Coffee Break HEMS Podcast

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15-20 minute critical care medicine topics to help flight paramedics, respiratory therapists, and nurses expand their knowledge of HEMS, operate better out in the field, and pass their specialty certification exams with confidence.

Austin Kiser


    • Jan 16, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 63 EPISODES

    4.9 from 127 ratings Listeners of Coffee Break HEMS Podcast that love the show mention: austin, love.


    Ivy Insights

    The Coffee Break HEMS Podcast is an incredibly informative and enjoyable podcast that I highly recommend to anyone interested in emergency medical services (EMS). Hosted by Austin, the podcast delves into various topics related to EMS and provides valuable insights and teachings.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Austin's dedication to researching his teachings with current best practices. This ensures that listeners are receiving up-to-date information and learning from the most effective methods in the field. It is evident that Austin puts a lot of effort into ensuring the accuracy and relevancy of his content, which greatly adds to the credibility of the podcast.

    Additionally, Austin's teaching style is easy to understand, making complex concepts accessible to all listeners. His simple teaching method helps break down difficult topics and allows individuals who may have previously struggled with understanding certain concepts to grasp them more easily. This makes the podcast inclusive and beneficial for both beginners in EMS as well as those with more experience.

    Furthermore, the duration of these podcasts is just right. They are neither too short nor too lengthy, providing just enough time for Austin to convey his knowledge without overwhelming or dragging on. The episodes are concise yet comprehensive, making it convenient for listeners who want to learn something new during their coffee breaks or commute.

    However, one minor drawback of The Coffee Break HEMS Podcast could be its frequency of new episodes. While it is understandable that quality content takes time to produce, avid listeners may find themselves eagerly awaiting new episodes. It would be even more enjoyable if there were regular updates or a consistent release schedule.

    In conclusion, The Coffee Break HEMS Podcast is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in EMS. With its commitment to current best practices, easy-to-understand teaching style, and ideal episode length, this podcast delivers valuable knowledge in an engaging way. Despite its infrequent releases, I highly recommend tuning in and taking advantage of the wealth of educational content provided by Austin.



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    Latest episodes from Coffee Break HEMS Podcast

    04.01 ARDS: The death you didn't know you were responsible for

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 41:22


    In this episode we'll be discussing our contribution to patient outcomes during our resuscitation of sick patients. We look at a few interesting studies that review BVM ventilation volumes and. How does this affect our patients, and is there something we can do to change this? Connect with us: austin@kisercpr.com instagram: @coffeebreakhems Visit our shop: www.kisercpr.com/shop

    03.19 The Achy Breaky Neonatal Heart

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2023 31:48


    In this episode we'll be discussing neonatal congenital heart defects. From recognition to treatment, and everything in between. Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com instagram: @coffeebreakhems

    reach neonatal achy breaky
    03.18 Are Prehospital Transfusions Safe?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 17:23


    In this episode we'll be discussing the safety of transfusing Rh positive blood into the population at large.

    03.17 Medicine Cabinet Murder Pt III

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2023 16:16


    In this episode we'll be discussed the diagnosis and treatment of dextromethorphan overdose in the field and what we can do for these patients. Reach out: instagram: @coffeebreakhems facebook: /Austinkiser email: kisercpr@gmail.com www.kisercpr.com/register

    03.16 It Won't Fail Because Of Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2022 19:44


    In this episode we'll be discussing the age-old question I get on a weekly basis. How can I be better? See our full list of 2023 courses: kisercpr.com/register and click the CE tab Ask me a question: Instagram: @coffeebreakhems facebook : /kisercpr emails: kisercpr@gmail.com

    03.15 The fetal heart rate is dropping!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 17:53


    In this episode we'll discuss the four of decelerations you may see at the bedside during a high-risk obstetrical transport. What they are and how you treat them. reach out: instagram: @coffeebreakhems facebook: Austin Kiser email: kisercpr@gmail.com Check out our reference guides and vent management book: www.kisercpr.com/shop

    03.14 The 1 to 1 vent strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 25:20


    This episode covers the termed "1:1 vent strategy". when your patient have horribly high airway resistance AND high AutoPEEP there's no other place to turn. This strategy is rarely utilized because these patients aren't common, which is why it's so important to understand. reach out: instagram: @coffeebreakhems facebook: Austin Kiser email: kisercpr@gmail.com Check out our reference guides and vent management book: www.kisercpr.com/shop

