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EMS 20/20

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EMS 20/20 is podcast hosted by two experienced Paramedics. Spencer Oliver and Christopher Pfingsten discuss real calls run by real responders and pull out the lessons you won't find in a text book. This podcast is aimed at Paramedic students, seasoned Paramedics looking to refresh, or any one interested in a deeper dive into pre-hospital health care.
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EMS 20/20 is podcast hosted by two experienced Paramedics. Spencer Oliver and Christopher Pfingsten discuss real calls run by real responders and pull out the lessons you won't find in a text book. This podcast is aimed at Paramedic students, seasoned Paramedics looking to refresh, or any one interested in a deeper dive into pre-hospital health care.
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Episodes

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Published 2025-09-03

Ding Dong, The Patient's... Dead?

81 min
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When a code 99 comes in for a frequent flyer, a crew finds themself in a classic case of "there's more than meets the eye". Do they follow the yellow brick road to get their questions answered? Click your rube red slippers three times and be transported away to a land of not quite death but maybe some destruction.

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When a code 99 comes in for a frequent flyer, a crew finds themself in a classic case of "there's more than meets the eye". Do they follow the yellow brick road to get their questions answered? Click your rube red slippers three times and be transported away to a land of not quite death but maybe some destruction.

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Chris is in the hotseat and immediately starts over thinking a call involving a possible stroke... or UTI... or hypoglycemia... or alcohol? Check out @ems2020show in Instagram and vote on his performance!

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Chris is in the hotseat and immediately starts over thinking a call involving a possible stroke... or UTI... or hypoglycemia... or alcohol? Check out @ems2020show in Instagram and vote on his performance!

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Published 2025-08-13

Paralyzing Yourself to Refuse

95 min
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What does Carhart pants, Fireball Whiskey, weed, and an allergy to authority have in common? They're all in this episode! Follow the Paramedic of Darkness into the fray as we sort out and angry MVA patient that has more issues than they realize.

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What does Carhart pants, Fireball Whiskey, weed, and an allergy to authority have in common? They're all in this episode! Follow the Paramedic of Darkness into the fray as we sort out and angry MVA patient that has more issues than they realize.

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Published 2025-08-06

Special Edition: Oops! All Trauma!

104 min
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Spencer is in the hotseat trying to fix all the problems with a severe trauma patient. Also, Chris cannot count. Vote on Instagram now!

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Spencer is in the hotseat trying to fix all the problems with a severe trauma patient. Also, Chris cannot count. Vote on Instagram now!

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Published 2025-07-30

Self Inflicted Surgery

104 min
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Hands down, this is the weirdest episode. So many twists and turns. Chris rants about TXA again (start the emails), Spencer gets weird about barnyard animals, and a goat is suspect for attempted murder. Maybe.

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Hands down, this is the weirdest episode. So many twists and turns. Chris rants about TXA again (start the emails), Spencer gets weird about barnyard animals, and a goat is suspect for attempted murder. Maybe.

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Published 2025-07-23

Special Edition: Face the Pain

89 min
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Chris is in the hot seat! Spencer pulls out a rare but immediately life threatening disorder that threatens to crush Chris under the weight of airway management. Does Chris prevail? VOTE NOW ON INSTAGRAM! @ems2020show

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Chris is in the hot seat! Spencer pulls out a rare but immediately life threatening disorder that threatens to crush Chris under the weight of airway management. Does Chris prevail? VOTE NOW ON INSTAGRAM! @ems2020show

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Published 2025-07-16

Bold Strategy Cotton

107 min
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An interfacility call that seems like your basic, everyday call... until it isn't. A patient goes from walking and talking to huffing and puffing to gasping and... dying?

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An interfacility call that seems like your basic, everyday call... until it isn't. A patient goes from walking and talking to huffing and puffing to gasping and... dying?

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Published 2025-07-02

Special Edition: Little Altered Man

86 min
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Spencer is given a 'kitchen sink' type call as Chris leaves him looking around every corner to see if he can walk down Holland road. Does Spencer eek out a 2, or is he leaving you waiting for more? Vote on IG!

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Spencer is given a 'kitchen sink' type call as Chris leaves him looking around every corner to see if he can walk down Holland road. Does Spencer eek out a 2, or is he leaving you waiting for more? Vote on IG!

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Published 2025-06-25

Sus 4 CO

123 min
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Hey wait... that's not Oxygen! Call an emergency meeting! Does the crew in this week's episode get to the bottom of the problem BEFORE it's too late? Listen and find out on this OD turned CO!

