EMS World Podcasts

Designed for Shift Work: Rethinking Higher Education for First Responders

In this episode of the EMS World Podcast, host Mike McCabe talks with Sherry Twitty, Director of Corporate Outreach at Columbia Southern University, about how flexible, online education is helping fire, EMS, and nursing professionals advance their careers without disrupting their demanding schedules. Twitty shares how CSU’s life-paced learning model, affordable tuition, multiple start dates, and transfer credit options are designed specifically for first responders balancing shift work and multiple jobs. She also highlights CSU’s wide range of EMS, fire, nursing, and public service degree programs—and how industry feedback helps shape them.

From Radio Chatter to Real-Time Data: Modernizing EMS–ED Communication

An EMS medic, an MVA, a STEMI, a stroke—and everyone’s still playing “telephone” with the hospital. In this episode of EMS World Podcasts, host Mike McCabe sits down with Mitch Scott, Solutions Architect at General Devices, to tackle one of EMS’s biggest headaches: communication and coordination with the emergency department and specialty teams.

Scott breaks down how GD’s e-Bridge platform lets crews securely send photos, EKGs, videos, and patient data straight from the field to the ED, cath lab, stroke team, transfer centers, and more—all in one HIPAA-compliant app that never stores images on personal devices.

They dig into real-world pain points: long wall times, “we never got your call,” lack of accountability, rural agencies with hour-long transports, and busy EDs juggling multiple priorities. You’ll hear how features like GPS tracking, acknowledgement alerts, and detailed timestamps create a defensible QA/QI trail and give everyone—from medics to cardiologists—a shared, real-time view of the patient before they hit the door.

If you’ve ever felt unheard on the radio or wished you could “show, not tell” your next handoff, this episode is for you.

 

Live From Expo 2025: NEMSACked—NEMSAC Chairs on the Future of EMS, Federal Regulation

The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) was abruptly disbanded earlier this year. Former chair Brenden Hayden, COO of Estella Health, a mobile Integrated healthcare company, and former vice chair, Tom Arkins, chief of IT and informatics with Indianapolis EMS, join us to discuss their time on the committee and look into the future for EMS.

Live From Expo 2025: A Moment With First Responder Caring Award Winner, Jeremy Sonenschein

Las Vegas EMS Captain Jeremy Sonenschein is the winner of the 2025 First Responder Caring Award, sponsored by Dynarex Corporation. He sits down with host Kristin Carroll to discuss his career, the award, and his personal motto, "training tomorrow's heroes today." Dyanarex Respiratory Category Manager & Respiratory Therapist, Shauna Winston, also joins the show to share the award's background and about Dynarex's Resp-O2 product portfolio.

Live from Expo 2025: Perspectives From Indianapolis EMS Leaders

Tom Arkins, Chief of IT and Informatics and Steven Norman a Paramedic with Indianapolis EMS discuss what it took to bring the show to the "Crossroads of America" for EMS World Expo 2025.

Built for the Frontline: Equipping First Responders with Reliable, Quality Ambulances

Running an EMS operation on a large scale demands great responsibilities—for both the community you serve as well as the personnel that deliver that service.

Mike McCabe sits down with David Basnak, president and executive director of EmergyCare, the largest EMS and medical transport provider in northwest Pennsylvania, to learn more about his priorities in the areas of career development, quality improvement, staff safety and state-of-the-art equipment.

Sponsored by Medix Specialty Vehicles.

Leading Innovation in Fire & Emergency Services: New Doctor of Fire Integrated Research

During EMS Week, it’s important to recognize dedicated EMS providers as well as spotlight ways they can move forward in their careers. To that end, the fire and EMS degree programs offered by Columbia Southern University were designed with busy professionals in mind.

Keith Padgett, MS, EFO, a 45-year veteran of the fire service, serves as academic program director for the fire and emergency medical services programs at CSU. In our latest EMS World podcast, host Mike McCabe sits down with Padgett to learn more about the career-expanding options available to today’s hardworking first responders.

Sponsored by Columbia Southern University.

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The Night My Ambulance Rolled Over

What began as a routine patient call in 2023 reshaped Ohio paramedic Jesse Sopko’s perspective on life and duty. Despite enduring severe injuries—including multiple fractures, brain bleeds, and a traumatic brain injury—Sopko’s spirit has remained unbroken.

Sopko’s journey of recovery, marked by weeks in the ICU and extensive rehabilitation, is a testament to human resilience and the relentless will to survive. Reflecting on his experience, he advises, “Don’t ever take a day for granted. Always kiss your loved ones goodbye.”

This candid conversation between Sopko and host Mike McCabe offers an inspiring look at recovery and a heartfelt reminder for EMS professionals to cherish every moment.

Sponsored by Braun Ambulances.

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Live From Expo 2024: Peter Antevy and Charlie Coyle on the Game Changers in Prehospital Care

Plasma for TBI, dual sequential defibrillation, a new cardiac arrest “bundle,” distal femur IO, and comparable innovations will make EMS care in 10 years look much different than it does today.

Back by popular demand, McCabe sits down with two of our most popular guests—Peter Antevy, MD, CEO and founder of Pediatric Emergency Standards and EMS medical director for several Florida agencies, and Charlie Coyle, division chief at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue—to look at what innovations are set to revolutionize prehospital care in the coming years.

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Executive Interview: Azhar Khan on AI in EMS

Artificial intelligence is permeating all niches of public and private life. Can it enhance decision making and situational awareness in EMS? What does that look like?

Azhar Khan, an associate director who leads the Solutions Specialist and Public Safety Outreach Program Teams for Verizon Frontline, speaks with our host Mike McCabe on the present and future applications of AI in EMS.

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