The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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

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BLS Provider Essentials: Mastering Respiratory Emergencies

Saison 3 · Épisode 17

lundi 20 octobre 2025 • Durée 01:24:27

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.

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BLS Provider Essentials: Airway Tools

Saison 3 · Épisode 8

mardi 10 juin 2025 • Durée 01:00:00

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.

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Keep Calm, and CYA: Medical and Legal Considerations with David Givot

Saison 3 · Épisode 7

mardi 29 avril 2025 • Durée 02:02:21

I sat down with David Givot, author of Sirens, Lights, and Lawyers, on the EMSconnect On Shift Podcast, and let me tell you—this one’s a game-changer.

This episode is a serious eye-opener about the legal blind spots in EMS. We’re not being taught enough, and David doesn’t hold back. Before you touch your next patient or write another narrative, you need to hear this.

🎧 Hit play, take notes, and protect your career.

https://www.thelegalguardian.com/

GET THE BOOK NOW! https://www.amazon.com/Sirens-Lights-Lawyers-Important-Providers-ebook/dp/B0C4WGP61G

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Clots & Clues: Decoding Stroke in the Field

Saison 3 · Épisode 6

mardi 8 avril 2025 • Durée 01:45:30

Time is brain, and early recognition is key! Clots & Clues: Decoding Stroke in the Field is an essential course designed for EMS providers seeking to sharpen their assessment skills and improve patient outcomes in stroke emergencies. This course dives into the pathophysiology of stroke, critical prehospital assessment tools, and the latest treatment guidelines. Participants will discuss stroke mimics, and refine their ability to recognize subtle yet crucial signs of stroke.

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BLS Provider Essentials: Altered Level of Consciousness

Saison 3 · Épisode 5

mardi 8 avril 2025 • Durée 55:34

The lecture covers altered mental status for EMTs, focusing on brain anatomy and causes like hypoglycemia, intoxication, and head injuries. It highlights the importance of assessing blood glucose levels, especially in diabetic patients and understanding vital signs in context. Treatment protocols include administering oral glucose or glucagon, with an emphasis on thorough assessments and documentation, ensuring patient safety and effective care.

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Street Smarts: Mastering Toxidromes and the World of Street Drugs for EMS with Dr. Ryan Stanton and Spokane Police Officer Mike Thomas

Saison 3 · Épisode 4

mercredi 19 février 2025 • Durée 01:53:41

In the ever-evolving world of prehospital care, understanding toxidromes and street drugs is essential for EMS providers. This dynamic course offers a comprehensive look into the effects, assessment, and trends of substance use from two distinct yet complementary perspectives.
Join Dr. Ryan Stanton, a renowned emergency physician, as he dives into the physiological effects and clinical assessment of toxidromes. Learn how to identify and manage patients presenting with overdose or toxic exposures to ensure safe and effective care in the field.
Then, gain real-world insights from Spokane Police Officer Mike Thomas, who brings years of law enforcement experience to the table. Officer Thomas will explore the latest trends in street drugs, including what’s being seen on the streets today, how they’re distributed, and the challenges they present to first responders.

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BLS Provider Essentials: Medical Patient Assessment

Saison 3 · Épisode 3

vendredi 7 février 2025 • Durée 01:19:20

In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, host Shaun Pitts sits down with Nathan Denison to break down the essentials of medical patient assessment for EMTs. From the initial scene size-up to the detailed secondary assessment, we cover the critical thinking and decision-making skills needed to recognize and manage medical conditions in the field. Whether you're new to EMS or a seasoned provider, this episode is packed with must-know information to enhance your assessment game. Tune in and level up your patient care!

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BLS Provider Essentials: Trauma Assessment with Shaun Pitts and Nathan Denison

Saison 3 · Épisode 2

vendredi 31 janvier 2025 • Durée 01:19:20

Join Shaun Pitts and Nathan Denison of EMSconnect for this comprehensive course on the basics of trauma assessment for EMTs. Designed for new and experienced providers alike, this course equips participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to confidently evaluate and manage trauma patients in prehospital settings.

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Heads Up: Field Approaches to Managing Traumatic Head Injuries with Dr. Kai Sharbono

Saison 3 · Épisode 1

vendredi 31 janvier 2025 • Durée 01:24:06

Join Dr. Kai Sharbono, MD, in this dynamic and engaging EMS continuing education course that explores the latest field strategies for managing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Designed for EMS providers on the frontlines, this course combines cutting-edge science with practical, real-world techniques to help you make confident, life-saving decisions when seconds count. From rapid assessment and airway management to mitigating secondary brain injuries, Dr. Sharbono will guide you through evidence-based protocols and innovative tools tailored to prehospital care. Whether you're new to EMS or a seasoned provider, this course offers actionable insights to elevate your TBI management skills and prepare you for the challenges of the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leading expert in emergency medicine and take your trauma care expertise to the next level!

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