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Hey wait... that's not Oxygen! Call an emergency meeting! Does the crew in this week's episode get to the bottom of the problem BEFORE it's too late? Listen and find out on this OD turned CO!

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Published 2025-06-18

Special Edition: Recipe for Disaster

93 min
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Spencer attempts to trip Chris up with a chaotic flight call! An IFT where a small hospital is struggling to keep up with a severe trauma patient's needs. Is Chris the missing ingredient that ties the whole dish together, or does he completely ruin the flavor profile? VOTE ON INSTAGRAM!

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Spencer attempts to trip Chris up with a chaotic flight call! An IFT where a small hospital is struggling to keep up with a severe trauma patient's needs. Is Chris the missing ingredient that ties the whole dish together, or does he completely ruin the flavor profile? VOTE ON INSTAGRAM!

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Published 2025-06-11

Bullet(s) With Butterfly Wings

98 min
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A team of responders enter a scene made safe(ish) by PD to find a very unhappy gunshot victim. Are they able to calm his rage and treat appropriately? Listen and find out!

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A team of responders enter a scene made safe(ish) by PD to find a very unhappy gunshot victim. Are they able to calm his rage and treat appropriately? Listen and find out!

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Published 2025-06-04

Special Edition: He's Choking Now

84 min
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Time's up! Over! BLAU? Spencer is in the hot seat as an unconscious unresponsive patient is presented to him. Does he choke? Does he handle it with grace? Let us know and vote on our IG! @ems2020show

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Time's up! Over! BLAU? Spencer is in the hot seat as an unconscious unresponsive patient is presented to him. Does he choke? Does he handle it with grace? Let us know and vote on our IG! @ems2020show

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Published 2025-05-28

Prepare for Unforeseen Consequences

81 min
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The guys analyze a crew that walks into self-imposed traps. Do they figure it out before it's too late, or do they find themselves at the bottom of a hidden pit? Listen and find out!

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The guys analyze a crew that walks into self-imposed traps. Do they figure it out before it's too late, or do they find themselves at the bottom of a hidden pit? Listen and find out!

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Published 2025-05-14

Special Edition: Gambling with Grumpy

89 min
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Spencer rolls the dice for Chris as he presents him with one grumpy customer... can Chris get through the interpersonal obstacles or will he fall flat on his face? Vote on our Instagram!

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Spencer rolls the dice for Chris as he presents him with one grumpy customer... can Chris get through the interpersonal obstacles or will he fall flat on his face? Vote on our Instagram!

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Published 2025-05-07

Get Out of My Head!

92 min
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Is it an overdose? Is it trauma? Is it... something else entirely unhinged? Yes. Listen and find out what the guys have to deal with in today's exciting and surprising episode!

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Is it an overdose? Is it trauma? Is it... something else entirely unhinged? Yes. Listen and find out what the guys have to deal with in today's exciting and surprising episode!

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Published 2025-04-30

No Right Answers!

112 min
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Chris gives Spencer a maze with no end... or a maze with too many endings? Can Spencer pull his patient out of jeopardy and save the day? Or will he miss a vital intervention that leads to a dead end?

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Chris gives Spencer a maze with no end... or a maze with too many endings? Can Spencer pull his patient out of jeopardy and save the day? Or will he miss a vital intervention that leads to a dead end?

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Published 2025-04-23

Rage Against The EKG

93 min
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Is this EKG even for the right patient? A wild call with everything from pediatric to... significant OLMC considerations causes the guys to call in some backup... this time in the form of Dr. Michael Lauria! Can the team find some useful lessons with a little help? Listen and find out!

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Is this EKG even for the right patient? A wild call with everything from pediatric to... significant OLMC considerations causes the guys to call in some backup... this time in the form of Dr. Michael Lauria! Can the team find some useful lessons with a little help? Listen and find out!

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Published 2025-04-16

Special Edition: Crafting a Plan

94 min
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Chris is given the mother of all scenarios where a pediatric patients takes... well, all the medications. PLUS! We introduce the coveted DICE ROLL to spice things up! Just because Chris asks for it doesn't mean he'll get it! Luck of the draw is at play in this week's episode. VOTE ON INSTAGRAM!

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Chris is given the mother of all scenarios where a pediatric patients takes... well, all the medications. PLUS! We introduce the coveted DICE ROLL to spice things up! Just because Chris asks for it doesn't mean he'll get it! Luck of the draw is at play in this week's episode. VOTE ON INSTAGRAM!

