The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the calls don't end when your shift does? On this episode of The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect, Shaun sits down with firefighter/paramedic Laelen for a raw and honest conversation about the ways EMS can change you over time—and what happens when the weight of the job starts following you home. Laelen shares her journey from volunteer EMT to paramedic, FTO, educator, and firefighter/paramedic, along with the story behind earning a reputation as a “shit show black cloud.” But beneath the laughs and legendary calls is a much deeper conversation about bad calls, bad culture, burnout, and the moments when everything starts spiraling both at work and at home. They talk about first responder mental health, gallows humor, vulnerability, the stigma surrounding asking for help, and the difference between true resilience and simply becoming really good at hiding that you're struggling. This isn't a conversation about pretending everything is okay. It's about being honest when it isn't—and learning how to pull yourself back. Because sometimes the person sitting next to you on the rig isn't fine. And sometimes, neither are you. This is the shit we don't always talk about. Listen to The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail Starting a career in EMS or the fire service can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of lessons no one teaches you in class. In this episode, I sit down with Nic Pluskota to talk about everything rookie. From earning trust in the station to avoiding common mistakes, Nic shares honest advice and practical insights that every new provider—and even seasoned veterans mentoring the next generation—should hear. We dive into what to expect during those critical first few years, the habits that set great firefighters and EMTs apart, how to handle setbacks, and what it really takes to build a successful career in emergency services. Whether you're a probationary firefighter, a brand-new EMT or paramedic, or someone looking to become a better mentor, this conversation is packed with real-world experience, actionable takeaways, and stories you'll relate to. If you're just getting started, this episode could save you years of learning the hard way. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail EMS training is designed to build competence, but it often fails to prepare providers for the chaos, complexity, and human side of real-world calls. In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we break down insights from EMS1’s reader response article: https://www.ems1.com/ems-training-and-education/ems1-readers-respond-whats-the-biggest-gap-between-training-and-real-world-calls and bring it into the reality of the street. According to frontline providers, the biggest gaps in EMS education aren’t just clinical, they’re human. From struggling with patient communication to a lack of realistic, hands-on training and even navigating death notifications, the transition from classroom to ambulance is bigger than most expect. But we take the conversation a step further. One of the most debated topics we tackle: Does empathy sometimes interfere with an effective patient assessment? While the article emphasizes the importance of compassion, communication, and connection with patients, we challenge where that fits in high-pressure decision-making. This episode isn’t about removing compassion—it’s about defining its role when seconds matter and decisions count. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we sit down with Zac — a firefighter/EMT with both volunteer and career experience — to explore what it truly takes to serve at a high standard in the fire and EMS world. From his early days on the rig to navigating the chaos of high-stakes calls, Zac shares how faith has guided him, grounded him, and helped him stay resilient on shift. We dive into the tough questions: How do we maintain excellence under pressure? How do we process the weight of what we see without losing ourselves? And how can faith, discipline, and character intersect to keep us anchored in an unpredictable profession? Whether you’re a seasoned responder or just starting out, this episode offers practical insights, real-world lessons, and inspiration for staying sharp, compassionate, and steadfast — even when the tones drop. Connect with Zac on TikTok @zacwillhide Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail Why are so many EMS providers exhausted—even when they “sleep”? Why does stress feel constant, recovery impossible, and burnout unavoidable? In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we’re joined by Haley Scellick, ARNP from First Responder Health and Wellness to break down what’s really happening inside the bodies of first responders. We dive into chronic fatigue, cortisol dysregulation, sleep disruption, and hormone imbalance , and explain why feeling “wired but tired” is not just part of the job—it’s a warning sign. Haley explains how shift work, repeated stress exposure, and poor recovery disrupt cortisol rhythms, suppress testosterone, impair sleep, and quietly increase long-term health risks for EMS providers. We also tackle common misconceptions, why “normal labs” don’t always mean a healthy provider, and how caffeine, overtraining, and tough-it-out culture can make things worse. Most importantly, this episode focuses on realistic, actionable strategies EMS providers can actually use—without quitting the job or chasing perfect sleep. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, burned out, short-tempered, foggy, or just not like yourself anymore… this episode is for you. 🎧 Topics include: Chronic fatigue vs. normal job stress Cortisol and shift work Sleep myths in EMS culture Testosterone and hormone suppression When to seek testing and real help Practical steps to protect your health on and off shift Because being tired shouldn’t be the cost of saving lives. 