EMS Today

The Evolution of EMS Medical Direction with Dr. Paul Pepe

In this special episode of the EMS Handoff Podcast, hosts Bradley Dean and David Blevins are honored to welcome the legendary Dr. Paul Pepe, a trailblazing EMS medical director whose groundbreaking work has shaped the foundation of modern-day EMS.

Dr. Pepe’s influence spans decades, and his passion for advancing prehospital medicine continues to inspire generations of EMS professionals. Join us as we take a deep dive into the fascinating history of EMS medical direction, exploring how this critical component of prehospital care evolved into what it is today.

In This Episode

• A look back at the early days of EMS and how medical direction began.
• Dr. Pepe’s personal journey and contributions to prehospital medicine.
• How medical directors bridge the gap between field providers and the healthcare system.
• Insights into the challenges and successes of shaping EMS protocols and education.
• Lessons learned and advice for current and aspiring EMS leaders and medical directors.

Whether you're a seasoned EMS professional, a new provider, or simply passionate about the history and future of prehospital care, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

About Dr. Paul Pepe
Dr. Paul Pepe is renowned for his pioneering work in EMS systems development, resuscitation science, and disaster response. With a career dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovation and collaboration, Dr. Pepe remains a cornerstone of EMS advancement worldwide.

Clinical Pharmacy in Motion: Ride-Alongs and Research in EMS

Hennepin EMS in Minnesota is breaking new ground in prehospital care with the introduction of a clinical pharmacist consulting role, designed to tackle complex challenges and foster collaboration between paramedics and pharmacists through hands-on support and cutting-edge research.

The clinical pharmacist acts as a bridge between hospital and field operations, ensuring prehospital teams have the support they need to improve patient outcomes. A critical part of the pharmacist’s responsibilities includes hands-on engagement. From participating in ambulance ride-alongs to hosting open-door consultations, this role prioritizes practical and actionable solutions.

At the heart of this initiative is Holly Drone, PharmD, Hennepin EMS’s clinical pharmacist. Not only has Holly been integral to placing this program into action, but she’s also contributing to the field through her research. Her studies focus on essential topics such as Sodium Nitrate Overdose management, the initiation of Buprenorphine in prehospital settings, and the use of Oral Risperidone by EMS providers in the field.

To learn more about this innovative role and hear directly about her experiences and research, check out her recent interview on the podcast “EMS Research with Professor Bram.” Holly provides unique insights into the evolving relationship between paramedics and pharmacists as well as the critical role clinical pharmacy plays in improving prehospital care.

Telemedicine Connects Rural Paramedics to Physicians

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Dr. Michael J. Carr about how telemedicine is saving lives in Georgia.

Carr, the executive director of Prehospital & Ambulatory Virtual Emergency Services (PAVES) at Emory University, says patients in rural counties now have access to doctors and specialists even before they reach the hospital.

Rethinking Medical Direction in the 21st Century

Join hosts Bradley Dean and David Blevins as they sit down with Dr. David Tan to explore the evolving role of medical direction in EMS. Together, they dive deep into the challenges and opportunities shaping EMS systems and the clinicians who drive them forward.

Dan Burke

Dan Burke, EMS safety director for the Center for Patient Safety (CPS), joins the podcast to discuss CPS. We discuss the mission of the CPS and how it's grown in the last 25 years.

We also discuss the benefits of joining the CPS and how EMS agencies become better focused on patient safety.

Finally, we discuss his time as state EMS director for the District of Columbia and the challenges, and benefits, of guiding EMS in our nation's capital. 

Transitioning the COVID Provider with Janet Taylor

In this episode of The EMS Handoff Podcast, host Bradley Dean welcomes Janet Taylor, a seasoned flight nurse, educator and national EMS speaker, to discuss the seismic shifts in EMS education brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Together, they explore what it means to be a “COVID provider,” the challenges of addressing knowledge gaps in the post-pandemic era, and the importance of going the extra mile to ensure the success of EMS professionals in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

With her extensive background in nursing, flight medicine, and education, Janet shares her insights into how educators and providers can adapt and thrive, even in the face of unprecedented challenges. From innovative teaching strategies to practical advice for today’s EMS providers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in EMS education or practice.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode

• The COVID-19 Impact on EMS Education: How the pandemic changed the way we teach and learn in EMS.
• Understanding the “COVID Provider” Phenomenon: What defines a provider trained during the pandemic era, and what unique challenges do they face?
• Addressing Knowledge Gaps: Practical strategies for bridging gaps caused by disrupted training and clinical experience during the pandemic.
• Going the Extra Mile: Why resilience, creativity, and commitment are more critical than ever for EMS providers and educators.
• The Role of Technology in EMS Education: Exploring innovative tools and methods that emerged during the pandemic and their lasting impact on training programs.

Raising Awareness about Pandemic Response

Infection Control Consultant Katherine West explains why Marburg Virus is not as worrisome as some recent media headlines suggest.

Watch the presentation on JEMS.

Become an Exceptional Hope Care Provider

Author, speaker and educator Mongo Allen shares lessons from life with Eric Chase.

Legal Issues in EMS Explained

Chief Douglas Randell reviews the 2024 legal issues in EMS with Attorney Douglas Wolfberg.

Prehospital Blood Pressure Intervention for Acute Stroke

When every second counts in a medical emergency like a stroke, deciding on the right course of treatment can be life-changing. Strokes come in two main types—ischemic and hemorrhagic—each requiring very different treatment approaches. But what if a critical intervention, like lowering blood pressure, could be started right there in the ambulance?

Could it improve outcomes for stroke patients before they even reach the hospital? These are some of the pressing questions tackled in the latest episode of EMS Research with Professor Bram. This discussion explores the complexities of early care for stroke patients and the role prehospital blood pressure management might play in recovery.

Paramedic Mic Gunderson and Neurologist David Rose offer a specialist’s perspective on stroke care. Together, they dissect groundbreaking research and share practical strategies that could transform how strokes are treated in the field.