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Published 2025-04-09

Disappearing Leadership

134 min
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A discharge home for a patient is difficult for all the wrong reasons. Chris... defends the bad guy? Nuance is key as Chris and Spence discuss the wrong time and place in this week's episode.

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A discharge home for a patient is difficult for all the wrong reasons. Chris... defends the bad guy? Nuance is key as Chris and Spence discuss the wrong time and place in this week's episode.

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SPENCER is back in the hotseat! Is it trauma? Is it childbirth? Is it both? Is it a code? Vote now on our Instagram and let Spencer know how you feel!

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SPENCER is back in the hotseat! Is it trauma? Is it childbirth? Is it both? Is it a code? Vote now on our Instagram and let Spencer know how you feel!

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Published 2025-03-26

Only Anaphylaxis... and Nothing More..?

101 min
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Is this a case of a LETHAL distracting injury? Can there ever be such a thing? Is an amped up responder with a "just-go" mentality in the right? Listen and find out!

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Is this a case of a LETHAL distracting injury? Can there ever be such a thing? Is an amped up responder with a "just-go" mentality in the right? Listen and find out!

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Published 2025-03-19

Special Edition: Respiratory Kombat

61 min
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Chris is in the hotseat and his patient is in respiratory distress and making alllll the sounds. How does Chris hold up to this onslaught of respiratory trouble? Vote on our Instagram at @ems2020podcast!

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Chris is in the hotseat and his patient is in respiratory distress and making alllll the sounds. How does Chris hold up to this onslaught of respiratory trouble? Vote on our Instagram at @ems2020podcast!

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Published 2025-03-12

Phony Chest Pain

83 min
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Chest pain? Check. Sus ECG? Check. STEMI? Not check. A very tired Chris and a nerded out Spencer (12-leads... go figure) give MAXIMUM effort in today's call with a curious conclusion.

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Chest pain? Check. Sus ECG? Check. STEMI? Not check. A very tired Chris and a nerded out Spencer (12-leads... go figure) give MAXIMUM effort in today's call with a curious conclusion.

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Published 2025-03-05

Special Edition: Frat House Fever

46 min
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Can Spencer handle the heat? Or really... can his patient? How does Spencer do when faced with a "tough" frat bro who has a fever that just won't quit? Vote now on our Instagram!

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Can Spencer handle the heat? Or really... can his patient? How does Spencer do when faced with a "tough" frat bro who has a fever that just won't quit? Vote now on our Instagram!

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Published 2025-02-26

The EMT and The Sea

100 min
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...of bodily fluid. The guys set sail on an adventure to see what they can find on a particularly... sticky... call. Also... IT ENDS WITH A SONG!

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...of bodily fluid. The guys set sail on an adventure to see what they can find on a particularly... sticky... call. Also... IT ENDS WITH A SONG!

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Spencer puts Chris in the hotseat with an... anxiety call? Does Chris wind up being a big rockstar or will he never make it as a wise man? Check out @ems2020show on Instagram and VOTE!

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Spencer puts Chris in the hotseat with an... anxiety call? Does Chris wind up being a big rockstar or will he never make it as a wise man? Check out @ems2020show on Instagram and VOTE!

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Published 2025-02-12

Rocko's Modern Wreck

82 min
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Oh no... apathy strikes again in this week's episode as two cars attempt to occupy the same space in traffic. An ALS fly car responds to sort out the chaos... do they achieve this goal? Listen and find out!

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Oh no... apathy strikes again in this week's episode as two cars attempt to occupy the same space in traffic. An ALS fly car responds to sort out the chaos... do they achieve this goal? Listen and find out!

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Published 2025-02-06

Special Edition: Who Wants To Be Not Dead?

77 min
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Spencer winds his mind around a call where a patient is heroically pulled from a fire! But they are, unfortunately, lacking a pulse. How does Spencer stack up? Check our IG to vote!

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Spencer winds his mind around a call where a patient is heroically pulled from a fire! But they are, unfortunately, lacking a pulse. How does Spencer stack up? Check our IG to vote!

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Published 2025-01-29

Neo Leaves the Matrix

111 min
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Chris and Spence try and figure out what's real and what's not on a call where an altered man wounds up getting taken to the way wrong place. The result? Not good. Not good at all.

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Chris and Spence try and figure out what's real and what's not on a call where an altered man wounds up getting taken to the way wrong place. The result? Not good. Not good at all.

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Spencer fires off a devious pediatric call where Chris is forced to weight something versus nothing! Vote on Chris' performance on Instagram!

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Spencer fires off a devious pediatric call where Chris is forced to weight something versus nothing! Vote on Chris' performance on Instagram!