    03.13 Why do we have so many fluids!?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 21:03


    In this episode we'll be discussing the various kinds of fluid we have available for infusion, when each is necessary and how our fluid compartments work. Enjoy! reach out: instagram: @coffeebreakhems facebook: Austin Kiser email: kisercpr@gmail.com Check out our reference guides and vent management book: www.kisercpr.com/shop

    03.12 How does digoxin actually work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2022 13:57


    In this episode we'll be discussing digoxin and how it works in the heart. Then, we'll look at how it becomes toxic, what you'll need to look for, and how to fix it. reach out: instagram: @coffeebreakhems facebook: Austin Kiser email: kisercpr@gmail.com Check out our reference guides and vent management book: www.kisercpr.com/shop

    03.11 Medicine Cabinet Murder Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 26:19


    In this episode we'll be discussing diagnosis of toxicological issues, and how we can't take a primary diagnosis at face value. Check out the previous episode that'll help you dissect this case: The badassery of Base Excess The Worlds Okayest pH talk Reach me: Instragram @coffeebreakhems Email: kisercpr@gmail.com Get your vent and lab reference cards: kisercpr.com/shop

    03.10 Demystifying Hyponatremia

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2022 24:29


    In this episode, we'll be discussing hyponatremia in the critical care world. From diagnosis to management, we've got you covered. Reach out: Instagram: @coffeebreakhems Email: kisercpr@gmail.com Buy the book! www.kisercpr.com/shop Rate us on Amazon!

    03.09 Adv Hemodynamic Monitoring: The Easy Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2022 32:27


    In this episode we'll be discussing how to conquer the hemodynamics portion of your specialty exam. It seems to be taught a little more complicated than it really is. Look at SVR, then follow the pressures from the right heart to the left heart. Wherever the pressure or output dies, there's your problem. (apologies for the misspeak in the beginning, I said mm per Hg twice!) Reach out: Instagram @coffeebreakhems email: kisercpr@gmail.com Get the Book! www.kisercpr.com/shop

    03.08 The First Clean Kill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2022 31:51


    In this episode I'll be discussing failure. How it seems inevitable, how it's horrible, but how it's also so important. I have never really told these stories and I had to be very vulnerable in order to tell them. I hope you can find solace in the fact that this happens to us all.

    03.07 BP 221/118? Well that's not good.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2022 34:04


    In this episode, we'll be discussing antihypertensive therapy in the emergency and critical care setting. Enjoy. reach me: kisercpr@gmail.com intragram: @coffeebreakhems Get your copy of the book: kisercpr.com/shop

    03.06 Picking the Proper Pressor

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2022 39:57


    In this episode we'll be going over the basics of what shock really is, and how to conquer it. We'll also be going deep into the various pressors we use in the field to resuscitate the sickest humans on the planet. Reach out with your suggestions for further episodes via email or IG: kisercpr@gmail.com @coffeebreakhems Go get your copy of "The Flight Medics Guide to Mechanical Ventilation" www.kisercpr.com/shop

    03.05 The Septic Trainwreck

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2022 38:58


    In this episode we'll be discussing lab interpretation of the septic patient, what our goals are, and how to perform bedside care when your patient is dying. Don't forget to snag your copy of "The Flight Medics Guide to Mechanical Ventilation". www.kisercpr/shop

    03.04 Level Up Your Trauma Resus Package

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2022 29:17


    In this episode we'll be discussing the interventions you HAVE to do when faced with a dying multi-system trauma patient. When we start missing these interventions, our patients don't do as well! Do not miss out on getting your copy of "The Flight Medic's Guide to Mechanical Ventilation". If you have struggled with vent's, if you're new, or if you're a veteran in critical care; it doesn't matter! This book will elevate your game, and deepen your understanding of mechanical ventilation. Get the book here: www.kisercpr.com/shop

    03.03 Clinical Pearls: How To Crush Your Clinical Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 45:57


    In this episode we'll discuss tips and tricks for dominating your clinical interview. We'll cover Trauma, ABG's, Neuro Emergencies, Labs, RSI, Preoxygenation, DKA, and Pressors.

