In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Justin discuss the critical aspects of analgesia and sedation in emergency medical situations. They explore common mistakes made by medics, particularly in drug selection and administration, and emphasize the importance of understanding medications like ketamine. The conv…

In this episode of the PFC podcast, we delve into the critical topic of facial trauma, particularly in the context of modern combat scenarios. Andrew, a program director in oral and maxillofacial surgery, shares his expertise on managing severe facial injuries, emphasizing the importance of pre-hospital care and the n…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dr. Lee Cancio, a surgeon and director of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center, discusses the complexities of white phosphorus burns. He explains the mechanisms of injury, initial care, and the urgency of treatment for such injuries. The conversation delves into…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Emily Johnston delve into the critical topic of cold weather medicine, specifically focusing on the newly submitted Cold Weather Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the Arctic. Emily emphasizes the importance of these guidelines as adjuncts to existing protocols, highl…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dr. DeMello discusses the complexities of managing burn injuries in a pre-hospital setting. He emphasizes the importance of following established guidelines, understanding the nuances of fluid resuscitation, and the critical role of pain management. The conversation also covers the…

In this episode, Dennis interviews Jeremy Pamplin, a retired Colonel and program manager at DARPA, who discusses his extensive experience in military medicine and the development of advanced medical technologies. The conversation focuses on the DARPA Triage Challenge, which aims to improve casualty identification and…

This podcast episode explores the innovative use of maggot therapy in wound care, discussing its historical context, benefits, and applications in various medical settings, particularly in austere environments. The conversation highlights the importance of maggot therapy as a cost-effective and efficient treatment opt…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and John Dominguez discuss the complexities of combat medicine, the challenges faced by military medics, and the importance of professionalizing the medical force. They explore the balance between training and operational readiness, the role of paramedic certification, and th…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Rick Kelly, a retired 18 Delta Special Forces medic, shares insights into the unique challenges faced by Special Forces medics in austere environments. He discusses the critical role these medics play in providing life-saving surgical procedures in areas lacking medical infrastructu…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis speaks with Rima, a combat medic in Ukraine, about the critical aspects of unit safety, tactical training, and the challenges faced in medical evacuations during an active war zone. Rima shares insights on the importance of personnel over equipment, the necessity of telemedic…

This conversation delves into the critical aspects of tourniquet management in trauma care, focusing on the distinction between tourniquet conversion and replacement, the importance of resuscitation, and the physiological implications of prolonged tourniquet use. The speakers discuss techniques for safe conversion, th…

The conversation delves into the complexities of end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful training and education in healthcare. It highlights the potential moral injuries that can arise from decisions made in this sensitive area, particularly when medics are tasked with determining the futility of ca…

In this essential episode of the Prolonged Field Care (PFC) Podcast, host Dennis sits down with CRNA Kevin to dive deep into one of the most overlooked yet critical issues in trauma care: Hypothermia prevention and management. Even in warm environments, trauma patients can rapidly become hypothermic—leading to coagulo…

In this conversation, Jessica Patterson and Florian Schmitzberger discuss the evolution of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) from the Department of Defense (DOD) and their application in different contexts, particularly in light of the changes from the Global War on Terror (GWOT) to new healthcare environments. They…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and John discuss the ongoing updates and changes within the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines. They delve into the role of the TTC Committee, the importance of literature reviews in developing algorithms for trauma care, and the proposed changes to the March alg…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Victor, a former Ranger medic, shares his experiences and lessons learned from a mass casualty event during a humanitarian mission in Burma. He discusses the historical context of the conflict, the challenges faced in providing medical support, and the innovative solutions developed…

In this gripping conversation, trauma surgeon Max Sirkin MD shares his harrowing experience of being a patient in a mass casualty situation following a helicopter crash. He recounts the chaos of the event, the physical and emotional trauma he endured, and the profound lessons learned about resilience, brotherhood, and…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dan McGraw discusses the critical need for gender-specific medical training in military settings, drawing from personal experiences and extensive research. He highlights the disparities in treatment outcomes between male and female patients, the physiological differences that affect…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Master Sergeant Dan McGarra discuss the evolving role of females in combat and the challenges faced in medical treatment for female casualties. They explore discrepancies in medical protocols, cultural implications, and the need for gender-neutral approaches in military m…

This podcast episode delves into the complexities of unconventional warfare, particularly focusing on the historical context, the evolution of medical support within special forces, and the challenges faced in modern warfare. The speaker discusses the importance of guerrilla warfare tactics, the role of medical person…

In this episode of the PFC podcast, Dr. Jim Ducanto, an experienced anesthesiologist, discusses the critical aspects of airway management in emergency situations. He emphasizes the importance of decision-making, assessing neurological status, and effective communication with patients. The conversation also covers the…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Max delve into the complexities of hemorrhagic shock, discussing its classifications, the importance of understanding compensated versus uncompensated shock, and the vital signs that indicate a patient's condition. They explore resuscitation strategies, emphasizing the ne…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Max discuss the evolving landscape of modern combat injuries, focusing on neck and upper chest injuries. They delve into the anatomy of the neck, the importance of understanding different zones for surgical intervention, and effective hemorrhage control techniques. The co…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Max delve into the complexities of managing shock, particularly hemorrhagic shock, in trauma patients. They discuss the importance of mental status as a key indicator of a patient's condition, the critical role of early intervention, and the protocols surrounding massive…

The conversation delves into the complexities of medication stability, particularly focusing on how environmental factors can affect the efficacy of pharmaceuticals. It highlights the stringent storage parameters set by pharmaceutical companies and the lack of testing in combat-simulated environments, raising concerns…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Rick discuss the sensitive and often overlooked topic of what to do with patients after they die. They explore the emotional and cultural complexities involved in handling death in a medical context, particularly in military settings. The conversation covers the importanc…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis interviews Nicholas Samuels, a humanitarian worker in Ukraine, discussing the critical aspects of medic safety, planning for evacuations, and the importance of understanding the broader context of the ongoing war. Nicholas shares insights on the challenges faced by medical vo…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dr. Van Wyk discusses the latest updates in traumatic brain injury (TBI) management, focusing on insights from the CRASH-3 trial, the use of TXA, hypertonic saline, and sodium bicarbonate. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring intracranial pressure and the potential for surgica…

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis and Ben Garfin discuss the critical importance of clinical experience for combat medics. They explore the challenges and benefits of clinical rotations, the need for real-world experience, and the design of effective training programs. The conversation emphasizes the necessit…

The conversation emphasizes the critical role of timely nutrition in patient healing, highlighting the risks associated with delayed feeding and the broader implications for healthcare providers. Takeaways Feed patients within 24 to 36 hours to avoid risks. Delaying nutrition can lead to serious consequences. Nutr…