Code 321 Podcast

Communication in Crisis

Precision — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 14:53:39 +0000

Courtney Newman flips the script and interviews Nick on one of EMS leadership’s hardest skills: communication. They unpack trust, timing, feedback, conflict, gossip, written versus verbal conversations, and how strong teams handle hard moments with clarity, curiosity, and kindness, without losing sight of culture, relationships, or the patient at the center.

Owning the Miss

Precision — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:46:03 +0000

Nick Carson and Prescott Nadeau discuss why mistakes happen in emergency services and how learning from them, through humility, training, and strong systems, makes teams safer and more effective on the street and on the fireground

Everest feat. Chance Sullivan

Precision — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 16:30:22 +0000

A deep dive into Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, as Nick and Medical Director of Precision, Dr. Chance Sullivan, unpack the 1996 Everest disaster, exploring altitude physiology, human behavior, decision-making traps, and the striking parallels between mountaineering and high-risk work in EMS, fire, and flight medicine.

Link to Book: https://www.amazon.com/Into-Thin-Air-Personal-Disaster/dp/0385494785

Lost & Found: Vermont SAR feat. Drew Clymer

Precision — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:30:37 +0000

Prescott Nadeau talks with Drew Clymer about what really happens in backcountry rescue: soaring call volumes, seasonal patterns, technical litter carries, and a high-stakes Camel’s Hump search. Drew Clymer is the Vermont State Search and Rescue Coordinator and the Deputy Chief of Stowe Mountain Rescue.

Stage Fright & Spotlight: Growing Through EMS Conferences feat. David Weiss

Precision — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Everyone remembers their first time on stage: sweaty palms, shaky slides, and the voice in your head saying, “You’re not ready.” In this episode, Nick, Prescott, and David Weiss talk honestly about conquering stage fright, connecting with audiences, and using conferences to grow as providers and educators. It’s equal parts encouragement and practical advice for anyone ready to step into the spotlight.

Recruit, Retain, and Reinvigorate ft. Chris Smetana

Precision — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 01:56:57 +0000

Nick and Prescott sit down with special guest Chris Smetana to tackle one of the toughest topics in fire and EMS: how to recruit, retain, and reinvigorate the workforce. From cadet programs and early training to leadership accountability and burnout, they break down why providers leave, what keeps them engaged, and how culture and mentorship make all the difference.

https://www.jems.com/ems-management/nobody-wants-to-work-anymore/

Time Machine

Precision — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:16:05 +0000

Nick Carson and Prescott Nadeau reflect on their journeys through Fire and EMS, including what they’ve learned, what they’d do differently, and the advice they wish they had heard earlier. From rookie mistakes to the power of mentorship, this episode offers honest insights into life in the fire service and how it shapes the people who serve.

Right of Boom: Bleeding, Decisions, and the Clock feat. Stew Hall

Precision — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:25:04 +0000

When the mechanism is high and the vitals don’t match, what do you do next? In this episode of Code 321, Nick and Prescott sit down with flight paramedic Stew Hall to talk real trauma. Bleeding you can't see, curveball patients who "look fine," and why good BLS can make or break the golden hour. From the back roads of Vermont to the back of the aircraft, this is trauma care right of boom.

Clean Trucks & Marine Cuts

Precision — Thu, 15 May 2025 09:30:00 +0000

This month, Prescott is joined by his twin brother, Major Will Nadeau of the U.S. Marine Corps. They dive into the shared values of the military and fire service — tradition, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From clean trucks to combat readiness, this powerful episode explores why the little things matter and how holding the line on standards builds elite teams.

The Kitchen Table

Precision — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Nick and Prescott sit down with longtime friends and fellow firefighters Dave, Whitney, and Eddie for an honest, funny, and heartfelt chat about life in the fire service. From rookie stories to firehouse culture and leadership lessons, they reflect on what brought them to the job—and what keeps them coming back. It’s all about the people, the kitchen table, and the moments that matter.

Lessons in Leadership III: Feedback

Precision — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 09:30:00 +0000

Steve Petit is a Deputy Chief of Administration for the City of Burlington Fire Department in Vermont. He has over 20 years of experience in the fire service in various levels of leadership. Steve has also served in EMS and Technical rescue capacities with a special passion for teaching Rope Rescue Operations. This episode, Nick and Prescott talk with Steve about how you can get yourself ready to receive feedback. Explore why it goes so wrong and what we can learn about ourselves to better respond to those around us. You can find the book "Thanks for the Feedback" by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen on Amazon.