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Published 2025-01-15

The View From Halfway Down

109 min
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**WARNING this episode deals with the topic of suicide** Clinical Toxicologist and host of The Poison Lab Dr. Ryan Feldman is BACK! The thruple review a call where the patient intentionally ingests Sodium Nitrate and an EMS crew struggles to keep up with the patients rapid decline. What, if anything, can they do? Listen and find out!

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**WARNING this episode deals with the topic of suicide** Clinical Toxicologist and host of The Poison Lab Dr. Ryan Feldman is BACK! The thruple review a call where the patient intentionally ingests Sodium Nitrate and an EMS crew struggles to keep up with the patients rapid decline. What, if anything, can they do? Listen and find out!

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Published 2025-01-08

Special Edition: Drop Kick Syndrome

78 min
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The Special Editions are back! We kick it off with an absolute doozy of a breathing problem and lungs that are so... clear? Listen and see if Spencer suffocates or if his performance is a breath of fresh air.

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The Special Editions are back! We kick it off with an absolute doozy of a breathing problem and lungs that are so... clear? Listen and see if Spencer suffocates or if his performance is a breath of fresh air.

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Published 2025-01-01

SquKid Game

105 min
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Attention Players: A crew heads to a traffic accident with multiple patients and is assigned to care for a 3.517892 year old child with a leg injury... or ARE THEY?

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Attention Players: A crew heads to a traffic accident with multiple patients and is assigned to care for a 3.517892 year old child with a leg injury... or ARE THEY?

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Published 2024-12-18

Panic! At the OR

122 min
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The guys get so emo when an outpatient clinic panics and... helps? Is this a case of a sick patient or patient made sick? Listen and find out!

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The guys get so emo when an outpatient clinic panics and... helps? Is this a case of a sick patient or patient made sick? Listen and find out!

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Published 2024-12-11

Special Edition: ENDGAME

57 min
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In a bid to clench the win, Chris navigates a chest pain call from the Master Your Medics 100 Patient Scenarios Book! Can he put up a strong enough performance and force Spencer to enjoy Dutch Bros? Or will he be dining on Salmon Bisque? VOTE ON INSTAGRAM! THEIR FATES ARE IN YOUR HANDS!

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In a bid to clench the win, Chris navigates a chest pain call from the Master Your Medics 100 Patient Scenarios Book! Can he put up a strong enough performance and force Spencer to enjoy Dutch Bros? Or will he be dining on Salmon Bisque? VOTE ON INSTAGRAM! THEIR FATES ARE IN YOUR HANDS!

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Published 2024-12-04

Out of Leadership

113 min
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A trauma call with a complicated patient and a ship that desperately needs a captain. Does the crew get it together or is it the end of the world as we know it?

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A trauma call with a complicated patient and a ship that desperately needs a captain. Does the crew get it together or is it the end of the world as we know it?

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Published 2024-11-27

Special Edition: Stroke of Genius

68 min
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WE FINALLY KNOW THE PUNISHMENT FOR THE LOSER! Also, Spencer is given a complex stroke call that needs an airway! Does he recognize it? Does he act appropriately? Let us know how you think he did below!

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WE FINALLY KNOW THE PUNISHMENT FOR THE LOSER! Also, Spencer is given a complex stroke call that needs an airway! Does he recognize it? Does he act appropriately? Let us know how you think he did below!

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Published 2024-11-20

The Significant Intrusion Album

127 min
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A car split hot dog style... a medic that is rude and disengaged... a massive med error... what isn't there to love about this week's episode?! Tune and find out just how wild things get in this week's episode!

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A car split hot dog style... a medic that is rude and disengaged... a massive med error... what isn't there to love about this week's episode?! Tune and find out just how wild things get in this week's episode!

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Join Chris, Spencer AND SPECIAL GUEST **ERIC BAUER** as the team sift through a transfer that has all the bells and whistles: an intubation, a med error, a crew conflict... this one has it all!

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Join Chris, Spencer AND SPECIAL GUEST **ERIC BAUER** as the team sift through a transfer that has all the bells and whistles: an intubation, a med error, a crew conflict... this one has it all!

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Published 2024-11-06

An AMS Call For Gifted EMT's

111 min
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Spencer and Chris dive into an ALOC call that was perhaps inappropriately placed into the hands of an AEMT. Is this a case of call turfing, or a misguided educational opportunity? Listen and find out!

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Spencer and Chris dive into an ALOC call that was perhaps inappropriately placed into the hands of an AEMT. Is this a case of call turfing, or a misguided educational opportunity? Listen and find out!