    03.02 Brain Attack!! When do you pull the trigger.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2022 23:44


    In this episode we'll be discussing the treatment of intracranial hypertension and herniation syndromes. Enjoy! Reach out: instagram: @coffeebreakhems email: kisercpr@gmail.com Don't forget to give us that 5-star rating so we can continue to be discovered by other people like you!

    reach trigger brain attack
    03.01 The Severe Hypoxia Vent Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2022 36:09


    In this episode we'll be looking at a vent strategy for the severely hypoxic patient, and why it all lies with the mean airway pressure. Hope you enjoy. Don't forget! Be on the lookout for my book, (The Flight Medic's Approach to Mechanical Ventilation) coming out in a few months, I'll be taking pre-orders soon. Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com

    02.18 Our Deadliest Intervention: The Myths of RSI

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 33:09


    In this episode we'll be discussed the common myths surrounding RSI, and how we can be better. Also, sorry for the low volume! My Mic was acting up. Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com

    02.17 Medicine Cabinet Murder

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 29:44


    In this episode we'll be looking at Benadryl (diphenhydramine) overdose and how to treat it in the field. Enjoy. Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com

    02.16 When ACLS Kills! Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2021 49:38


    In this episode we'll be reviewing different tachyarrhythmias and how to treat them. Enjoy!

    02.15 When ACLS kills! Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 38:18


    In this episode, which is part 1 of a 2-part series, we'll be discussing how different antiarrhythmics work on your action potential curve and why we shouldn't be so afraid of adenosine. Hope you like it!

    02.14 Avoiding the Vented COPD Death Spiral

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2021 39:09


    Hey guys, this week we're talking about intubated and vented COPDers and their annoying tendency to AutoPEEP on the vent.

    02.13 Four Ways to Die on a Ventilator

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2021 20:21


    This week we're talking about the logistics of properly prepping our mechanically vented patients for transport.

    02.12 Why do we even give TXA?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2021 27:46


    To answer the episode title's question, it's because we want to, like, save peoples lives! In this episode, we'll take a look at fibrinolysis, tPa, TXA, and how it all works in our patients.

    02.11 Going Deep into Clotting in Trauma

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 42:55


    In this episode we talk about clotting, trauma, and why the heck we should care about calcium in our patients! Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com

    02.10 Trapped at 10,000 feet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2021 30:28


    Hi all! In this episode I'll be discussing HAPE and HACE in a gnarly case discussion. Hope you enjoy. Reach me at: kisercpr@gmail.com

    02.09 HELLP! She's Dying!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2021 24:45


    In this episode we're talking about Pre Eclampsia, HELLP, and DIC in pregnancy. Hope you enjoy. Reach me at : kisercpr@gmail.com

    02.08 Why is that Lactate so High?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2021 19:50


    Talking about lactate fermentation and what our body does to fix it. The Cori cycle. and much more.

    02.07 Looking outside of STEMI

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 33:39


    This week we're taking a look at Cardiac axis and determining how useful it can be in your field differentials.

    02.06 World's Okayest pH Talk!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 23:37


    Hey guys! This week we're talking about pH. What determines pH, the Stuart approach, and what the hell does bicarb do!? Hope you enjoy.

    02.05 The HOPpy side of Murder

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 33:05


    This week we'll be chit chatting about the HOP killers, ei: the reason we sometimes inadvertently kill our patient's during intubation. (so we can hopefully avoid that nonsense in the future).

    02.04 Would you get on the plane?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 48:18


    If your pilot didn't use a checklist before takeoff, would you get on the plane? In this episode, we'll be talking about proper pre-oxygenation and the use of an intubation checklist in HEMS and EMS (and hospitals too)..

    02.03 Going Deep into Mechanical Ventilation

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2021 46:19


    WhooHoo, this is Part III of our mechanical vent series. We talk about pressure control ventilation, how to target ETCO2 goals, and how to help with the refractory hypoxic patient. I hope you enjoy. #HEMS #CoffeebreakHEMS #airmedical #kisercpr #flightparamedic #flightnurse #criticalcare #emergencymedicine

    02.02 When at First You Don't Succeed, Change Something

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 34:41


    In this episode we talk about the obstructive lung strategy. This is part 2 of our 3-part intro to mechanical ventilation series. I hope you enjoy. #HEMS #CoffeeBreakHEMS #Airmedical #flightparamedic #flightnurse #EMS #criticalcare #mechanicalventilation #foamed

