Treat Mom First: Amniotic Fluid Embolus and Other Peri-partum Emergencies

Treat Mom First: Amniotic Fluid Embolus and Other Peri-partum Emergencies

Author: Ross Orpet, Paramedic turned EMS Physician June 15, 2026 Duration: 54:50
A postpartum patient does not need to look dramatic to be in real danger. In this episode from FAST 26, Ross talks with Amy Loucks about pregnancy-related deaths, maternal care deserts, postpartum warning signs, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, infection, and the calls EMS can easily miss. Then Elizabeth Garchar walks through amniotic fluid embolism, now often framed as an anaphylactoid reaction of pregnancy: sudden cardiovascular collapse, right heart failure, DIC, TXA, whole blood, AOK, and the principle that matters most when everything goes bad: treat mom first.   Interested in the Loud & Clear Fellowship? Sign up for a free coaching call to learn more.    Sign up for a weekly newsletter The Confidence Dispatch for EMS performance tips delivered straight to your inbox.    Episode Resources- CDC: Preventing pregnancy-related deaths — https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/preventing-pregnancy-related-deaths/index.html Amniotic fluid embolism overview — https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15463-amniotic-fluid-embolism AOK regimen for amniotic fluid embolism — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9477128/   https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/ https://www.marchofdimes.org/research/maternity-care-deserts-report.aspx  https://saferbirth.org/  https://www.nmperinatalcollaborative.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: 50

Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles - Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 6:56
Were have we been? Well, the truth is, we've been incredibly busy working on some really exciting projects. If you're interested in joining the founding members cohort of The Loud & Clear Fellowship Course reach out to m…