EMS Today

Inside Rolling Sixes: A Candid Look at Kalamazoo’s Unique All-in-One Public Safety Team

Rolling Sixes is a groundbreaking six-part documentary series spotlighting the combined police, fire, and EMS crews of Kalamazoo Public Safety—the largest integrated public safety agency in the U.S.

Created by Zach Hamelton, a former TV and film producer turned public information officer, the series blends cinematic storytelling with immersive, real-world footage captured via GoPros and cinema cameras.

Viewers get rare access to intense emergencies, day-to-day station life, technical rescues, and candid conversations revealing the emotional toll on responders.

With a focus on authenticity, the show highlights both heroic moments and routine calls, showcasing the personal bonds and dedication within the crews. It also aims to boost recruitment by letting the community see the people behind the badges.

Brought to you by Stetta Sleeves. www.stettasleeves.com

The JEMS Report: How a Timid Soul Found Purpose in EMS Service

The JEMS Report: How a Timid Soul Found Purpose in EMS Service

 

Eric Chase sits down with Jeffrey Hammerstein, a retired paramedic with over 40 years of experience in Wake County (NC) EMS. Jeffrey shares his journey from a fearful, shy child to a confident frontline responder who found meaning in offering reassurance and care during life’s most critical moments. He discusses the emotional toll of EMS work, the challenge of balancing professional detachment with genuine human connection, and the importance of vulnerability in healing. Jeffrey also explores the necessity of building transparent relationships with the community and media, emphasizing that EMS is about people first—not just procedures.

 

Brought to you by Stetta Sleeves. www.stettasleeves.com

 

Just a Little Salt: Real Stories, Hard Truths and Humor with Fireman Lance

Just a Little Salt: Real Stories, Hard Truths and Humor with Fireman Lance
 
Fireman Lance opens up about the realities of life on the job—from brutal physical challenges and mental exhaustion to the tight-knit culture and unexpected humor at the fire station. Lance shares stories of rookie mistakes, intense calls and hilarious firehouse pranks involving ghostly dolls and prank sprays. He sheds light on the demanding balance between grueling shifts and family life, the importance of staying fit and the misunderstood role firefighters play beyond emergency response. Lance also reveals how creating relatable social media content grew into a platform that entertains and educates the fire and EMS community.

 

Brought to you by Stetta Sleeves.   www.stettasleeves.com
 

JEMS Product Pod: TRAUMAGEL is Revolutionizing Hemorrhage Control

JEMS Product Pod: TRAUMAGEL is Revolutionizing Hemorrhage Control
 
JEMS Development Editor Mike Brown welcomes Joe Landolina, co-founder and CEO of Cresilon, alongside Sean Allen, Director of Education for TRAUMAGEL, to dive into a breakthrough in hemorrhage control technology. TRAUMAGEL, a plant-based, easy-to-use hemostatic gel, stops moderate to severe external bleeding within seconds without the need for finger packing or complex dressings. Developed over 15 years and backed by a successful animal health platform, this innovative product adapts dynamically to wounds—crucial for moving patients—and supports natural clot formation without disrupting it. Sean shares firsthand insights on field use and training, highlighting TRAUMAGEL’s potential to reduce tourniquet necessity and simplify emergency care. The team also explores real-world applications, including rural trauma cases and gunshot wounds, emphasizing this gel’s transformative impact on prehospital hemorrhage management.

Not A-Fib: Criminal Liability and Legal Challenges for EMS Providers

Not A-Fib: Criminal Liability and Legal Challenges for EMS Providers

 

This episode of the Not A-fib podcast looks into the increasing scrutiny EMS providers face from a legal standpoint, highlighted by high-profile cases like Elijah McClain's tragic death in Aurora, Colorado, and a recent Springfield, Missouri incident. Attorney and EMT Frank Flaspohler, who serves as legal counsel to Missouri ambulance districts, explains the differences between civil and criminal liability in EMS, the limits of governmental immunity, and the critical role of documentation. He discusses the legal thresholds around chemical and physical restraints, the importance of assessing mental capacity in refusals, and the risks tied to improper patient handling. Frank also shares practical advice on maintaining professionalism in reports and on scene, the nuanced challenges rural EMS agencies face, and emerging concerns such as mental health support for first responders.

