22 at the Lips (Alexis Hardwick)

Hey there, thanks for tuning in! In this episode, I talk about what this podcast will be, where the name of the podcast came from, and my background/journey of how I got into EMS… Grab a cup of coffee, have a seat, and buckle up. 

It's an old mantra we hear ALL the time- but it's true! In this episode, I talk about the importance of the baby steps of the ABC's, the awful people in the "paragod" population, and more. Grab a cup of coffee, and buckle up, friends. 

If you’ve ever heard “if you have the heart on your license, EMTs and doctors won’t try to save you because they want to take your organs,” this episode is to debunk that. I dive into what organ donation entails, why it’s important, and a whole lot of geeking out with information and minor research. Grab a chair, hold onto your kidneys, and enjoy.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3372912/
https://www.core.org/understanding-donation/donation-process/
Organdonor.gov

Let’s talk about a few things: I’m going to clarify why I hate Narcan in a code, the importance of owning your mistakes and screw-ups, why and how protocols can save your bacon, and a couple of stories in-between.

Link to AHA article: 

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000958

I sit down with Ken and discuss the process of organ procurement from Ken’s perspective being involved in this process. We share stories from when we worked together, and Ken gives some good advice and perspective from his years of experience. Overall, it’s a good conversation that, even after working with him and knowing him for a while, still made me feel like I’ve taken away something else to learn. 

 I had the chance to sit down with a friend I met through EMS, but he became one of the people I turn to when I need to discuss a call, advice, or just have a good venting session or laugh with. He has some good insight as we discuss some of the calls we run and overall. I had a blast, and I hope you enjoy this interview. (there was technical difficulty in this audio, sorry in advance) 

In the comfort of my house/couch, I invite my first WOMAN guest on, Liz! We had a blast talking about different aspects of this job, including: a "book" her patient wrote her, what it's like being a woman in EMS, and wild calls that make you question... so much... You'll just have to hear for yourself.. Grab a cozy blanket and get ready to meet a ray of sunshine, Liz!

My first partner as a paramedic. Logan Bergeron: great partner and paramedic, proficient student for nursing school, great Dad/husband to Alexis B., avid/obsessive coffee drinker, and so much more you can learn about him from this episode. We joke around, tell stories from our partnership, and then Logan gives us insight into the heart-wrenching experience he and his wife experienced this past year. Have a cup of coffee, grab a snack, and enjoy!

LISTENER REQUEST!! I make a feeble attempt at the question "should a mom be transported while holding her newborn baby," and I give my two cents on transporting family with the patient or not. Feel free to chime in, the goal is to facilitate discussion!

Join in on this episode to hear Adam’s perspective of being in the fire department, and in his journey of a colonoscopy, hamburger helper, and honesty of working for a private EMS agency… The bloopers are definitely ... original... and Adam is hilarious. As always, grab a cup of coffee and tune in for this week’s portion of laughs and a rant that is vivid, honest, and something we could discuss for days. 

Before the paramedics get there, or before any first responder shows up to your 9-1-1 emergency: what can the person who called 9-1-1 do? If you've asked this question, I try to answer this very idea with 10-ish easy tips/tricks based on what I've learned in the (short) lifespan I've had in EMS. Grab a notebook and pen and paper, a glass of water, and enjoy.

I’m very vulnerable in this episode.   I try to cover topics of why we aren't HeRoEs, what is " really" hard about this job, the reality of story-telling, and all of the other aspects that make this job something you love to hate. Am I burnt out, or have I just been around long enough to see behind the curtain of light and sirens and adrenaline? Keep all hands and feet inside of this moving vehicle of a roller coaster, and get ready.

LISTENER SUGGESTION! Using this video: https://youtu.be/liIq27RztyY   I evaluate what the bystander can do in a situation where they would come across a scene like this and what can be done prior to first responders arrive. 

During our picnic, Dave explains the story behind his skeletons, talks about a call he ran with Jesus, and we have an honest, hard, and heartfelt conversation about the importance of support systems in EMS. I laughed, I teared up, and I can't thank Dave enough for not only his well-deserved insight and wisdom but also the friendship we've built. Grab a sandwich with us and join in on our picnic and discussion!

