The world of prehospital medicine is constantly evolving, driven by new research, technological advancements, and a shared commitment to improving patient care and provider well-being. As EMS professionals, staying informed about these developments goes beyond a professional obligation; it is an opportunity to improve our practice, champion our profession, and ultimately make a greater impact on saving lives. In this article, we will explore some of the latest research findings that are reshaping our field, from workplace culture to cutting-edge technology.   The Culture of Care: Supporting EMS Providers Our work is demanding, both physically and emotionally, and the culture within our agencies plays a critical role in our well-being. A recent systematic review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that many EMS providers avoid using organizational mental health services due to stigma and a perception that these programs lack genuine care. The study emphasizes the need for person-centered support and a cultural shift that normalizes seeking help as a sign of strength (Johnston et al., 2025). This cultural component also impacts retention. Another study in the same journal found that agencies with collaborative, team-oriented "clan" cultures had significantly lower turnover rates compared to those with rigid or chaotic structures. For leaders in EMS, fostering a supportive environment is not just about morale. It is a strategic imperative for retaining skilled clinicians (Kamholz et al., 2025).   Professional Recognition: Breaking Barriers Across the globe, paramedics are striving for recognition as integrated healthcare professionals. A qualitative study in BMC Health Services Research identified common barriers, including outdated legislation, inconsistent regulation, and insufficient funding. While the pandemic temporarily highlighted our capabilities, the momentum has waned. The study calls for targeted policy reforms and investments in education and leadership to solidify our role in the broader healthcare system (Feerick et al., 2025). Physical Demands and Injury Prevention The physical toll of our work is undeniable. A scoping review in Applied Ergonomics confirmed that musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back, are rampant in EMS. Tasks like handling stretchers and patient extractions are among the most strenuous. The review also highlighted fitness disparities, with male paramedics generally showing more strength but less flexibility than their female counterparts. These findings underscore the need for targeted injury prevention programs and realistic physical standards to keep us safe throughout our careers (Marsh et al., 2025).   Advancements in Cardiac Arrest Care When it comes to cardiac arrest, every second counts. A study in Resuscitation reinforced the value of bystander CPR, showing that dispatcher-assisted CPR significantly improves outcomes for untrained bystanders. For those with prior CPR training, acting independently yielded even better results. This highlights the importance of public CPR education alongside dispatcher support (Tagami et al., 2025). On the scene, our interventions matter immensely. Research in The Journal of Emergency Medicine found that for traumatic cardiac arrest patients, aggressive interventions like prehospital thoracostomy can be lifesaving (McWilliam et al., 2025). Meanwhile, a study in Critical Care Medicine revealed that extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) significantly improves outcomes for patients with refractory ventricular fibrillation, emphasizing the need for early transport to specialized centers.   The Role of Technology in EMS Technology is poised to revolutionize EMS, from dispatch to diagnosis. A study in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine demonstrated that large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT could prioritize ambulance requests with remarkable accuracy, aligning with expert paramedic decision

In this episode of Just Little Salt, Dr. Alexandra Jabr, founder of Emergency Resilience and a licensed paramedic, shines a light on the challenges of delivering death notifications in emergency medical services. Drawing from years on the front lines and her advanced studies in health and depth psychology, Dr. Jabr, a new member of the JEMS Advisory Board, discusses why clear and compassionate communication is crucial and exposes common mistakes that can worsen an already painful moment. Beyond the call, she tackles the emotional toll first responders face—from coping with repeated trauma to battling numbness and isolation—and the importance of mental health support, including the emerging role of ketamine therapy. She also shares personal stories, her injury-induced career pivot, and her passion for education and advocacy.

In this episode of the Not A-Fib podcast, Virginia Beach (VA) EMS Chief Jason Stroud discusses a recent operational shift limiting the use of lights and sirens for non-emergent calls. Drawing on research and local data showing minimal impact on patient outcomes but significant safety risks—including increased ambulance collisions—Chief Stroud explains why the department is prioritizing safer, more measured responses for priority two calls, which make up 75% of dispatches. He details the unique combination career-volunteer EMS model in Virginia Beach, the close partnership with local military installations, and the department’s advanced life support heritage. They also explore how evolving dispatch protocols and ongoing evaluation guide this change, alongside challenges like workforce development and growing call volumes.

Ed Fowler’s 40-year career in fire and EMS culminates in a transformative chapter as he helps El Reno, Oklahoma, transition its EMS from private to an in-house, city-managed service—an innovative model focusing on sustainability, independence, and community trust. Ed shares his leadership philosophy grounded in accountability, clear communication, and mentoring future leaders. Amid this professional milestone, Ed confronts a life-threatening liver condition, navigating the transplant process while ensuring the EMS startup stays on course. His story offers rare insight into the human side of emergency services, touching on resilience, collaboration, and purpose when facing the edge of life itself. Beyond operational challenges, Ed’s vulnerability inspires those struggling with adversity to find reasons to keep moving forward.