The JEMS Report: Tylenol Use in Pregnancy

The JEMS Report: Tylenol Use in Pregnancy
 

Dr. Sarah Fabiano and Dr. Jeremy Cushman break down the recent FDA release linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to autism spectrum disorder. 
They discuss the distinction between association and causation, highlighting how studies can show correlations without proving direct cause and effect. The doctors also address the complexity behind autism diagnoses, genetic and environmental factors, and the known risks of fever during pregnancy. 
They emphasize that acetaminophen remains one of the safest and most effective options for pain and fever relief in pregnancy, especially compared to alternatives like ibuprofen or aspirin, which carry documented risks. 
This discussion aims to clarify confusion, steer clear of fear-driven decisions and encourage informed use of medication based on current science—not headlines. 

Just a Little Salt: Kevin Hazzard on the Reality of Emergency Medicine, Burnout, and Storytelling

Just a Little Salt: Kevin Hazzard on the Reality of Emergency Medicine, Burnout, and Storytelling

 

In this revealing episode of “Just a Little Salt,” seasoned Atlanta paramedic and author Kevin Hazzard shares the unvarnished truth about life on the front lines of emergency medicine. Reflecting on his decade-plus of experiences, Kevin dives deep into the emotional challenges of responding to traumatic calls, the harsh realities young EMTs face, and the impact of burnout on providers. He opens up about moments that forever shaped him, including encounters with vulnerable patients and the delicate balance between adrenaline-fueled rescues and raw human connection. Kevin also discusses his transition from medic to author, explaining how writing helped him process his career and why genuine storytelling matters. Along the way, he offers practical advice for new EMS providers and aspiring writers seeking to publish their own stories. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the personal side of EMS, resilience under pressure, and the power of sharing these unheard voices.

Just a Little Salt: Badge 502 on EMS, Dispatch and Viral TikTok Fame

Just a Little Salt: Badge 502 on EMS, Dispatch and Viral TikTok Fame

 

In this candid episode of “Just a Little Salt,” the Salty Paramedic sits down with Badge 502— Anthony Christian an EMT, 911 dispatcher, CPR instructor and viral content creator. Anthony shares his journey from retail to first responder during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, how creating humorous EMS videos started as a way to find levity in a demanding job, and unexpectedly blew up with millions of views. He dives into the challenges and emotional weight of emergency calls, including delivering a baby in an ambulance and saving a child’s life. Anthony also discusses the unique perspective gained from working both sides—dispatch and field EMT—and how that shapes his communication and care. They wrap up with Badge 502’s advice for aspiring creators: focus on having fun, embrace imperfection and keep grinding.

The JEMS Report: ROSC and Roll

The JEMS Report: ROSC and Roll
 
Cardiovascular perfusionist Brian Kress joins Mike Brown to dissect a high-stakes cardiac arrest case that underscores the critical moments following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). They walk through the fragile physiology of post-arrest patients and reveal how early, expert support in the field and hospital dramatically influences outcomes. From the importance of bystander CPR and prehospital interventions to advanced cardiac catheterization and mechanical circulatory support using the Impella device, Brian explains the science behind left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LV EDP) and how offloading the heart aids recovery. This conversation deep dives into the often-overlooked complexities of managing post-ROSC states, emphasizing the need for vigilant hemodynamic monitoring and judicious use of vasopressors. A must-listen for EMS, perfusionists and critical care providers seeking a nuanced understanding of cardiac arrest survival pathways beyond the initial resuscitation.

Just a Little Salt: Firefighter Fenton on Leadership, Family and Humor in Firefighting

Just a Little Salt: Firefighter Fenton on Leadership, Family and Humor in Firefighting

 

Firefighter Fenton opens up about balancing two decades of firefighting with family life, creative content creation and staying true to himself. From the harrowing experience of losing a fire truck amid a wildfire threatening homes—teaching him tough lessons in leadership and priorities—to the lighter side of his persona inspired by a fake mustache and parody videos, Brent shares it all. He discusses the challenges of juggling a full-time career, four kids, homeschooling and his passion for music and comedy. Brant also reveals the power of community within firefighting content creators and how their work brings laughter and healing to those facing dark times. For anyone wanting to create meaningful content, Fenton’s advice rings clear: stay authentic, know your worth beyond the spotlight and never lose sight of what matters most—family and faith.