I had the privilege of sitting down with James Boomhower, an incredible guy with an equally incredible mission. Listen in on the conversation we shared as he gives some excellent advice, wisdom, and we talk about a topic that needs to be addressed more. 

Also, check : https://linktr.ee/stay_fit4duty?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=b1c4e76b-79b1-437a-9aeb-b497501c6d04 for his merch, social media, and content!

We talked about Jacob tells his story of how he switched from a potential career in physical therapy into a career in EMS. We also discuss everything: giving Benadryl for abdominal patients, a call involving a patient fighting with a pogo stick, a call that challenged Jacob’s ethics, and divulge into Jacob’s vast wisdom- and we talk about calls we ran together. And on top of it all, Jacob flips the interview and interviews myself! 

“The reason why that call stands out to me is because I would like to think that if I had known his history, I would have done the exact same thing that I did.” I talked to one of my favorite people, Phil, about his beginnings in EMS and his podcast that reaches out to many first responders and leaves an impact on our community. Listen in to this episode as he gives a recollection of his own story that challenged him, and an open conversation on justice and judgment in EMS. 

Link: https://linktr.ee/22atthelips

"Most members of the public don't fully comprehend how thin that thin, blue line really is." This is an episode with my Dad, retired police officer Lieutenant Fairbanks, where we talked about his previous career in law enforcement. We dive deep as we talked about bridging EMS and the police department, as well as questions I've had from interactions I've had on scenes with PD. It was an honor not only to have my dad on as a guest, but also to connect from a fellow first responder. Dad, I hope I've made you proud. 

DISCLAIMER, this episode is NOT subject to EMS only! 
I reached out to listeners, took my own own experience, from listeners, and from the people I worked with, and came up with probably a small fraction of what it takes to be a “good” partner. I even learned a thing or two from this one, so I highly recommend listening and reflecting on what attributes we can all work on in order to be a good partner for ourself, and thus creating a dynamic that can focus on the most important aspect: patient care. 

"For me as the spouse, I need to give him grace, and everyday is going to be different. Some days will be good and others, he needs a support system. (...) Even as a spouse, I need a support system with the other people who understand what I go through." 

I loved this episode because I love Heather and the unique insight she has! Heather gives a new perspective to the podcast as we talk about her experience as a first responder's wife. She gives a perspective into what it's like being on the other end of this wild lifestyle and the advice she can give to fellow significant others of first responders and even those of us in the field. Grab a cup of tea and a warm blanket, and enjoy! 

Listen in as you, too, can "crush" on Cody as he discusses the importance of recognizing the dangers of rhabdomyolysis and the understanding of why our treatment for it is so crucial. 

Skyler sat down with me and opened up about the fire academy he is involved in and really shows his heart toward fire education and his passion for being in the fire department. I really appreciate his dedication and his honesty about a topic not many people are able to experience. Microwave a hot pocket and grab a soda, we're diving deep into this one. 

"And I see this child on the other side of the monitor, probably 7 or 8 years old, on the verge of crying... and I make eye contact with this child... and he jumps up and throws his arms around me and begins weeping..."

Devin opens his heart on this episode and talks about his passion for patients and emphasizes our ability to be able to be a support for ourselves, new providers, and patients. Devin shares wisdom that comes with years of experience, but also compassion that simply can only be shown through actions. Grab a glass of milk and some cookies, this is a good one!

"People call 9-1-1 because it's potentially the worst moment of their life, and now you have to be a voice of calm on the other side... and you can't see what's happening." 
In this episode #2 of the mini-series of "Adventures in Dispatch," Patrick gives his perspective of working in the Saint George Dispatch system. I appreciate Patrick giving his insight and perspective, and his passion for this side of being a first responder. 

