Why Two Paramedics Watched Their Trainer Nearly Kill a Patient (And Said Nothing): How Lessons From The Aviation Industry Could Have Prevented It
Author: Ross Orpet, Paramedic turned EMS Physician
June 1, 2025
Duration: 1:14:37
A field trainer administers a non-indicated medication while two trainees watch in silence. Sound familiar?
In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into how the aviation industry transformed from a punitive, hierarchical culture to one where crews actively prevent catastrophic errors—and how YOU can apply these same principles on your next EMS shift.
Our guest, Glen, a commercial airline pilot and aviation safety expert, shares how the aviation industry has revolutionized itself through such methodologies as just culture, crew resource management, and error prevention tools like the inquiry, advocacy, assertiveness model. We explore how these principles can be effectively applied in our EMS world to improve safety and performance. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with practical tactics to implement on your next shift, ensuring you and your crew can handle high-stress situations with confidence and competence.
Key Concepts Covered:
Crew Resource Management (CRM)
Just Culture principles
Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP)
Power distance in medical teams
Human factors in emergency medicine
Error prevention strategies
Books Mentioned by Glen:
Just Culture by Sidney Dekker - https://amzn.to/3Su0A9Y
The Myth of Multitasking: How "doing it all" gets nothing done - https://amzn.to/4dAFa4E
Crew Resource Management Practice and Principles- https://amzn.to/3ZIjXzZ
Threat & Error Management resources - https://skybrary.aero/articles/threat-and-error-management-tem
Other Resources:
The Resus Tailor - https://www.theresustailor.com/
This Episodes Blog Post- https://emspodcast.com/what-airplane-crashes-teach-us-about-saving-lives-in-ems-lessons-in-crew-resource-management-and-just-culture-from-the-aviation-industry/
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
Other 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- GlenHost- Ross Orpet, Will Berry Catch up with us after the show
Instagram- @emsloudandclear
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@EMSLoudandClear
Website- www.emspodcast.com
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