Expedition Medicine feat. Dr. Chance Sullivan

Precision — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Dr. Chance Sullivan joins Nick and Prescott to talk medicine in the mountains this month. Chance is an attending ER physician in Colorado just outside Denver. Before medical school, he worked as a backcountry guide in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. He has spent two summers as an expedition physician in Alaska for the Juneau Icefields Research Program and also spent a season working at the high-altitude medical clinic in Argentina on Aconcagua, the highest peak outside the Himalayas. Chance is also the Co-Owner and Physician Medical Director of Precision, LLC.

Morale Management feat. Prescott Nadeau

Precision — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Welcome back to Season 5! After almost 5 years of the show, Code 321 officially has a new co-host. Prescott Nadeau, a long-time friend of the show and host of his own Life, Fire, Layout podcast, joins our team to discuss all things morale. Nick and Prescott talk about what makes employees happy and what both sides of the chief's desk can do to make the organization thrive.

High-Risk Obstetrics feat. Dr. Eryn Hart

Precision — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Eryn Hart is a high-risk Maternal-Fetal Medicine Surgeon at Crowell Health West in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Before working as a doctor, she served as a 911 provider at the EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic levels. She has completed a residency in Obstetrics/Gynecology and a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal medicine. Eryn also serves in the United States Navy Reserve as a Maternal-Fetal physician. This episode explores the world of caring for high-risk pregnant women and their babies.

Lessons in Leadership II: Work-Life Balance

Precision — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Courtney Tomaino is a state-level administrator and a current NREMT Paramedic. She has served in volunteer and paid EMS services in capacities ranging from CPR-certified driver to crew chief paramedic while raising a family with young kids in Vermont. She is involved in training, education, clinical practice, and administration centered around EMS providers. This episode is the second in the Lessons in Leadership series and dives deep into the work-life balance discussion many services face today. Courtney joins the show to share some common workplace dynamics seen in the modern EMS workforce with a few creative solutions to reinvigorate overwhelmed staff.

Hypothermia

Precision — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:02:36 +0000

This episode of the show dives into ten common pitfalls in treating a sick hypothermia patient with a brief look into the rationale behind it. From equipment to cellular metabolism, this episode will help identify and prevent the common problems with this atypical patient. Below are the references to read through the source documents for this content.

AHA Part 10.4: Hypothermia www.circulationaha.org DOI:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.166566

Rischall ML, Rowland-Fisher A. Evidence-Based Management Of Accidental Hypothermia In The Emergency Department. Emerg Med Pract. 2016 Jan;18(1):1-18; quiz 18-9. Epub 2016 Jan 1. PMID: 26655247.

Why Training Programs Work & Why They Don’t

Precision — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 01:31:45 +0000

This special sneak peek is a selection from Precision’s national conference talks on training program methodology. Everyone wins when the training programs work, so where does it go wrong? This episode will dive into the fundamental structure of a training program and why students succeed. Did you know Precision offers consultation for training program design? Everything from writing a full curriculum to tutoring struggling students. Check out all Precision has to offer at www.precisiontrainingusa.com

Risk Management: www.gordongraham.com

Artificial Intelligence

Precision — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 00:29:07 +0000

This episode is for the techies. Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for Science Fiction anymore. The technology is here and rapidly moving into the healthcare field. This episode breaks down the types of AI, how it learns, and how it is being used in the healthcare system so far. How do you feel about AI in the healthcare system? Visit www.precisiontrainingusa.com to connect and share your thoughts.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) ft. Riley Hoke

Precision — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Critical Care Nurse Riley Hoke joins the show to share the nitty gritty about DKA pathophysiology, identification, and management. Riley has worked as a 911 Advanced EMT, a Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) Nurse, and a flight nurse for the UVM Health Network transport team. This episode will dive into the complex pathophysiology of DKA and how treatment is much more than just lowering the blood glucose level.

Pediatric Respiratory ft. Colleen Githens

Precision — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0000

This episode of the Code 321 Podcast features Colleen Githens, a flight-certified respiratory therapist with 14 years of experience in emergency respiratory care. Colleen has served all patient populations as an RT including as a member of the critical care flight team. Colleen shares tips about how to approach sick pediatric patients and how to prepare for the kids in distress.

Combating Chemistry ft. Dr. Joe Kennedy

Precision — Wed, 15 May 2024 01:41:04 +0000

Emergency Medicine Toxicology Doctor Joe Kennedy joins the show to share about how he approaches a patient who might be suffering from a toxicology emergency. From mushrooms to grandma’s medication, it’s his job to figure out what chemicals are causing the issue and correct them. Did you know the poison control hotline has an option for medical providers? Give them a call next time you encounter a toxicology case in the field (1-800-222-1222), you might hear Dr. Joe Kennedy on the line!

