Life Over Limb: Field Amputation, Preparing for the Unthinkable

Life Over Limb: Field Amputation, Preparing for the Unthinkable

Author: Ross Orpet, Paramedic turned EMS Physician November 20, 2024 Duration: 15:26
Dr. Avery McKenzie interviews Dr. Eric Adler, regional medical director for Flight for Life, about the challenging and rare procedure of field amputations. They discuss the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, the steps involved in developing a protocol for such emergencies, and the logistical challenges faced during the process. Dr. Adler shares insights from real-life cases and emphasizes the critical need for planning and knowing the resources available in urgent scenarios.   00:00 Emergency Field Amputation: A Real-Life Scenario 00:25 The Reality of Unlikely Medical Emergencies 02:04 Introducing Today's Episode and Guest 04:26 Dr. Eric Adler's Experience and Protocol Development 05:46 Indications and Procedures for Field Amputation 10:50 Challenges in Creating a Field Amputation Protocol 14:23 Final Thoughts and Preparedness   Resources Website show notes link (picture of the kit and copy of the protocol): https://emspodcast.com/life-over-limb-field-amputation-preparing-for-the-unthinkable/ Other episodes you might like: Episode 31- You Were Taught Wrong, Traumas Not Algorithmic Gear We Like Good Stethoscope - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2 Good Shears - https://amzn.to/40FROuF or https://amzn.to/3ChZ4Tn  Notepad for taking notes on calls - https://amzn.to/3Z1X21J Sunglasses - https://frontline-optics.com/discount/EMSCAST15 Books we recommend -  The Dichotomy of Leadership - https://amzn.to/4fiCAjN Extreme Ownership - https://amzn.to/3O1FWfa  Managing the Unexpected: Sustained Performance in a Complex World -        https://amzn.to/3V7BwYf Thinking Fast and Slow - https://amzn.to/4fiJG85 A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back -  https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2 Guest/Cast/Crew information-Guest- Erik AdlerHost- Ross Orpet, Avery MackenzieCatch up with us after the show Instagram- @emscast Website- www.emspodcast.com  

Stepping out of the classroom and into the rig is where the real learning begins, but that transition often leaves even seasoned providers with a lingering doubt. Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles addresses that gap directly, moving past the basic protocols to explore the foundational reasoning that makes for excellent prehospital care. Hosted by Ross Orpet, a paramedic who now practices as an EMS physician, this podcast digs into the "why" behind the algorithms. It’s built on the understanding that no textbook can possibly cover every unique scenario you’ll encounter on the road. Instead of just listing steps, each episode examines the core principles that guide critical decisions when the situation doesn't fit a neat checklist. You’ll hear discussions that bridge the gap between field experience and medical rationale, focusing on the adaptive thinking required for complex emergencies. This is advanced continuing education designed for paramedics, EMTs, and all prehospital providers who feel that standard training was just the beginning. The conversations in this series aim to solidify your clinical judgment, helping you build confidence through comprehension. By tuning in, you gain access to a deeper level of professional development, where the objective is to think clearer and act more decisively, no matter how many days you have on the job. This podcast serves as a vital resource for those committed to mastering their craft beyond the basics.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles - Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers
Podcast Episodes
Don't Miss Something Important, Your Physical Exam Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:19
Will Berry's back on the show to chat with us about a commonly overlooked part of our care. He can't stress enough how important a good detailed physical exam can be. Are you dedicating enough attention to your physical…
Snake Bites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:06
Summer's not over yet which means the snakes they are a still slithering. Come learn everything you need to know about treating North American snake bites in the field and dispel some myths along the way. Enter to Win a…
The Physiologically Difficulty Airway - Part 2: Hypotension [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:26
Join us for part two of our four part series looking at the physiologically difficult airway. Matt takes us through the different causes of hypotension, why these patients are so dangerous to intubate, and how to resusci…
Narrow Pulse Pressure as a Predictor of ED Thoracotomy in Trauma? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:01
We discuss the following paper and its impact on our prehospital management. Prehospital narrow pulse pressure predicts need for resuscitative thoracotomy and emergent intervention after trauma Schellenberg M, Owattanapa…
The Physiologically Difficult Airway - Part 1: Hypoxia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:44
Ross and Matt discuss the importance of preoxygenating hypoxic patients prior to intubating them. This is the first of a 4 part series on the physiologically difficult airways. Link to the makeshift CPAP: https://www.you…

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