:48 Termination of Resuscitation: A Critical Discussion

    49:18 Pulse and Rhythm Checks: A Critical Discussion

    54:55 Understanding PEA: Causes and Management Strategies

    01:01:31 Exploring Treatment Options for PEA and Pseudo-PEA

    01:08:18 The Role of Technology in Resuscitation: Ultrasound and Beyond

    01:13:10 Concluding Thoughts: The Future of Cardiac Arrest Management


    10 October 2025, 10:00 pm
  • 35 minutes 58 seconds
    Journal Club: Analysis of the ZODIAC Trial

    Summary generated by RIVERSIDE AI:


    In this conversation, Mustafa Sidik and Josh Cooke sit down with Kenny Barajas discuss the implications of the ZODIAC trial (linked below), which investigates the effects of head positioning on stroke patients awaiting thrombectomy. They explore the trial's findings, limitations, and the importance of research literacy in emergency medical services (EMS). The discussion emphasizes the need for caution in changing EMS protocols based on new research and highlights the significance of the NIH stroke scale in assessing stroke severity. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of evidence-based practice in stroke care and the need for further research before implementing new guidelines.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Stroke Expertise

    03:09 Exploring the Zodiac Trial

    09:25 Implications for EMS Practice

    13:21 Limitations of the Zodiac Study

    17:24 Research Methodology and Findings

    26:41 Critical Analysis of Research Implications

    32:27 Conclusions and Future Directions








    LINK TO THE PAPER: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2835054

    4 October 2025, 8:09 pm
  • 1 hour 29 minutes
    Management of the Head-Injured Patient w/ Deborah M. Stein, MD, MPH

    Summary generated by Riverside AI


    Summary


    In this episode, Mustafa sits down with Dr. Deb Stein, a trauma surgeon and neurointensivist, discusses her unique pathway in trauma surgery, emphasizing the importance of collaborative care in managing patients with brain injuries. She explains the complexities of brain anatomy, the Monroe-Kelly doctrine, and the significance of cerebral perfusion pressure. The discussion also covers the types of brain injuries, pre-hospital management strategies, and the critical roles of oxygenation, blood pressure management, and temperature regulation in patient outcomes. Dr. Stein highlights the need for improved engineering solutions in medical equipment, particularly cervical collars, to enhance patient care. This conversation delves into the complexities of managing traumatic brain injuries, focusing on seizure prophylaxis, hyperosmolar therapy, and surgical interventions like decompressive craniectomy. The discussion also highlights the emotional toll on healthcare providers and families, the challenges of prognostication, and the future of head injury management, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care and the potential of technology in preventing injuries.


    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Deb Stein

    03:08 Unique Pathways in Trauma Surgery

    05:32 The Role of Trauma Surgeons in Patient Care

    08:25 Understanding Brain Anatomy and Function

    11:10 The Monroe-Kelly Doctrine Explained

    14:09 Cerebral Perfusion Pressure and Its Importance

    16:54 Primary vs. Secondary Brain Injury

    20:17 Management of Head Injuries in Pre-Hospital Settings

    23:02 Airway Management in Traumatic Brain Injury

    27:46 Hypoxia and Its Impact on Brain Injury

    34:56 Understanding Blood Pressure in Brain Injury Patients

    37:46 The Role of Pressors and Fluid Management

    39:29 The Importance of Plasma in Trauma Care

    42:12 Temperature Management in Brain Injury

    44:47 Cerebral Venous Drainage and Patient Positioning

    48:39 Seizure Prophylaxis in Traumatic Brain Injury

    51:08 Hyperosmolar Therapy and Its Applications

    56:53 Surgical Interventions: Decompressive Craniectomy

    01:02:22 Understanding Brain Injury Outcomes

    01:08:23 The Glasgow Coma Scale Explained

    01:14:22 Defining Coma and Patient Awareness

    01:17:45 The Emotional Toll of Brain Injury

    01:25:01 Future Directions in Head Injury Management




    13 September 2025, 7:57 pm
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