Hemodynamic Acrobatics: A Case Review

Precision — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

This month's episode is for the nerds. Dive deep into cardiac physiology, pharmacology, and invasive hemodynamics of a critical care patient. Have you ever wondered what critical care transport patients are like? Have your Google machine and a hot cup of coffee ready. Remember, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology are the building blocks of great patient care. Special thanks to Dr. Doug George and Megan Papineau for their assistance on this one.

Fire and Ice

Precision — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Derek Gavelis is a seasoned outdoor adventurer and current firefighter. Derek shares how years of high-risk adventure sports like rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and kayaking have taught him life lessons he applies to his career in emergency services. Derek shares how adrenaline seekers share parallels with those responding to emergencies.

Lessons in Leadership I - Lieutenant Kyle Blake

Precision — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Kyle Blake is a Lieutenant assigned to Engine 1 in Downtown Burlington, Vermont, and is the Recruit Academy Lead Instructor for new firefighters in the department. Kyle is responsible for developing the next generation joining the department ranks with a novel approach to entry-level firefighter training. Today’s episode is the first in a new series from the Code 321 Podcast called “Lessons in Leadership”. Kyle shares how experiences in his own life have helped develop his strategy for leading fire companies, recruits, and fellow firefighters.

Disaster Medicine ft. David Weiss

Precision — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:19:00 +0000

David Weiss is a Critical Care Flight Nurse (CFRN) who serves on the Vermont State Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team. As a nurse, David works full-time in a Level 1 Trauma Center Emergency Department and with the UVM HealthNet Transport Critical Care HEMS Program. He started his EMS career at 16, working on various EMS agencies in the Northeast. David holds specialty care certifications in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, and trauma care. This episode dives into how the USAR members prepare and deploy to large-scale incidents across the nation.

The Opiate Problem: Part 2

Precision — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Part 2 of The Opiate Problem discusses potential solutions such as Safe Injection Sites (SIS), Community Response Teams (CRTs), Methadone, Suboxone and Buprenorphine use (Carroll, 2020). This month’s Code 321 Podcast will feature a two-part series with Patrick Crowley of vtdigger.org. Patrick and I worked at the Burlington Fire Department together as Firefighter/EMS providers. Patrick is now a reporter with vtdigger.org and joins me to discuss his two-part article series entitled “The Third Wave” (links below). Carroll GG, Wasserman DD, Shah AA, Salzman MS, Baston KE, Rohrbach RA, Jones IL, Haroz R. Buprenorphine Field Initiation of ReScue Treatment by […]

The Opiate Problem: Part 1

Precision — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 02:10:13 +0000

This month’s Code 321 Podcast will feature a two-part series with Patrick Crowley of vtdigger.org. Patrick and I worked at the Burlington Fire Department together as Firefighter/EMS providers. Patrick is now a reporter with vtdigger.org and joins me to discuss his two-part article series entitled “The Third Wave” (links below). Part one of this series will explore how opiates have become such a problem and why our communities are fighting an uphill battle with this deadly epidemic. Part 2 of The Opiate Problem will be released on December 15th. Other media used from WCAX via: https://www.wcax.com/2023/09/08/burlington-authorities-respond-rash-overdoses Ng J, Sutherland C, Kolber […]

Ketamine: Past, Present and Future

Precision — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:56:09 +0000

This episode of the Code 321 Podcast takes a deep dive into Ketamine. Since the creation of the drug in the 1960s, it has been a staple of the medical community for a wide variety of treatments. Learn about the history of this medication, how it works, why it is loved (or hated) and what is coming next in the world of Ketamine use. The article used in the creation of this podcast is “Use of Ketamine During Procedural Sedation” by Tonya Jolly and Heather McLean of Duke University Medical Center (citation below). Thanks to YT for the idea for […]

That Others May Live feat. Paul "Bear" Barendregt

Precision — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 02:13:18 +0000

United States Air Force Pararescue Jumper Paul Barendregt joins us from Alaska to talk about his 25-year career in the Special Operations Community as an PJ. Paul has conducted missions on all 5 continents with multiple combat deployments. Paul is also the owner of PJB Solutions, LLC offering leadership and medicine in the operational environment. Today’s episode we learn a little bit about the USAF PJs and what they do to save lives.

