What does it mean to walk the line between life and death, every single day?

For St. Charles Battalion Chief Greg Maddock, it all began with one ambulance ride as a child.

That single experience sparked a lifelong calling to serve on the frontlines of society, where saving lives is a daily mission, and one call can change everything.

Host Nic Main had the rare opportunity to ride along with Greg for over seven hours, witnessing life and death through his eyes as a first responder.

In Chapter 1 of their conversation, Greg shares:

- The growing mental health crisis among EMTs

- The difference between clinical death and biological death

- New challenges facing today’s younger EMTs

- How his career has shaped his view on his own mortality

Together, they dive into Greg’s role as a Battalion Chief and what it truly means to walk the thin white line.

At the heart of it all, Greg reminds us of the one reason he continues to show up: the patient.

This is Last Words: Death Perception.

This is Battalion Chief Greg Maddock.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest(s) and do not reflect the views of Last Words Podcast or its producers.