    02.01 How to Not Commit Murder With a Ventilator

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 50:08


    WHAT?!?! We are one year down and kicking off season two. This year we'll be focusing on a 23 episode season that'll prepare you to take the FP-C or CFRN exam. In episode 1, we'll be starting a three part series on mechanical ventilation. I hope you enjoy! Reach me: kisercpr@gmail.com #HEMS #Airmedical #CoffeebreakHEMS #FOAMed #phiairmedical #emergencymedicine #flightparamedic #flightnurse #criticalcare

    01.24 What kind of shock is this?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2020 24:44


    In this episode, we'll be talking about herniation syndromes and how to treat them in the prehospital arena. Hope you enjoy. reach me at: kisercpr@gmail.com #HEMS #coffeebreakHEMS #FOAMed #criticalcare #flightnurse #flightparamedic #airmedical

    01.23 Dude his SpO2 is 61%, pull out!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 35:22


    In this episode, we'll be discussing the airway death spiral (not my term), and a few little tips and tricks to prevent our patients from dying to death. Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com #HEMS #criticalcare #airmedical #PHIAirMedical #FOAMed #coffeebreakHEMS #flightparamedic #flightnurse

    01.22 ... Is that the high pressure alarm?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 35:04


    In this episode, we'll be covering high resistance and low compliance on a vented patient. Hope you enjoy. #HEMS #criticalcare #airmedical #flightnurse #flightparamedic #FOAMed #coffeebreakHEMS

    01.21 The Sucky Subarachnoid, Part II. The hard part

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 17:00


    In this episode, we finish our 2-part episode on treating a significant subarachnoid bleed in the critical care realm. Hope you enjoy. reach out to me and let me know what you want to hear about! kisercpr@gmail.com #HEMS #FOAMed #EMS #Airmedical #PHIairmedical #coffeebreakHEMS #criticalcare #flightparamedic #flightnurse #emergencymedicine

    sucky subarachnoid
    01.20 The Sucky Subarachnoid, Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 20:40


    This first part is a look into the ED care of a 50's female with subarachnoid hemorrhage following a ruptured aneurysm. These are incredibly dynamic patient's and give way for many different treatment modalities. Let me know what you think and be on the lookout for Part II in a few days (that's the part where the patient starts to give you a mental and logistical workout). #HEMS #FOAMed #airmedical #criticalcare #coffeebreakHEMS #flightparamedic #flightnurse #phiairmedical #emergencymedicine Reach me at: kisercpr@gmail.com

    sucky subarachnoid
    01.19 Usefully Using ABG's and Other Stuff, Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 14:30


    Hey everyone! In this episode we'll be covering part II of the ABG Q&A session. Three questions seem to always come up anytime I'm teaching ABG's: how to compensate for the respiratory rate on a vented patient, when to start bicarb, and finally how to predict changes to pH when you make changes to your patient. Hope you enjoy. #HEMS #FOAMed #criticalcare #airmedical #phiairmedical #kisercpr #flightparamedic #flightnurse get in touch: kisercpr@gmail.com

    01.18 Usefully using ABG's and other stuff, Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2020 23:46


    Hey everyone! In this part one of our ABG Q&A session, I'll be covering what the actual blood gas is, what pH is really measuring, and how to read those pesky ABG's the right way! I have a couple of listener questions that I'll be addressing in Part II, but this is definitely the foundational episode! Hope you enjoy it. Reach me: kisercpr@gmail.com #HEMS #criticalcare #airmedical #phiairmedical #FOAMed #EMS #flightparamedic #flightnurse #emergencymedicine

    01.17 The Trainwreck Newborn, Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2020 24:14


    I got a new Mic!! In this episode we'll be finishing our trainwreck newborn episode with the flight crew coming in to facilitate the transfer of this seizing neonate. I hope you enjoy. NOTE: all dosages and suggested medications, whiled backed by medical science and current guidelines from several sources, doesn't replace your guidelines! Take everything I say with two grains of salt :) reach me at: kisercpr@gmail.com #HEMS #FOAMed #CoffeeBreakHEMS #Criticalcare #Airmedical #flightparamedic #flightnurse #EMS #emergencymedicine

