The Critically Sick Runner: Unraveling the Mystery at an Ultra-endurance Event with Dr. Whitney Barrett

The Critically Sick Runner: Unraveling the Mystery at an Ultra-endurance Event with Dr. Whitney Barrett

Author: Ross Orpet, Paramedic turned EMS Physician July 29, 2024 Duration: 54:25
Dr. Whitney Barrett, the Medical Director of the Highlonsome 100 mile ultra endurance race, discusses the critical considerations for EMS providers when encountering sick runners during endurance events. Insights on managing ultra-endurance athletes, focusing on conditions such as hyponatremia, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and the unique challenges presented by high-altitude races. Learn about effective rehydration and cooling strategies, and the critical role of context in diagnosing and treating affected runners.   EMScast15 for 15% Off Frontline Optics Sunglasses Enter to Win a FREE Pair of Frontline Optics Sunglasses Blog Post and Critical Runner Algorithm- The Critical Care of the Sick Runner   00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:39 Conference Recap 01:03 Guest Introduction: Dr. Whitney Barrett 01:29 Understanding the Sick Runner 02:29 Medical Considerations for Ultra Marathons 08:15 Common Issues in Ultra Runners 12:45 Responding to Sick Runners 19:42 Fluid Management and Hyponatremia 35:10 Handling Hyperthermia and Hypothermia 44:05 Dealing with Collapsed Runners 53:36 Final Thoughts and Takeaways   Resources: Want to stay ahead of the top 1% in EMS and build real confidence in the field?👉 Book a call to get personalized guidance, improve decision-making under pressure, and grow your skills as a paramedic: https://calendly.com/d/cq38-87r-fkk/paramedic-confidence-builder📰 Join our weekly newsletter for exclusive EMS insights, leadership strategies, real-life scenarios, and tools designed to help you stay sharp, confident, and ahead of the curve: https://loudandclear.kit.com/d45b012fae

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
Hypothermia Rescue: Cardiac Arrest in a Tree Well [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:59
What happens when a 24-year-old woman is found frozen in a tree well after last being seen 8 hours prior, with a core temperature of 62°F (17°C)? In this extraordinary case, paramedic Miles Randell and his team performed…
When The Anatomy Is Gone: Facial Trauma Airway Management [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:21
What do you do when the anatomy you've memorized simply doesn't exist anymore? When a patient's entire face is gone, and your standard airway management tools won't work? This is where training meets reality. Critical ca…
Stop Building Resilience, Strengthen Your Resistance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:14
Discover the difference between resistance (your daily shield built through sleep, nutrition, relationships, and spiritual wellness) and resilience (the anaerobic sprint you can't maintain forever). Recorded on-site at F…
What If They Find Out I'm A Fraud? - Imposter Syndrome in EMS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:02
Ever cried in the ambulance because you felt completely overwhelmed? Sophie Fuller has—and she's done something powerful with that experience. In this raw discussion, the Life and Sirens podcast host shares her most vuln…
When to Act: Mastering Vasopressors in 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
What do you do when the blood pressure monitor shows a number you don’t like? Most providers hit the button again—but what if it’s real? In this episode, we’re joined by critical care transport specialist James Boomhower…
The 5 Levels of EMS Mental Breakdown & How to Escape Them [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:23
Why do some paramedics stay unshakable under pressure while others crumble on the exact same call? The answer isn't about years of experience—it's about understanding the neuroscience of stress and having the right menta…
Toxidromes Demystified [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:13
Understanding the toxidromes provides you with vital diagnostic tools in high-stakes environments. In this episode, we break down the clinical patterns that define. Want to stay ahead of the top 1% in EMS and build real…