Introducing: part one of mini-series of "Adventures in Dispatch." Trevor comes from my home state of Louisiana, and I'm proud to call him my friend and dispatcher, as well as paramedic colleague. Trevor talks about his experience in working as a medic-gone-dispatcher, as well as how it helped him in the field as a first responder. It was great to get his side of the field of dispatch and gain a new perspective of what goes on in the first line of 9-1-1 calls!

Welcome to the first guest episode of 2023! We start our 2023 season with an interview I had with Dyllan, who works in a skilled assisted living center in Saint George, UT. I ask questions that, I feel, a lot of first responders have when it comes to going on calls at these type of facilities. We also talk about crazy calls  Dyllan had, as well as the call we ran together. Grab a glass of milk and a cinnamon roll, and enjoy!

The end of the year always brings a "slump" as we reflect on what we didn't get done this year, or maybe the hardships of the year, so I wanted to shed some positivity and optimism. I asked some people to share their "why" on why they love EMS/the healthcare industry! 
Thank you to: James Boomhower- NREMT-P, FP-C, C-NPT ; Darrell Buratti- NREMT-P, FF ; Morgan McCormick- NREMT-P ; Hunter Vidrine- NREMT-P and FTO ; Adinah Cobb- Pediatric ER RN ; and Ryan Moore- NREMT-P, EMS Director, TP-C, and Hazmat Technician. 

I give a review of the stats of the podcast thus far from August 2022 to January 2023, and give a preview of who to look forward to hearing from this year. I also give an announcement of a new endeavor that I'll embark on. Listen in on what I've got brainstormed for this year coming up, and let's dream big!

"At the core of what we do, it's helping others- and that's so much more fulfilling than helping yourself." 
When I moved to Utah, I had the privilege of working alongside some of the best firefighters, and I sit down with one of those fire fighters! Cameron talks about his experience working in a fire department and the in's and out's of what it takes to be a fire fighter and AEMT. Safely roast some marshmallows, and enjoy this episode!  

Donovan has compassion for people and a desire to take care of others, and it's admirable. On this episode, Donovan talks about his initial rollercoaster of how he came into EMS, a call entailing an awkward assessment, and his advice to anyone thinking of going into EMS. Get your favorite ice cream out, and enjoy this conversation I was able to have with Donovan!

Change is not something that people like, but we need- and this is the focus of what Laura Purdy, MD is driven in. Dr. Purdy and I have an honest conversation about how to connect paramedicine and community paramedicine with the field of telehealth and, at the core of what we do, care for people on another, greater level. I was honored to speak with her, and I can guarantee that everyone can learn something from Dr. Purdy. 

** Reference:  https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/community-paramedicine#definition

** Instagram @americasfavoritedoctor 

** Dr. Purdy's website: www.Drlaurapurdy.com

** TED talk I reference: “You can be the hero someone needs” by Ben Thompson 

https://youtu.be/zr2H3ExtCu0

In light of recent events in the news, I give my honest answer to the question: did these medics murder this patient JUST because they transported a patient on the gurney face down? 

I don't often divulge into the difficult calls I've run, but Phil Klein allowed me to do so on this episode of his podcast that I was honored to be featured on. Check out this episode, and go find his podcast "Stories from the Road." 

In a style of crew change in EMS, I sat with Logan B. and Dwayne P. as we talked about a variety of subjects from what we love about the job, what makes the job hard, calls we've run, being "rejuvenated" in the job, and what it takes to be a paramedic. It's everything a crew change discussion is with depth, laughs, and insight to carry with you. Grab a cup of coffee, have a seat, and enjoy the conversation these two took me on.

Cecil Fairchild is a man with a lot of experience and a heck of a lot of credentials behind his last name. I had the chance to talk to Cecil about a myriad of things: his experience going from being a ground medic to a flight paramedic, imposter syndrome, how terrible the yankauer suction is, working in the Louisiana National Guard, and the various calls he's run. It was a great time and discussion to record (twice) and I'm sure that you'll enjoy it. Grab a pancake, warm up some syrup, and enjoy!

