Dispatched & Dysfunctional

They see the lights. They hear the sirens. But they don’t see the ones waiting at home.

This episode isn’t about the chaos on scene — it’s about the people who keep us standing when the chaos comes home. The spouses who sit in silence until we’re ready. The families who let us vent without judgment. The kids who defend us when we can’t defend ourselves. And the partners on shift who catch us when the job nearly breaks us.

Because w...

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode contains graphic and emotional content. Listener discretion is advised.

🎙️ Episode Title: Brains on the Blacktop, Tacos in the Gut

🩺 Summary: After working a fatal interstate trauma scene where a man was dragged for miles, the only thing left to do was… eat Taco Bell. Because sometimes, your brain breaks — and sometimes, it bails.

📌 Why It Matters: Coping in EMS doesn’t always look like therapy. Somet...

A new guy, first hitch offshore. GI symptoms on arrival.

His supervisor thought he was faking it.

He wasn’t.

By the time I found him, his belly was tight, distended, and he could barely breathe.

IV fluids. Antibiotics. Foley. Medevac launched.

Two feet of necrotic bowel. Six hours from rupture.

Welcome to Dispatch and Dysfunctional, where the darkest moments become stories of resilience. Join us as we delve into the harsh realities faced by EMS and first responders, exposing the emotional toll of the job through real-life experiences. Please note: This episode contains sensitive content and dark humor that may not be suitable for all listeners.

Our episode takes you inside a chilling initiation on my last EMT ride along. ...

This episode of "Dispatched and Dysfunctional" brings a harrowing yet humor-tinged story of real-life EMS experiences. Chris, our host, recounts a night that took an unexpected turn when he was run over by his own tractor in a bizarre accident. From the intense pain and the helplessness under the weight of a machine to the chaotic hospital visits and unexpected camaraderie among EMS professionals, the narrative weaves through a gam...

In this episode of Dispatched and Dysfunctional, listeners are taken on an emotional journey that explores the silent struggles and unseen burdens often carried by emergency service workers. The story unfolds on an offshore rig, where strong bonds form like family, and silence sometimes hides the most profound pain.

The episode delves into a call that was never heard, yet profoundly felt—a tale not of external injuries but of perso...

This gripping episode delves into the often-overlooked dangers of complacency and burnout in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field. As we explore real-life accounts and experiences, you'll hear how these silent killers impact the lives of patients and first responders alike. Despite the chaos and adrenaline that define the job, it's the quiet moments, the ignored alarms, and the fatigue-induced dismissals that pose the greates...

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode contains graphic and emotional content. Listener discretion is advised.

🎙️ Episode Title: The Rules of Three: Gas, a Corpse, and a Machete

🩺 Summary: A routine wellness check spirals into chaos — one decomposing body, one armed family member, and one patient actively seizing in our care. Three emergencies, zero prep, and a call that left its mark.

📌 Why It Matters: Even “simple” calls can flip into fu...