Live from New Orleans: EMS World Expo

Precision — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 01:16:22 +0000

Northeast Emergency Training Solutions, LLC owners Nick Carson and Tim Ferris share some brief thoughts on the EMS World Expo Conference live from New Orleans, Louisiana. NETS was selected as a Pre-Conference workshop for our “Hardening the Target: Preparing Your Community for the Active Threat”. Make sure to check out “Life Fire Layout” on Apple Podcasts. Prescott Nadeau (who is a reoccurring guest on Code 321) interviews Nick Carson on the recent NETS TACMED full scale exercise. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-fire-layout/id1700669359?i=1000628694365

5 Lessons to Improve Your Practice (And Your Life)

Precision — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 03:27:21 +0000

Join us this month to discuss 5 lessons learned from the critical care orientation process. Set yourself up for success by practicing the fundamentals and prioritizing responsibilities in the correct order. The lessons we will discuss in this episode are:

Being Mortal ft. Corey Souza

Precision — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 22:04:38 +0000

Today’s episode features Corey Souza, a current firefighter/paramedic. We talk about Atul Gawande’s book, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. We should be viewing our patients’ experiences through their eyes, learning what their priorities are and respecting their wishes. The medical provider can help facilitate the life our patients want with every contact. Listen now to learn how the lessons learned from this book could affect your practice.

Diving Deep into Workforce Development

Precision — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 03:47:19 +0000

On this episode of the Code 321 Podcast, Nick dives deep into the 2023 Summer NAEMT Newsletter. Specifically, the article found on page 10, Tips for Creating a Culture of Workforce Engagement (NAEMT, 2023). Listen to the episode and check out the links to learn more! Make sure to leave us a review on Apple […]

Active Threat Response

Precision — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 16:51:56 +0000

Today’s episode features our Director of Operations, Kyle Brouliette as we discuss the purpose and design behind our Active Threat Response programs. Unfortunately , these events have become common place and we need to be prepared to address the loss of life. In this episode, learn why and how we have developed our training programs […]

How the DCF Works feat. Rebecca Jager

Precision — Sat, 13 May 2023 16:52:49 +0000

In this episode of the show, Rebecca shares her experiences as a DCF supervisor and investigator while giving tips to providers. It is not just the scary photos in the back of the textbook, let’s dive in and discuss what the DCF does and the role of an EMS provider in the system built to […]

Bonus Feature: Welcome Back!

Precision — Thu, 11 May 2023 23:44:02 +0000

Welcome back listeners! As the podcast host, it felt important to give the listeners a quick update as to why we needed a little break from the show. Thank you for the support and we look forward to releasing new episodes monthly! Make sure to give us a good rating on Apple and Spotify if […]

X-Ray Vision ft. John Christman

Precision — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:20:03 +0000

Can you visualize what is happening inside of the body when you are treating your patients? Do you know what it is supposed to look like, how it is supposed to operate, and what you need to do to fix it? This episode features. Captain/Paramedic John Christman as we discuss how students can apply their […]

Mass Casualty Incident Command ft. Prescott Nadeau

Precision — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 19:15:06 +0000

This episode was taken from our 2022 Fall CAPCE Paramedic Refresher. We welcome back Prescott Nadeau to the show as we listen to his lecture on Mass Casualty Incident Command for the EMS provider. Prescott Nadeau is a Captain and Training officer at the Williston, VT Fire Department. He has been in the fire service […]

Mountain Bike Medicine ft. Dave Cohen

Precision — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:03:56 +0000

Dave Cohen is a former mountain bike racer and current NREMT Paramedic. Dave is one of a few paramedics who provide medical event coverage for elite mountain bike races. Some of his recent race locations include British Colombia, New Zealand, Mexico, Nepal among others. Dave shares his experience on what Wilderness Medicine on a Enduro […]

Domestic Violence and EMS

Precision — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 22:36:50 +0000

*Warning* The content of this episode can be upsetting to listeners. Please use discretion. A lecture from our archives back in February of 2022: Detective Nicki Moyer is an expert in Domestic Violence and is one of the leading investigators in the area. Nicki will talk briefly about what EMS should know, what domestic violence […]

Toxic Culture and Retention

Precision — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 22:37:43 +0000

Vermont EMS joins me to talk about the biggest retention issue they found during a large study of Vermont EMS providers: toxic workplaces and psychological safety. Learn what some of the big issues are, and the vision the State has to tackle them. Beth Brouard is the EMS data Manager for Vermont EMS. Beth is currently […]

No More NREMT Psychomotor Testing...Wait, What?