From the perspective of a mother of a child with special needs: Jenna and I talk about her pregnancy and the first year she's had with her beautiful baby, Jolie Katelyn, and navigating the early world of spina bifida, and her journey as a Medical Momma. Jenna also opens up about what first responders should do when going to an emergency with a child who may have special needs. Snatch up some dessert as sweet as Jenna is, and enjoy this episode I was honored to host with my dear friend. 

In a galaxy far, far away... Okay, maybe it's just in a coffee shop in Church Point, LA, I sat down with Officer Mark as we talked about why he became a police officer and what he's passionate  about, how he practices going "beyond the call" in his line of work, what you should do if you get pulled over by a police officer- and, of course, crazy calls he's run. Enjoy this conversation and the ambiance provided as we dive deep into his story!

In this part 1 of a 3-part series, I sat down with Alex Isaac as we discuss in this episode "a year in review" of being a grown-up paramedic, Alex's call that challenged her, and the importance of going with with your gut instinct when things aren't going all that well. 

In this part 2 of a 3-part series, I sat down with Alex Isaac as we discuss being a female in EMS, the importance of having compassion in this field, haunted ambulances/EMS stations, the stigma of addiction, and a call involving baby Momma drama

In this part 3 of a 3-part series, I sat down with Alex Isaac as we discuss what it means when someone says "don't go into EMS" and the importance of considering that, birthing babies on calls, and the importance of an EMT-basic when it comes down to the wire of keeping BLS before ALS.

In this episode, get introduced to your host Alexis Hardwick and the mission of the podcast. 

On this episode, Flight Paramedic Geoff Murphy joins your host Alexis Hardwick to talk about the experience of "imposter syndrome" in EMS.

In this discussion, Alexis Hardwick delves into the topic of being a good partner.

Alexis Hardwick and Matt Gehm discuss the crucial elements of delivering an effective trauma room report in their conversation.

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Alexis Hardwick and Matt Gehm are currently engaged in a thoughtful and informative discussion regarding the crucial elements that are necessary for delivering a successful trauma room report. 

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In this week's episode, Alexis is joined by Critical Care Paramedic Ben Tacy to talk about the transition from EMT to Paramedic, the importance of capnography in EMS for differential diagnoses, and a range of other related topics.

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Alexis is joined by Critical Care Paramedic Ben Tacy in part 2 of their interview. In this week's episode, they discuss the critical role of capnography in EMS for differential diagnoses and other pertinent topics. Ben shares his expertise and experiences to shed light on the importance of this lifesaving tool in emergency medical situations.

Part 2/2 

This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of superstitions in EMS. We'll be exploring beliefs about full moons, taboo phrases, haunted ambulances, and more! 

Critical Care Paramedic Chris Hollett and Alexis discuss supraglottic airways (SGAs) and endotracheal tubes (ET tubes), stressing the importance of proper oxygenation and ventilation for patients. The choice between SGA and ET intubation depends on various factors like patient condition, tools, and space. 

Jennah, an experienced EMS provider, discusses the often-overlooked topic of handling psychiatric patients in the field with Alexis on the podcast. They touch on Jennah's background, including her experience in EMS, her preference for 911 calls, and her love for working with psychiatric patients. Alexis and Jennah discuss the challenges of psychiatric calls and the importance of scene safety, verbal de-escalation, and empathy. They stress the need for constant awareness, teamwork and the potential risks involved in these calls.

In this week's episode, Alexis is joined by Adam Stanchak, who shares his experience of working in Critical Incident Stress Management in EMS.

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Alexis and her guest Adam Stanchak continue their discussion on Critical Incident Stress Management in EMS.

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In this week's episode, Alexis unpacks legal aspects and issues in EMS with Paramedic, Lawyer and author of Sirens, Lights, and Lawyers: The Law & Other Really Important Stuff EMS Providers Never Learned in School, David Givot.

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David Givot, a paramedic, lawyer, and author of "Sirens, Lights, & Lawyers: The Law & Other Really Important Stuff EMS Providers Never Learned in School," joins Alexis to finish their discussion on the legal aspects and issues in EMS.

