There are some vital signs that make you pause and go, “Wait a minute…”
Bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular breathing? That’s not just weird that’s Cushing’s Triad knocking on the brainstem's door. And trust us, it’s not knocking gently.

In Episode 3 of Medics Unmuted, we dig into one of the most ominous and misunderstood patterns in prehospital care: Cushing’s Triad a trio of signs that usually scream one thing increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and the looming threat of brain herniation.

The Triad Breakdown:
Hypertension (with widening pulse pressure)
Bradycardia
Irregular respirations (think Cheyne-Stokes, ataxic, or “just plain weird”)




These changes are the brainstem’s desperate attempt to maintain cerebral perfusion in the face of deadly pressure. It’s the body’s last stand and if you miss it, you may miss your window to intervene.

Why It Matters in the Field, EMS providers are often the first to see this triad unfold. And no, it doesn’t always show up all at once with dramatic flair. Sometimes it's subtle: a trend of dropping heart rate and climbing systolic pressure on a head injury patient. Sometimes it’s gasping respirations that feel "off." Your job? Catch it early. React fast.

We cover:

• The pathophysiology of increased ICP
• Field assessment pearls (hint: trend those vitals!)
• Prehospital interventions: positioning, airway management, ventilation goals, and what not to do
• Real-world examples of how recognizing this triad made the difference

By the time you finish listening, you'll know:

• What Cushing’s Triad is and why it matters
• How to differentiate it from other vital sign patterns
• What to do when you see it—before your patient herniates

​Final Thoughts:
Cushing’s Triad isn’t just for textbooks. It’s real, it’s deadly, and it’s absolutely in your scope to recognize and respond to it. Whether you’re an EMT on your first neuro call or a seasoned medic who needs a refresher, this episode is your fast-track review on one of EMS’s most critical warning signs.

When you think about field training, what comes to mind? Clipboards? Grading sheets? A little fear? Maybe a lot of caffeine?

In our newest episode of Medics Unmuted, we're taking you inside the mind of a Field Training Officer (FTO) with no filters, no sugar-coating, and definitely no boring lectures.

Luke sits down with Katie, an experienced FTO, to break down what it really takes to shape new EMS providers. From hilarious rookie mistakes to heart-to-heart evaluations, Katie shares the lessons, struggles, and unforgettable moments that come with being the first line of defense (and sometimes offense) for new EMTs and paramedics.


What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
🚑 What it actually means to be a Field Training Officer
🚑 The biggest rookie red flags (and how to handle them)
🚑 How to survive — and thrive — as a new FTO
🚑 Real-life stories from the streets (yes, names changed to protect the guilty)
🚑 Tough conversations every FTO has to be ready for
​
Being an FTO isn't just about grading a checklist, it's about molding street-smart providers who can handle chaos, compassion, and everything in between. Whether you’re thinking about becoming an FTO, just starting field training, or want to hear the behind-the-scenes madness, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and advice you can actually use.

Spoiler: Not every trainee survives the clipboard.

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When you hear the tones drop, you never know what’s coming next. Sometimes it’s a chest pain call at 2 a.m., sometimes it’s a cat stuck in a tree, and sometimes, it’s the first chapter of your forever story.
Welcome to Medics Unmuted! We’re Katie and Luke, two paramedics from a busy county EMS system in eastern North Carolina, and in our very first episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and telling the story behind the microphones.
Before the late-night 911 calls, before the paramedic certifications, and definitely before the podcast equipment showed up at our house, we were just two teenagers scrubbing fire trucks at our local volunteer fire departments. EMS wasn’t just something we signed up for, it was something that shaped us. And somewhere along the way, between learning how to splint broken bones and push cardiac meds, we found each other.



In this episode, “From Tones to Together,” we talk about:

• How volunteering sparked our passion for EMS
• The real experience of paramedic school (spoiler: it's a little bit caffeine, a little bit trauma bonding)
• Balancing the chaos of shift work, marriage, and everything in between
• Our favorite (and most awkward) rookie call stories
• Why we started Medics Unmuted and what you can expect from the show

If you’re looking for a podcast that’s part unfiltered EMS reality, part therapy session, and part coffee-fueled chaos, you’re in the right place.
Whether you're brand new to EMS, burnt out but still hanging on, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story—you’ll find a home here with us.

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