Precision — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 21:12:55 +0000

Chris McCarthy is the EMS Program Manager for Northeast Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. With her 20 years of experience as an EMS educator, Instructor Coordinator and National Registry Representative, she will discuss the new portfolio competency program that will be replacing the psychomotor testing for EMT testing. Interested to hear more? Tune in to see how […]

Wilderness Medicine

Precision — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:59:21 +0000

Sarah Schlein is the Physician Medical Director for Northeast Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. She is an Emergency Medicine attending physician at the University of Vermont Medical Center, Associate Professor at the Larner College of Medicine and Wilderness Medicine director in Burlington, VT. She founded and directed the medical school and Emergency Medicine residency Wilderness Medicine program and is […]

Fluid Resus feat. Dan Eng

Precision — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 02:24:56 +0000

Today’s episode dives into the role of Isotonic Crystalloids and the delicate balance during a trauma resuscitation. Dan Eng joins the show to give his take on the chemistry behind the different fluids we might see in the field and the fundamentals that we should be thinking while making clinical decisions in the field with […]

Managing Yourself Under Stress

Precision — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 23:50:32 +0000

Dan Batsie is the Director of the Division of Emergency Preparedness Response & Injury Prevention for the State of Vermont. He has worked as a paramedic in busy urban systems such as Syracuse, NY and Portland, Maine. Dan also has extensive experience as an educator across New England. Today’s episode discusses the concept of managing emotions in a response to stress. Dan shares his tips for overcoming these situations and introduces the concept of stress inoculation training.

Andy Speier

Precision — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 02:09:18 +0000

Andy Speier (brother to Matt Speier, featured on episode #23) is a Battalion Chief and technical rescue specialist currently working in Washington State. His career has included over 40 years of service as a medical provider, technical rescue operator, firefighter across the United States and overseas in Israel. Andy is an original member of Peak Rescue and current coordinator of the Special Operations Rescue Team (SORT) in his county-based system. Andy has worked in Midtown Manhattan as a member of FDNY on Engine 54 and Ladder 4. He is also a Technical Rescue Contributing Editor for FireRescue Magazine.

Epi 3 Ways

Precision — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 20:22:01 +0000

Emergency Department Pharmacist Catherine Platt joins the show today to discuss Epinephrine including some ways we use it as EMTs, AEMTs and Paramedics. We also will break down three different clinical trials that have shaped how we administer the drug leading to best practices in and out of the hospital. The studies used in this show are listed below for your reference.

Simons, F. Estelle R., and Xiaochen Gu. “Epinephrine Absorption in Adults: Intramuscular versus Subcutaneous Injection.” www.jacionline.org/Article, J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL, 5 Aug. 2001, www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(98)701903/fulltext.

Perkins, Gavin D., et al. “A Randomized Trial of Epinephrine in out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Nejm.” New England Journal of Medicine, 23 Aug. 2018, www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1806842#article_references.

Cole, J. B., Knack, S. K., Karl, E. R., Horton, G. B., Satpathy, R., & Driver, B. E. (2019). Human Errors and Adverse Hemodynamic Events Related to “Push Dose Pressors” in the Emergency Department. Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 15(4), 276–286. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-019-00716-z

Mental Health III: Moral Injury

Precision — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 14:44:26 +0000

Today’s episode features Bill Elwell, a 36-year fire service veteran who specializes in trauma informed peer support and crisis intervention. Bill has an associate degree in Fire Science, he is a certified Chaplain and holds a certificate in Critical Incident Stress Management. Talking about what Moral Injury is, Bill shares his personal experiences and discusses why he chose to spend his life in the mission of helping those who suffer trauma. His LLC, First Responder Core Wellness provides education as well as support to those in public safety and public health. Bill’s website is www.unbrokencord.com.

Don't Rule Anything Out

Precision — Sun, 30 May 2021 02:54:56 +0000

Luke Jackson is a Vermont native who has 17 years of experience working both in and outside of the hospital system as a critical care medical provider. Luke started his career as a Firefighter/EMT right here in Vermont and is currently a Critical Care Flight Paramedic for Lifeflight of Maine as well as an ICU Nurse in Central Maine. If you’re interested in progressing to the next level, don’t rule anything out. Luke will share his experience about how sometimes making the leap to the next level can open more doors to a future you might not see from your current perspective.

The Resident Roundtable

Precision — Fri, 21 May 2021 14:07:06 +0000

This episode of the Code 321 Podcast features Chance Sullivan, Nick Alsofrom, and Noah Rohrer who are all second year Emergency Medicine Residents at the University of Vermont Medical Center Level I Trauma Center. During this roundtable, we will talk about what experiences they have had through their medical training and they give their tips on how to succeed if you’re interested in pursuing the big bad M.D. Degree.