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James Boomhower of Stay Fit 4 Duty rejoins the podcast to talk with host Alexis Hardwick about mental resilience in EMS. They provide tips and strategies for emergency responders dealing with the mental health aspects of the job.

🚑🎙️Joining Alexis this week is Pediatric ICU Nurse Meg Brazzel! Their discussion revolves around working with sick kids and the variety of different challenges that can present in those situations.

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🚑🎙️Pediatric ICU Nurse Meg Brazzel finishes her discussion with Alexis on working with parents and their sick kids. Be sure to follow @your.rapid.response.nurse on Instagram for more of her great tips and lessons!

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🚑🎙️Our special guest this week is paramedic student Alexi Odland. Together, she and Alexis break down why Alexi decided to take the leap from being an EMT to a paramedic, along with the experience of school and learning from her partners. 

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🚑🎙️Alexi Odland finishes her discussion with Alexis, discussing her decision to transition from EMT to paramedic, her experiences and advice for school, and what she's learned from her colleagues.

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🚑🚨Host of the Medic Mindset podcast, Ginger Locke, joins Alexis to delve into a variety of topics about women working in EMS: differing experiences, gender-specific challenges in the field, and so much more!

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🚑🚨Alexis and Ginger Locke finish their conversation exploring how much you need to know all at once in EMS, why Ginger started her podcast Medic Mindset, the benefit of hearing new perspectives, and SO much more!

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https://medicmindset.com/

🚑🚨This week, a great friend of mine, Josh from @nomadic.clinician on Instagram, shares his experiences working as an FTO, teaching and leaving an effect on students,  among the many other topics that we delve into.

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🚑🚨Josh from @nomadic.clinician on Instagram and I finish talking about his field training officer experience, some teaching styles that may or may not be helpful, and a whole lot more in the final part of our episode!

Part 2 of 2

Phil Klein from the EXCELLENT Stories From the Road podcast joins us once again to share a bit about why he started his podcast, the value of sharing stories in EMS, working private and public and a whole lot more in this week's episode!

You can find his podcast here:
https://www.storiesfromtheroadpodcast.com/

🚑🎙️ Joining us today is the incredible artist Dan Sundahl. You'll absolutely recognize the works of art he creates representing the experiences of first responders. Together, we dive into his process, journey,  healing, and so much more! 

https://www.dansunphotos.com/

🚑🎙️I’ve been so excited to post this episode! This week I’m joined by Dr. Peter Antevy, and we get to explore how he created the Handtevy method, working with peds patients and our love of EMS! 

Watch or listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube!

🚑🎙️Today, Dr. Peter Antevy and I finish our conversation discussing his extremely useful content for learning on @reelemergency and the ups and downs of innovation in EMS!

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🚑🎙️ Today is a solo episode! In this week's episode, I wanted to address and discuss potential biases with healthcare providers during patient care. 

We're gonna be breaking down a patient and their emergency from a new perspective today.  Robert Martin joins me to discuss his perspective as a parent when his son went into cardiac arrest and the events that unfolded after. 

🚑🎙️  In my new episode with Ryan Moore, we talked about his experience in EMS and his passion for teaching and instructing EMS students, the debate of 12-hour shifts versus 24s and 48s, and the importance for EMS providers to grasp the art of giving a death notification.

🚑 🎙️ In our new episode this week, I wanted to debunk some misconceptions and myths about hospice and how it works. RN Bobbie Griffith walks us through what hospice care is like and what entails. 

🚑🎙️ How do you get good at making a differential diagnosis?

Geoff Murphy from Master Your Medics is back this week to discuss the ins and outs of reaching conclusions when we treat patients & so much more in this episode!

You might recognize our guest this week! Mike Turconi from @maccheronimedic on Instagram and from Master Your Medics joins me to get into a conversation and stories about responding to trauma calls.

Check out the episode on your favourite podcast listening app or on my YouTube channel!

🚑🎙️Matt joins the podcast again to chat about a topic I take VERY seriously because I deal with it: anaphylaxis.