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Published 2024-10-30

Special Edition: Chris Seizes

50 min
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We're back for another Master Your Medics Special Edition! Spencer tosses Chris a hot hot potato and Chris... well Chris tries. Does he need a thermometer or a calculator? Find out!

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We're back for another Master Your Medics Special Edition! Spencer tosses Chris a hot hot potato and Chris... well Chris tries. Does he need a thermometer or a calculator? Find out!

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Published 2024-10-23

Greased Lightning

94 min
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Which is the best food product to cover a burn patient in? Spoiler: none. Join the guys as we learn from burn unit RN Erin Horrax that math sucks, patient advocacy is great, and pain meds are pretty darn cool too.

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Which is the best food product to cover a burn patient in? Spoiler: none. Join the guys as we learn from burn unit RN Erin Horrax that math sucks, patient advocacy is great, and pain meds are pretty darn cool too.

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Published 2024-10-16

Special Edition: Spencer Kills

53 min
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First rule about EMS 20/20... talk about it, constantly. Second rule... judge Spencer on our Instagram! Does he nail this code 99 call? Does he leave a lot to be desired? Check out the poll on IG @ems2020show!

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First rule about EMS 20/20... talk about it, constantly. Second rule... judge Spencer on our Instagram! Does he nail this code 99 call? Does he leave a lot to be desired? Check out the poll on IG @ems2020show!

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Published 2024-10-09

We All Scream For Levophed!

123 min
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Spence, Chris, and the host of Nine One One Nonsense SAMANTHA BRAWLEY take on a critical care transport that was cold from the get go. The fish truly rots from the head as a doctor sends a patient on the wrong medication and leaves a crew with no alternatives...

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Spence, Chris, and the host of Nine One One Nonsense SAMANTHA BRAWLEY take on a critical care transport that was cold from the get go. The fish truly rots from the head as a doctor sends a patient on the wrong medication and leaves a crew with no alternatives...

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Published 2024-10-02

Special Edition: Ruptured Confidence

55 min
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In this weeks MASTER YOUR MEDICS SPECIAL EDITION, Spencer throws Chris a call that requires both clinical prowess and bedside expertise as Spencer hopes to even the odds. VOTE ON OUR INSTA!

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In this weeks MASTER YOUR MEDICS SPECIAL EDITION, Spencer throws Chris a call that requires both clinical prowess and bedside expertise as Spencer hopes to even the odds. VOTE ON OUR INSTA!

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Published 2024-09-25

How I (didn't?) Kill Your Mother

115 min
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Let's go to the mall... today! ASHLYNN O'DELL joins the guys once again to go through everyone's favorite call: an uncomplicated refusal with absolutely nothing worry about whatsoever...

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Let's go to the mall... today! ASHLYNN O'DELL joins the guys once again to go through everyone's favorite call: an uncomplicated refusal with absolutely nothing worry about whatsoever...

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Published 2024-09-18

Special Edition: Lung Blooder

58 min
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CHECK OUT OUR INSTA AND VOTE! Spencer is dealt a HARD airway call by a cruel Chris! Listen and see how he does and vote to let us know how you feel!!

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CHECK OUT OUR INSTA AND VOTE! Spencer is dealt a HARD airway call by a cruel Chris! Listen and see how he does and vote to let us know how you feel!!

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Published 2024-09-11

Chest Burster

92 min
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Spencer brings a call that is totally just anxiety. Honestly, no need to listen to the episode this week, nothing is wrong with the patient. Not at all. Move along. Sign this Refusal to Listen. Maybe have a friend listen if you really think you need it.

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Spencer brings a call that is totally just anxiety. Honestly, no need to listen to the episode this week, nothing is wrong with the patient. Not at all. Move along. Sign this Refusal to Listen. Maybe have a friend listen if you really think you need it.

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Published 2024-09-04

Special Edition: Will Chris Choke?

42 min
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As payback, Spencer gives Chris a pediatric airway call. Will Chris choke? Head to @ems2020show on Instagram and vote for Chris' score!

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As payback, Spencer gives Chris a pediatric airway call. Will Chris choke? Head to @ems2020show on Instagram and vote for Chris' score!

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Published 2024-08-28

Running Up That SpO2 (Hopelessly)

101 min
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The SpO2 climbs while the patient declines? What?! A fed up patient and Paramedic who, if they only could, would swap places with just about anyone on this week's call!

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The SpO2 climbs while the patient declines? What?! A fed up patient and Paramedic who, if they only could, would swap places with just about anyone on this week's call!

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