In this episode, Tyler sits down with Hanna Thompson to discuss a critical yet often overlooked topic in EMS—eating disorders. Drawing from personal experience and clinical insight, they explore how these conditions present both medically and behaviorally, especially in prehospital and interfacility transport settings. They break down the subtle physical signs that EMS providers can look for—such as Russell's sign, lanugo, unexplained bradycardia, and electrolyte disturbances—and emphasize the importance of sensitive history taking. The conversation also dives into the dangers of refeeding syndrome, slow correction strategies, fluid choice, and the clinical significance of thiamine, magnesium, and phosphate replacement. What You’ll Learn: How eating disorders can manifest in EMS calls Why you may be treating the consequences, not the disorder itself Red flags like bradycardia, lanugo, and Russell’s sign How to handle refeeding syndrome safely Why dextrose, fluids, and electrolyte replacement should be approached cautiously The connection between electrolyte shifts and seizures or arrhythmias Key Takeaway: Patients with eating disorders are medically and psychologically fragile. In EMS, we often encounter them through the effects of the disorder—not the diagnosis itself. Recognizing subtle clues and avoiding aggressive interventions could save a life. Resources Mentioned: Hannah's blog on EMS considerations in eating disorders Data on post-COVID spikes in eating disorder incidence Guidelines for electrolyte correction and refeeding syndrome Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for clinical protocols or medical direction. Always consult your agency’s guidelines and medical control.

The updated FOAMfrat Studio Flight Physiology class just went live! The updated Flight Physiology course offers an in-depth exploration of flight physiology, focusing on gas laws and the effects of altitude-induced hypoxia. Participants will learn about atmospheric variations and their impact on oxygen levels, identify early signs of hypoxia, and analyze evolved gas disorders. Check it out in the operations section of FOAMfrat Studio! Not a FOAMfrat Studio member? Learn more by clicking the link below. https://bit.ly/4cBDs1r

Crush Syndrome

In this episode, Tyler Christifulli sits down with cardiac perfusionist Brian Cress to dig into the physiology of coronary perfusion, the mechanics of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and the clinical finesse of diastolic augmentation. Whether you're just starting to encounter balloon pumps or want to sharpen your transport strategy, this discussion is packed with visual metaphors, waveform analysis, and real-world pearls. 🫀 Topics Covered: Why coronary perfusion happens in diastole—and why it matters The physics of LVEDP and its role as a counter-pressure The concept of "diastolic-only therapy" (and why pressors can sabotage it) How counterpulsation with a balloon pump displaces blood toward the coronaries Interpreting augmented and assisted pressures on the IABP screen How heart rate affects diastolic time and perfusion Recognizing when augmented pressures might be too high Indicators that your balloon pump is helping: echo trends, art lines, and perfusion status Rate control: when it's worth considering, and what to rule out first Tips for documenting pressures during transport and fiber optic failure plans

🆕 On-Demand Class! Psychological Injury: Disenfranchised Grief In this episode, we will introduce the concept of disenfranchised grief, a form of mourning that often goes unrecognized or lacks societal support. Join Alex Jabr and Ben Vernon as they discuss the distinct challenges faced by first responders who encounter this type of grief. The conversation will address the psychological effects, the critical importance of identifying grief in oneself and colleagues, and practical strategies for fostering healthy emotional processing. Check it out in FOAMfrat Studio! Not a FOAMfrat Studio member? Learn more by clicking the link below. https://bit.ly/4cBDs1r

In this conversation, Dr. Peter Weimersheimer discusses various techniques and tips for performing cardiac ultrasound in emergency medicine. He emphasizes the importance of understanding probe movements such as sliding, fanning, and rocking to optimize cardiac views. The discussion also covers troubleshooting common challenges in cardiac imaging, the critical role of gel in obtaining clear images, and the transition between different cardiac views. Dr. Weimersheimer emphasizes the importance of identifying cardiac pathologies through ultrasound and shares techniques for obtaining the apical four-chamber view. The conversation concludes with insights into the impact of ultrasound on patient care and decision-making in emergency situations. In this conversation, Dr. Peter Weimersheimer shares his expertise on cardiac ultrasound techniques, with a focus on the apical four-chamber view and the importance of understanding ventricular shape and function. He discusses practical tips for navigating ultrasound views in critical situations, optimizing imaging techniques, and utilizing patient physiology to enhance imaging quality. The conversation also covers the interpretation of right ventricular size in cardiac arrest and differentiating between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and aorta during ultrasound imaging.