We discuss the importance of asking about allergies/severity along with basic patient information, dive into anaphylaxis when it’s not just hives and wheezing, and explain why your immediate treatments and actions matter.

Another cool question: What if the patient refuses, even if they administered their own epi-pen? Find out in this episode!

Dwayne has returned to talk about his first year as a flight medic and obtaining his FP-C, what studying and dealing with imposter syndrome entailed, and how his new field has impacted him.

🚑 🎙️ In today's jam-packed episode with EMS 20/20, we go “behind the scenes” of imposter syndromes that Chris & Spencer deal with and the whole-perspective view of what a job in EMS means. Also, does Chris really have a Tesla?

🚑 🎙️Reed from @rescuerendezvous joined me to share his perspective of being a flight medic on the Army side and his mission to provide quick pointers of education at the most basic level for providers!

🚑🚨 Hi all! In my latest episode, Peter Eastwick joined me to chat about transitioning from a medic in Australia to the U.S.A. and the challenges, similarities, and differences that he experienced. 

Here's part 1 of our BIG interview. Enjoy! 

🚑 🎙️ Part 2 of my BIG interview with Peter Eastwick!!!

Peter and I finish our chat about transitioning from a medic in Australia to the U.S.A., the “cost” to transport versus not, Australian chocolate & the delicacies of food in Louisiana, plus Mental health in EMS.

🚑 🎙️ I'm VERY excited to share my interview with Eric Bauer from FlightBridgeEd finally!!!

I've been a big fan of their podcast for a long time, so it was such a cool opportunity to interview Eric. 

We delve into his transition from ruffin’ it on the ground to being a flight medic, staying curious and learning in our ever-changing work environment and more in our interview from EMS World!

Today, I get to dive deep into stories with Kelly Grayson, author of A Paramedic's Story: Life, Death, and Everything in Between and Perspectives Volume 1 and 2.

Kelly not only shares his journey to discover his love and talent for writing but also some of his darkest moments as a medic and in his personal life and how he has overcome those situations.

🚑🎙️ In this week’s podcast, Aaron from Pragmatic Paramedics and I focus on having EMS professionals with degrees in the profession versus obtaining a certification. 

We also break down the argument that EMS providers benefit from having a degree and how higher education and a degree can help providers outside of EMS. 

🚑🎙️ Today on the podcast, I reminisce with my former instructor and friend, nurse PLUS flight paramedic Amanda Hall, about my crebs cycle presentation, the weirdest thing that she has seen on a call (you will not be prepared for this story), why getting out of our comfort zone helps us grow, and a whole bunch more about our attitudes as providers in part 1 of our conversation! 

Go listen NOW on your favourite podcast app!

🚑 🎙️ Amanda Hall and I finished our chat by talking about dealing with and treating difficult patients, asserting ourselves, and speaking up in the workplace. We also gave a lil’ advice about good test prep and studying. 

🚑 🎙️ It’s time for another episode!

This week, Toxicologist and Emergency Medical Pharmacist Ryan Feldman, host of The Poison Lab podcast, joins me to chat about pharmacology, overdoses, poison control AND opioid overdose through absorption.

You can listen on your favourite podcast app! 

#paramedicstudent #emtstudent #emtschool #emt #emtlife #paramedic #paramedicschool #paramedicos #paramediclife #paramedicscience #paramedical

In my latest episode, RJ Morrison from Traumasoft joins me for a chat!

We talk about the Code Green campaign, a mental health advocacy and education organization paperwork, what happens when a report is sent back, pay, billing, Medicare law versus insurance capacity, and how it all relates to our job responsibilities!

It was great having RJ on. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

https://www.codegreencampaign.org/

https://traumasoft.com/ems-challenges/providing-advanced-life-support-ems-industry/

🚑🎙️ My friend, paramedic, and field training officer, Brady Doucet, joins the show today!

This week, we reflect on some of his most memorable shifts, when you get sick while being dispatched 🤢🤮 and a few other funny stories. Brady also shares some excellent advice for new medics about finding your community.