NREMT Test Day: Explained

Precision — Sat, 08 May 2021 00:51:47 +0000

This episode is one from our archives, aimed at those of you gearing up to take your NREMT Exam. Our EMS Programs Manager Chris McCarthy has 20 years of experience as an EMS Educator and National Registry Representative. She has been the Lead Instructor Coordinator for the last three NETS EMT Classes. Chris will walk you through what to expect on test day with key rules and policies that you’ll need to know. This lecture was conducted virtually.

Hope For The Best, Plan For The Worst

Precision — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 17:43:42 +0000

Today’s guest is Matt Speier. Matt has 20 years of EMS experience and has worked in New York City as a FDNY Paramedic in Midtown Manhattan, in the Emergency Department of a Level I Trauma Center, as well as a technical rescue specialist on multiple USAR teams. He also served as a ski patrol paramedic, mountain rescue technician and is currently volunteering at a local rescue agency on a 911 truck. This episode is all about how complacency kills, and how it can hurt our patients. Matt shares some tips on how to avoid getting caught off guard and how we as a culture can “Default: Aggressive” (Willink, 2020) remaining combat ready.

Talking to the 9%

Precision — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 22:49:10 +0000

In August of 2012, Kristi Goyette suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while running in Essex, VT. Jason Ziter, who was an Essex Fire First Responder at the time, was one of the first providers on scene and assisted Essex Rescue in the resuscitation. Jason Ziter is the Chief Business Officer and Founding Member of Northeast Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. Jason started his career in public safety in the 1990s and has held jobs in Fire, EMS and is currently a sworn police officer. This is the story of why we all do what we do. This is the incredible story of the 9% who survive an out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Shop Talk Feat. Mike and Frank

Precision — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 19:34:18 +0000

In this episode, the show takes a short detour from Emergency Medical Training to talk shop about how some of our medics got their start in EMS. Frank Rice, Nick Carson and Mike LaBombard take a minute to reflect on how they started in EMS and ended up where they are today. Frank Rice is the co-host for the Code 321 Podcast and the current Operations Manager for Northeast Emergency Training Solutions, LLC (NETS). Mike LaBombard is the Logistics Manager for NETS. Both Mike and Frank are paramedics currently working full time in the City if Burlington as Firefighter/Paramedics.

The Emergency Department

Precision — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 16:49:22 +0000

In today’s episode Matt Looft joins the show to talk about the Emergency Department. The department and the prehospital response are both geared to help patients that need us, now find out how these systems integrate best. Matt Looft is a Registered Nurse IV in the Emergency Department at the University of Vermont Level 1 Trauma Center. Matt ran as a EMT for UVM Rescue and currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree from WGU in Nursing as well as an ADN in Nursing from Vermont Technical College.

Tips From 20 Years on the Line

Precision — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:29:17 +0000

By popular request, Lieutenant Sean Ploof and Captain Genzlinger join the Code 321 Podcast to talk about lessons they have learned from the last 20 years in fire/ems service. As new members join and education becomes more available, the experience of those who came before you cannot be ignored. These tips are the culmination of the trials and tribulations of the job as learned by some of our most senior members. Lt. Ploof has been working as a firefighter/EMT since 2001 and is now the Lt. of Ladder Co. 2 in the Old North End of Burlington. Capt. Genzlinger has been serving South Burlington as a firefighter/EMT since the late 1990s and is currently assigned as a shift supervisor.

Crew Resource Management

Precision — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 16:43:52 +0000

Today’s episode is about Crew Resource Management (CRM). Lt. Nate Perkins of Burlington Fire and Helicopter Pilot Matt Benoit of the U.S. Army join the podcast to talk about where this system comes from and why it matters. Both Matt and Nate hold leadership positions in their organizations and have more than a decade of experience in their respective fields. The Crew Resource Management system is found everywhere from commercial production corporations to emergency response teams; tune in to learn why most organizations are moving towards this model. The podcast crew also reviews the black box audio from the Miracle on the Hudson air incident US Airways Flight 1549, when Captain Sully landed a full loaded Airbus A320 passenger jet on the river saving the lives of all passengers and crew. This was a great example of CRM that saved 155 lives.