    01.16 The Trainwreck Newborn, Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 27:16


    In this episode we'll be following an EMS crew as they respond to a newborn that was delivered at home and is found to be pretty sick upon their arrival. Part II of this episode will follow a flight crew as they facilitate the transfer of this kiddo to a bigger NICU. I hope you enjoy it. Sources for today's episode: https://www.abclawcenters.com/practice-areas/apnea-bradycardia-newborns/ https://www.abclawcenters.com/practice-areas/prenatal-birth-injuries/fetus-or-newborn-medical-problems/hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy/ https://www.birthinjuryguide.org/birth-injury/types/hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie/ https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/117/3/843?download=true https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/973501-treatment https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/140162/g-hie.pdf https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/143697/g-seizures.pdf https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/140600/g-resus.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2910185/ https://neonatalresearch.org/page/47/?hub=NNFU https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5220090/ https://myphi.webmanuals.aero/reader/#/1208/n/27 Reach me at: kisercpr@gmail.com #HEMS #CoffeeBreakHEMS #FOAMed #criticalcare #NICU #flightparamedic #flightnurse #airmedical #EMS

    01.15 Pulling the Trigger. How to be a good clinician.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2020 19:00


    In this episode, I'm discussing the anecdotal traits that I've seen in the EMS community that seems to define good vs poor clinicians in emergency and critical care medicine. I hope you like it! Get in touch: kisercpr@gmail.com #HEMS #CoffeebreakHEMS #criticalcare #flightparamedic #flightnurse #foamED #Airmedical

    01.14 In's and Out's of Pressure Control Ventilation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2020 18:00


    today we're discussing pressure control ventilation. What are the advantages and disadvantages? What is it? Most importantly, if you're ventilating a patient in volume control, how do you safely switch the patient to pressure control without hypoventilating them, or blowing up their lungs? Small caveat: I apologize for the several moments of background noise, I just couldn't catch a break today... Quarentine life... Anyway, hope you like the episode, and as always, if you want to reach out, my email is below: kisercpr@gmail.com #HEMS #FOAMed #criticalcare #flightparamedic #flightnurse #airmedical #EMS #ventilatormanagement

    01.13 The Nightmare OB Patient

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2020 26:47


    In this episode we are reviewing a case of a nightmarish high risk OB call. We've all had these calls, where we think it's going to be totally simple... and then we walk into the room. But what happens when it's also an OB patient? How comfortable are you will the resuscitation of the pregnant woman. We did quite a bit of research to assure that we were giving you the best possible information on this one, so I hope you enjoy. If you're interested in my EFM course, it's listed in the works cited below. Cordioli, Ricardo Luiz, et al. “Sepsis and Pregnancy: Do We Know How to Treat This Situation?” Revista Brasileira De Terapia Intensiva, Associação Brasileira De Medicina Intensiva, 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4031877/. Hutter, Damian, et al. “Causes and Mechanisms of Intrauterine Hypoxia and Its Impact on the Fetal Cardiovascular System: A Review.” International Journal of Pediatrics, Hindawi, 19 Oct. 2010, www.hindawi.com/journals/ijpedi/2010/401323/. Kinsella, S. M., et al. “International Consensus Statement on the Management of Hypotension with Vasopressors during Caesarean Section under Spinal Anaesthesia.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 1 Nov. 2017, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/anae.14080. “List of Cephalosporins + Uses, Types & Side Effects.” Drugs.com, www.drugs.com/drug-class/cephalosporins.html. “Pneumonia in the Pregnant Patient: A Synopsis.” Medscape, 21 May 1999, www.medscape.com/viewarticle/717402_7. Kiser, Austin. “Intro to External Fetal Monitoring.” Youtube.com, 2020, youtu.be/jQUh7nwxruA. #HEMS #CoffeeBreakHEMS #FOAMed #criticalcare #flightmedic #flightnurse #fpc #cfrn

    01.12 Resuscitate the Dying, Shocky Patient

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 34:18


    Hey everyone, in this episode we'll be talking about shock and how to fight it. when you're at the scene of a call, or at bedside and are presented with a patient who is actively dying, it can be pretty overwhelming. We'll be taking shock and dissecting it down into 4 basic priorities to hopefully take the cognitive load off of you. As always, let me know what you think, and don't forget to give us a 5-star review! kisercpr@gmail.com #FOAMed #HEMS #coffeebreakHEMS #flightparamedic #flightnurse #criticalcare

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