Jack, known online as Electric Medic, shares an unfiltered look at his journey through EMS—from earning his med school diploma to working high-stakes gigs like Electric Daisy Carnival cruises. He reveals what keeps him grounded amid intense calls, the challenges of overnight shifts, and why the low-speed fender bender calls grind his gears. Jack dives into his unexpected rise on TikTok and Instagram, explaining how viral videos and smart collaborations launched his digital brand. Beyond ambulance life, he thrives on music festival EMS work, mixing adrenaline with creativity, including collabs with dubstep artist Subtropics. He also reflects on teamwork, mental toughness, and the importance of pursuing a clear social media focus. For anyone curious about the blend of healthcare hustle and online content creation, Jack’s story showcases the raw reality and unexpected opportunities within modern EMS culture.    

In this episode of The Chief’s Cadence, Shane Wheeler sits down with Dr. Anthony Minge, senior partner at Fitch and Associates, to explore the overlooked role of structured communication in EMS leadership. Dr. Minge discusses why communication should be as prioritized as budgets or staffing. He highlights practical strategies like rounding, scheduled huddles, and purposeful meetings to build trust, improve culture, and reduce operational chaos. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by modern communication technology and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of face-to-face dialogue and emotional connection. For aspiring and current EMS leaders, this episode offers actionable insights on fostering psychological safety, encouraging two-way communication, and leading with transparency and intentionality.

The 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care introduce significant updates, including a focus on on-scene resuscitation, cautious use of mechanical CPR devices, and prioritizing IV over IO access. While these changes aim to improve outcomes, they’ve sparked debate among seasoned paramedics like Jimmy Apple, the “EMS Avenger,” who highlights the challenges of implementation.   Key Points:• On-Scene Resuscitation: Emphasis on achieving ROSC on scene rather than rapid transport.• Mechanical CPR Devices: AHA advises against routine use, but paramedics argue they’re essential for small or rural teams.• IV vs. IO Access: IV is prioritized, but practicality for resource-limited teams is questioned.• Empowering EMS Providers: Focus on critical thinking, quality compressions, and timely defibrillation.• Cultural Shift: Training crews for compassionate death notifications and clear family communication.

In this candid episode of Just Little Salt, Nurse Stankk—an ER nurse and viral healthcare content creator—breaks down what really goes down behind hospital doors. He shares the tough realities of nonstop demands, overlooked tasks, and the emotional toll of burnout, especially dealing with difficult patients and tragic cases involving children. Yet amid the chaos, he reveals how healthcare humor and genuine mentorship have kept him sane. Nurse Stankk also opens up about launching his social media presence out of frustration, which quickly exploded, connecting him with fellow medical pros and fans nationwide. From wild patient stories and TikTok trends at work to navigating skepticism from coworkers, he unpacks the highs and lows of being a nurse with an edge. Whether you’re in healthcare or just curious, this episode offers a raw, relatable glimpse into the life of an ER nurse balancing care, comedy, and viral fame.    

JEMS Development Editor Mike Brown sits down with Jason Nunn, the creator of Stetta Sleeves, a personal and innovative solution designed to protect healthcare workers from bites, scratches, and needle injuries. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in medical care, Jason shares the incident that inspired the product—his own injury during a hospital code involving an agitated patient—and highlights the alarming rise in violence faced by nurses, EMS providers, and other healthcare professionals. Stetta Sleeves offers a lightweight, easy-to-wear protective sleeve that’s scratch-, puncture-, and needle-resistant, providing confidence and safety in high-risk environments like emergency rooms, ambulances, psychiatric units, and beyond. Jason emphasizes the importance of equipping those on the front lines with practical tools to ensure better patient care and reduce costly injury claims. Visit www.stettasleeves.com to learn more.      

Dr. Richard Janka, CEO of the 911 Training Institute joins the podcast to talk about resilience. He talks about the mission of the training institute as well as what got him involved with the institute. The bulk of the podcast is spent discussing resilience and what it means for first responders, as well as the telecommunicators who have to take these calls. We talk about the key role leadership plays in the success of a resilience program as well as the key role they play in the culture of an organization. We also discuss some of the reasons that these resilience programs can fail and how to avoid them.

In this heartfelt episode of Just a Little Salt, Chris Spaulding sits down with his son, Cody, to explore a lifetime shaped by fire service. Chris recounts how a family tragedy set him on this path over three decades ago, sharing stories that blend humor and hardship—from prank wars and raw chicken mishaps to the heavy toll of witnessing trauma. Father and son reveal the deep bonds that grow in firehouses, lessons in discipline, persistence, and the importance of mental health awareness in a demanding profession. They also discuss the challenge of balancing career and family, reflecting on personal growth and the evolving culture within emergency services. Through candid anecdotes and thoughtful advice, this conversation captures the unique camaraderie and real-world impact of a life committed to helping others, offering inspiration and insight for first responders and civilians alike.

Host Bram Duffee explores research on epinephrine’s role in traumatic cardiac arrest. The discussion features a trauma surgeon and researcher from a Level 1 trauma center who explains why epinephrine may not only lack benefit but could cause harm in trauma cases like car crashes or gunshot wounds. Drawing from a six-year study across seven trauma centers involving over 1,600 patients, the findings challenge current EMS protocols by highlighting differences in outcomes between blunt and penetrating trauma. Bram also shares resources on EMS research and innovative communication techniques for emergency patients, offering valuable tools for practitioners and instructors alike.Brought to you by Stetta Sleeves. http://www.stettasleeves.com

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   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 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 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   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  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   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   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.