Mental Health II: Bad Habits

Precision — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:20:57 +0000

In this episode, guest Ashley Hodgetts joins the podcast to talk about some ways people encounter negative emotions in healthcare and the bad habits that often accompany them. Ashley Hodgetts is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree in Print Journalism. She also holds a certification as a health coach and is a 10-time marathon competitor. Ashley is the CEO and founder of Fit Together Wellness which is designed to help you hear and listen to yourself, to reach your goals and to become the person you want to be. Her website is fittogetherwellness.org

Mentors and Clinical Experience

Precision — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:04:35 +0000

Most programs require that you spend some time under a preceptor learning the finer details of how to apply your new training. This podcast features 17-year Senior Firefighter/Paramedic and NETS Instructor Nick Perkov, who has mentored dozens of providers at all levels in the area. We bring in special guest Andrew Virnig who is a Firefighter/AEMT currently in a paramedic program to talk about what student can expect, how to prepare for your mentorship and tips for success.

Bonus: Our Testing Experience Feat. Mike LaBombard

Precision — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 03:00:22 +0000

In this bonus feature, NETS Logistics Manager Michael LaBombard calls into the Code 321 Podcast to talk about the experience him and Nick had before their NREMT Paramedic Test. As much as you try to follow all the advice people give you about testing, it doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s ok. In additional to their full-time fire/EMS jobs, Eric, Mike, and Jeremy are all instructors for Northeast Emergency Training Solutions, LLC and have successfully trained dozens of students for the NREMT Exams. Make sure to check out Code 321 Episodes 2, 3 and 4 to learn more about the exam itself.

The Testing Experience

Precision — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 02:37:25 +0000

Every provider remembers their NREMT testing experience. It is a stress for some like no other. As a few of our classes are preparing for their Registry test this month, it seemed relevant to add our tips to smoke the exam on the first try. Nick is joined by Firefighter/Paramedic Jeremy Raymond and Firefighter/AEMT Eric Casavant (who was a guest on Episode 14) to share their tips for a successful day of testing. In additional to their full-time fire/EMS jobs, Eric and Jeremy are both instructors for Northeast Emergency Training Solutions, LLC and have successfully trained dozens of students for the NREMT Exams. Make sure to check out Code 321 Episodes 2, 3 and 4 to learn more about the exam itself.

Partners and Why We Do It

Precision — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 23:07:09 +0000

In this episode Nick and Guest Eric Casavant talk about what makes a good partnership, the challenges of rotating crews and share their best memory that reminds them of why we do what we do. Eric is a current Firefighter/Advanced EMT at the Burlington Fire Department assigned to Ambulance 2 as Nick’s partner. He has a degree from Vermont Technical College in Fire Science and is a proud Northeast Emergency Training Solutions AEMT graduate. He now works for NETS as an Instructor for all course levels.

Bonus: TBI Pathophysiology and Autoregulation

Precision — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 04:38:41 +0000

In this bonus feature, Doctor George and Nick dive deeper into the pathophysiology of a brain injury and why we are moving away from permissive hypotension in TBIs. If you are looking for a little more than Episode 12 and want to understand the more complex ways the human brain mitigates injury, this feature is for you. From the Monro-Kellie Doctrine to Cushing’s Triad, Doctor George will share some keys to understanding a TBI.

Resources:

rebelem.com

epic.arizona.edu

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Precision — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 04:14:19 +0000

This episode features Emergency Medicine Attending Physician Doug George. Currently he is a Physician Medical Director at the University of Vermont Medical Center in the Emergency Department. His background includes service as a Firefighter/EMT, medical residency in Boston, MA working with Boston EMS as well as a coveted EMS fellowship in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he provided 911 scene care both on ground units and rotor wing air response. Doctor George has experience working with Critical Care, 911 EMS and Fire Based EMS systems and is always willing to talk EMS. Today we bend his ear about the keys to recognizing and treating Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).

First Responder Mental Health

Precision — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 00:29:06 +0000

This episode features Beth Jacobs M.A. Beth is one of the clinical psychologists who is pioneering specialized care in this area. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Professional Licensed Counselor and an EMDR certified clinician. Beth is associated with dozens of departments in the area and can often be seen taking care of first responders from across New York and Vermont. She attributes her love of helping those on the front lines in part to her husband who is a 25+ year police veteran. We discuss the work life balance, some common challenges that first responders face and what we can be doing to stay healthy and rolling out the door when the bell hits.

EMS Systems and Operations

Precision — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 11:58:42 +0000

Tim Ferris is the Chief Operating Officer and founding member of Northeast Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. Tim brings over 17 years as a paramedic and almost two decades of EMS education from across the country. He is a current 911 firefighter/paramedic and paramedic program faculty in charge of training new providers. Operations are a key component of NREMT testing at every level and should be something every provider is familiar with. In this episode, Tim shares his thoughts on how EMS Systems are set up and the pros/cons of each.

Training

Precision — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 17:16:18 +0000

Prescott Nadeau and Troy Ruggles join me to provide their take on the important topic of training. Prescott Nadeau is a Senior Firefighter and Training officer at the Williston, VT Fire Department. He has been in the fire service since 2003 and holds the title of Training Officer. Chief Troy Ruggles is currently the Battalion Chief of Training for the Burlington, VT Fire Department. He has also taught for both the Vermont and New Hampshire Fire Academies for more than 18 years.

When to Act: Airway

Precision — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:41:27 +0000

In this bonus feature Doctor James takes the information from the "Let's Talk Airway" podcast and puts it into practice. When do you pull the trigger on intubation, what if that doesn't work? Here she helps you get more comfortable about putting knowledge into action. *There is an error, at 6:30. Nick refers to End Tidal CO2 being high in DKA but it was actually low.

Let's Talk Airway

Precision — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:36:16 +0000

Today we tackle the "A & B" in ABCs. Airway is one of the most crucial components of any EMS run. Our Medical Director, Doctor Wendy James joins us to talk about the things everybody should be thinking when dealing with the airway and breathing. Doctor James completed her residency in Worcester, MA while working as a 911 scene flight physician. Her experience includes 27 years in EMS, paramedic education, and medical direction. Doctor James now is an attending physician at a Level I Trauma Center. From EMT to critical care, this episode goes in depth to what you need to know and why you need to know it. *Check out the bonus content for this episode: "When to Act"

EMS Jobs and Career Advancement

Precision — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 23:00:24 +0000

Special guest Bill Cotell joins Code 321 to talk about the different job opportunities that EMS can offer and how to get them. He shares his advice learned from 30 years of EMS including 18 years as a ALS Paramedic in the Boston, MA area. Bill has been held jobs in the volunteer, career and private EMS systems including titles as EMS Supervisor and Director of Operations. If you are thinking about a career in EMS, start here. Find out which style you are interested in early, these tips are not to be missed.

Leadership

Precision — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 01:58:14 +0000

Leadership is in everything we do. In this episode, Matt Kozlowski and Dave Auriemma join the Code 321 Podcast to talk about leadership. Dave and Matt have both owned large successful businesses in the area and combined have over 30 years in the fire service. These special guests will talk about important leadership qualities that they see in successful people, what it means to be a leader, and some common expectations that new members should be aware of. If you are looking to learn something about personal development, leadership, or how to put your best foot forward on your first day, this episode is for you!

NREMT Testing Paramedic

Precision — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 16:13:20 +0000

Hosts Frank and Nick tackle the NREMT Paramedic Exam. For those of you that are looking at testing, this is a guide thorough each psychomotor station and the cognitive exam. The paramedic level is all about critical thinking and anticipating future needs. If you have any interest in paramedic certification, this episode is a taste of what you'll experience in the NREMT test.

NREMT Testing Advanced EMT

Precision — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 02:05:54 +0000

NREMT Representatives and seasoned EMS educators Chris McCarthy and Kate Soons bring over 30 years of EMS education experience into this podcast about what to expect on your AEMT exam day. Nick and the guests discuss the pitfalls of testing, how to prepare, and give advice on how to excel on your Advanced EMT NREMT Exam.

NREMT Testing

Precision — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 00:16:49 +0000

In this episode, NREMT Representatives and Instructor Coordinators Chris McCarthy and Kate Soons join me to talk about the NREMT testing process. They have over 30 years of experience in EMS education and are responsible for many student's NREMT success. We will discuss what to expect on exam day, how to prepare for the psychomotor and cognitive exams, and any tips they have for nailing it on your first try! NREMT candidates from any level will find value in this episode.

The Levels of EMS

Precision — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 21:36:00 +0000

In this first episode, you are introduced to your hosts Frank Rice and Nick Carson. They talk about the different levels of EMS certifications. They discuss the pros and cons of each one, the reasons you should progress in you EMS career. Frank and Nick also share their experiences through their education in EMS programs from around the country.

Code 321 Podcast Trailer

Precision — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 16:34:00 +0000

Code 321 is for anyone with an interest in EMS. Hosts Nick Carson and Frank Rice are current Firefighter/ Paramedics and hold certifications at the FP-C level. Code 321 is EMS through our eyes, the real stuff we have picked up along the way. Tune in for a long list of special guests talking about the things that matter to EMS providers.