🎙️ Guest Information: Haley Scellick, ARNP - First Responder Health and Wellness Supplements: https://www.firstresponderhealth.net/ First Responder Health and wellness on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565005384987 Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail Poisonings and overdoses are a growing portion of EMS calls, and rapid recognition can mean the difference between life and death. Toxicology 101 is designed to give BLS providers a practical, field-focused approach to identifying and managing common toxidromes. This course breaks down the five core toxidromes, common substances involved, key assessment findings, and critical BLS interventions. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we sit down with Patrick Pianezza, former Paramedic and Writer of the film Code 3, for an honest, inside look at telling EMS stories from someone who has actually lived them. Patrick shares how his time on the streets shaped the characters, calls, and emotional weight of Code 3, why authenticity matters when portraying EMS on screen, and how cumulative stress, burnout, dark humor, and identity all find their way into the story. We talk about the calls that stay with you, the parts of the job the public never sees, and what it’s like to step away from the uniform while still serving the EMS community in a different way. LISTEN to all of "The Fractured Saints" here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TLc8SGP9pX4MaaLz1b8TW?si=8gFJ-mMHRyCQTClDVzKjHA Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail Join Shaun Pitts on EMSconnect On Shift as he sits down with Dr. Travis Dierks for an essential deep dive into ECG interpretation. Whether you’re an EMT, paramedic, or just looking to strengthen your cardiac knowledge, this episode breaks down rhythm strips and ECG fundamentals in a clear, practical way. Dr. Dierks shares expert tips for identifying key patterns, avoiding common pitfalls, and translating what you see on the monitor into confident, real-world patient care decisions. By the end of this episode, you’ll be more confident reading those strips, spotting critical rhythms, and understanding the story behind the ECG. Tune in, sharpen your skills, and learn to truly read between the lines . LISTEN to all of "The Fractured Saints" here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TLc8SGP9pX4MaaLz1b8TW?si=8gFJ-mMHRyCQTClDVzKjHA Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we sit down with Ian—a seasoned paramedic and flight clinician whose journey started with Ada County Paramedics back in 2012. After earning his paramedic certification in 2014, Ian set his sights on the sky, launching his flight career in 2018. Since then, he’s flown with several programs, spending four years with Air Idaho Rescue in Driggs before joining Air St. Luke’s, where he has been flying for the past three years. With extensive rotor-wing experience and a solid foundation in fixed-wing operations, Ian brings a wealth of critical care flight knowledge to the table. He currently holds his FP-C, NREMT-P, NRP, and a stack of specialized certifications that reflect his dedication to the craft. Ian is particularly passionate about pediatric care—a population he believes many EMS providers feel less comfortable managing. He’s committed to closing that confidence gap and elevating prehospital pediatric care across the board. Join us as we dive into all things flight and critical care: pediatrics, trauma, pediatric trauma, non-accidental traumas, and even the roadmap for medics or nurses who dream of taking their careers to the air. Whether you’re on the ground or in the rotor wash, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world experience. MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TLc8SGP9pX4MaaLz1b8TW?si=DjgPPMQJRDWH7tF6U3UV_A Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail In this essential pre-clinical briefing, veteran educator and field provider Shaun Pitts breaks down the mindset, expectations, and professional habits every EMT student needs before stepping onto an ambulance or walking into a clinical site. This episode is designed to be listened to before your first ride-along and revisited before every shift throughout your training. Shaun lays out the concept of your Clinical Compass —the internal framework that keeps you oriented when the real world gets loud, messy, and unpredictable. Students will learn how to prepare mentally and practically for ride-time, how to work with crews and FTOs, how to approach patients with confidence and humility, and how to make the most of every call, even the quiet ones. Perfect for: • EMT students heading into clinicals or first ride-time • FTOs who want a consistent, high-quality onboarding message • Agencies looking to set clear expectations for student behavior, professionalism, and safety Whether you’re gearing up for your very first call or building strong foundations for a career in EMS, this episode gives you the tools to show up prepared, present, and ride-time ready . MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4TLc8SGP9pX4MaaLz1b8TW Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , Quinn dives deep into one of the most common and critical calls in prehospital care: respiratory emergencies . From asthma and COPD to CHF and pneumonia, Quinn breaks down the “Big 4” respiratory issues every EMS provider encounters and explores how to assess, treat, and manage these patients at the BLS level. Join us as we review key anatomy and physiology, discuss how to recognize respiratory distress before it becomes failure or arrest, and walk through scenario-based learning that challenges your clinical thinking. Whether it’s setting up oxygen delivery systems, assisting with MDIs, or knowing when to call for ALS, this episode reinforces the importance of calm, calculated care when every breath counts. 💨 Topics include: The difference between respiratory distress, failure, and arrest BLS interventions and patient positioning Effective use of oxygen, CPAP, and bronchodilators Managing patient comfort and avoiding exertion Scenario breakdowns that sharpen your assessment skills As always, remember to follow your local and state protocols , and keep expanding your knowledge—because in EMS, the learning never stops. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail Seizures don’t follow the rules—and in the prehospital setting, neither can you. Join Dr. Maika Dang, Emergency Medicine Physician and EMS Medical Director, as he unpacks the unpredictable world of seizure emergencies in this dynamic and engaging webinar. From subtle partial seizures to full-blown status epilepticus, EMS providers are often the first on scene during some of the most chaotic moments in a patient’s life. This course goes beyond textbook definitions to provide real-world guidance on: -Recognizing and managing different seizure types in the field -Critical decision-making in prolonged or recurrent seizures -Differentiating seizure mimics from true neurologic events -Best practices for airway, medication, and transport considerations -Post-ictal challenges and when “something doesn’t feel right” Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned medic, this webinar will sharpen your seizure scene management skills and prepare you for the next time a brain "short-circuits." Don’t miss it—this is seizure care for the chaos you actually face. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail The geriatric population is one of the fastest-growing patient groups EMS providers will encounter, and caring for these individuals requires unique knowledge and skills. Prehospital Care for the Aging Population equips EMS professionals with the tools to recognize, assess, and manage the complex needs of older adults in the prehospital setting. This course explores age-related physiological changes, common medical and traumatic emergencies in geriatric patients, medication considerations, communication strategies, and the impact of comorbidities. Special emphasis is placed on compassionate, patient-centered care that balances clinical decision-making with dignity and respect. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , Shaun Pitts dives deep into one of the most common—and most challenging—calls in EMS: abdominal pain . From appendicitis to pancreatitis, this discussion explores the anatomy, physiology, and assessment strategies behind those mysterious belly aches that can quickly turn critical. You’ll learn how to distinguish between somatic, visceral, parietal, and referred pain , sharpen your patient assessment skills, and walk through a real-world case that tests your differential diagnosis and decision-making under pressure. Whether you’re a new EMT or a seasoned EMT, this episode will help you fine-tune your approach, focus on identifying the degree of threat—not the exact diagnosis , and confidently manage abdominal complaints in the field. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail The record button was accidentally left on… and now you get a behind-the-scenes peek at what happens when we’re not being professional or sticking to the script! While we have to cut this from the official course on the website, it would be a crime not to share it here on the podcast. So sit back, relax, and “enjoy” the chaos and utter stupidity. If you are looking to waste 20 mins, don't look any further! Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail When the chest takes the hit, everything changes—fast. From blunt force impacts to penetrating trauma, thoracic injuries can rapidly become life-threatening, leaving EMS providers with seconds to act and no room for error. "Crushed, Collapsed, Compromised: Thoracic Trauma Triage" is a high-impact course designed to sharpen your skills in identifying, managing, and triaging chest trauma in the field. We’ll break down the critical signs of rib fractures, flail chest, sucking chest wounds, tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, and more—arming you with the tools and decision-making tactics to stay calm under pressure. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail Head injuries are unpredictable, high-risk, and often present in ways that challenge even the most experienced EMT. In this fast-paced, BLS-focused podcast, we’ll break down what you must know when responding to patients with suspected head trauma. From altered mental status and pupil changes to airway protection and spinal considerations, this course will sharpen your assessment skills, reinforce critical treatment decisions, and help you avoid common pitfalls in the field. Whether it’s a fall, an assault, or a high-speed collision, head trauma calls for confident, informed action. We’ll cover real-world case reviews, discuss red flags you can’t ignore, and clarify when and why your interventions matter most. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail When seconds count and the pressure is on, what really makes the difference in saving a life? In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we sit down with Dr. Eric Ernest—emergency physician, EMS medical director, and resuscitation nerd—to talk all things cardiac arrest . From high-performance CPR and mechanical devices to airway management and post-ROSC care, Dr. Ernest shares practical, field-tested insights that can help EMS providers own the code and improve outcomes when every beat matters. Whether you're new to the job or a seasoned medic, this is the episode that reminds us: No pulse? No problem. Let’s crush it. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , we’re unlocking the mysteries of the human airway. Designed for EMS professionals ready to level up, The Airway Code breaks down complex anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology into real-world street smarts. We’ll follow the journey of oxygen from the nose to the alveoli—and uncover what happens when that journey gets disrupted. You’ll learn to spot critical airway issues before they become life-threatening and gain a deeper understanding of why your patients look the way they do when things go south. Whether you’re an EMT, AEMT, or paramedic, this conversation will help you move from routine to exceptional in your airway management game. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift , to dive deep into one of the most critical aspects of prehospital care— airway management . From basic adjuncts to supraglottic airways, Shaun and Nathan review essential anatomy and physiology, break down the strengths and limitations of airway tools, and help providers understand when and why to use each option in the field. Support the show 🔗 EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources 👉 https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect