The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect
The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect is where first responders continue the conversation after the call. Hosted by EMS educator Shaun Pitts, each episode brings together paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, physicians, educators, and industry leaders to explore the topics that shape our profession. From clinical medicine and patient care to leadership, mental health, education, career development, and the realities of life in emergency services, we cover the conversations that happen when the radios are quiet. Whether you’re on your commute, between calls, or finally enjoying some time off, you’ll leave every episode with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and ideas you can take back to your next shift. Because learning doesn’t stop when the call ends. The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect. Real conversations. Better providers. Stronger responders.
Episodes
Starting a career in EMS or the fire service can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of lessons no one teaches you in class. In this episode, I sit down with Nic Pluskota to talk about everything rookie. From earning trust in the station to avoiding common mistakes, Nic shares honest advice and practical insights that every new provider—and even seasoned veterans mentoring the next generation—should hear...
EMS training is designed to build competence, but it often fails to prepare providers for the chaos, complexity, and human side of real-world calls. In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we break down insights from EMS1’s reader response article: https://www.ems1.com/ems-training-and-education/ems1-readers-respond-whats-the-biggest-gap-between-training-and-real-world-calls
and bring it into the reality o...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we sit down with Zac — a firefighter/EMT with both volunteer and career experience — to explore what it truly takes to serve at a high standard in the fire and EMS world. From his early days on the rig to navigating the chaos of high-stakes calls, Zac shares how faith has guided him, grounded him, and helped him stay resilient on shift.
We dive into the tough questi...
Why are so many EMS providers exhausted—even when they “sleep”? Why does stress feel constant, recovery impossible, and burnout unavoidable?
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we’re joined by Haley Scellick, ARNP from First Responder Health and Wellness to break down what’s really happening inside the bodies of first responders. We dive into chronic fatigue, cortisol dysregulation, ...
Poisonings and overdoses are a growing portion of EMS calls, and rapid recognition can mean the difference between life and death. Toxicology 101 is designed to give BLS providers a practical, field-focused approach to identifying and managing common toxidromes. This course breaks down the five core toxidromes, common substances involved, key assessment findings, and critical BLS interventions.
🔗 EMS...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we sit down with Patrick Pianezza, former Paramedic and Writer of the film Code 3, for an honest, inside look at telling EMS stories from someone who has actually lived them.
Patrick shares how his time on the streets shaped the characters, calls, and emotional weight of Code 3, why authenticity matters when portraying EMS on screen, and how cumulative stress, burnout, dark hum...
Join Shaun Pitts on EMSconnect On Shift as he sits down with Dr. Travis Dierks for an essential deep dive into ECG interpretation. Whether you’re an EMT, paramedic, or just looking to strengthen your cardiac knowledge, this episode breaks down rhythm strips and ECG fundamentals in a clear, practical way.
Dr. Dierks shares expert tips for identifying key patterns, avoiding common pitfalls, and translating what y...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we sit down with Ian—a seasoned paramedic and flight clinician whose journey started with Ada County Paramedics back in 2012. After earning his paramedic certification in 2014, Ian set his sights on the sky, launching his flight career in 2018. Since then, he’s flown with several programs, spending four years with Air Idaho Rescue in Driggs before joining Air St. L...
In this essential pre-clinical briefing, veteran educator and field provider Shaun Pitts breaks down the mindset, expectations, and professional habits every EMT student needs before stepping onto an ambulance or walking into a clinical site. This episode is designed to be listened to before your first ride-along and revisited before every shift throughout your training.
Shaun lays out the concept of your Clini...
Seizures don’t follow the rules—and in the prehospital setting, neither can you. Join Dr. Maika Dang, Emergency Medicine Physician and EMS Medical Director, as he unpacks the unpredictable world of seizure emergencies in this dynamic and engaging webinar.
From subtle partial seizures to full-blown status epilepticus, EMS providers are often the first on scene during some of the most chaotic moment...
The geriatric population is one of the fastest-growing patient groups EMS providers will encounter, and caring for these individuals requires unique knowledge and skills. Prehospital Care for the Aging Population equips EMS professionals with the tools to recognize, assess, and manage the complex needs of older adults in the prehospital setting.
This course explores age-related physiological changes, common m...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, Quinn dives deep into one of the most common and critical calls in prehospital care: respiratory emergencies. From asthma and COPD to CHF and pneumonia, Quinn breaks down the “Big 4” respiratory issues every EMS provider encounters and explores how to assess, treat, and manage these patients at the BLS level.
Join us as we review key anatomy and physiology, discuss ...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, Shaun Pitts dives deep into one of the most common—and most challenging—calls in EMS: abdominal pain. From appendicitis to pancreatitis, this discussion explores the anatomy, physiology, and assessment strategies behind those mysterious belly aches that can quickly turn critical.
You’ll learn how to distinguish between somatic, visceral, parietal, and referred...
The record button was accidentally left on… and now you get a behind-the-scenes peek at what happens when we’re not being professional or sticking to the script! While we have to cut this from the official course on the website, it would be a crime not to share it here on the podcast. So sit back, relax, and “enjoy” the chaos and utter stupidity. If you are looking to waste 20 mins, don't lo...
When the chest takes the hit, everything changes—fast. From blunt force impacts to penetrating trauma, thoracic injuries can rapidly become life-threatening, leaving EMS providers with seconds to act and no room for error.
"Crushed, Collapsed, Compromised: Thoracic Trauma Triage" is a high-impact course designed to sharpen your skills in identifying, managing, and triaging chest trauma in the field. We&...
Head injuries are unpredictable, high-risk, and often present in ways that challenge even the most experienced EMT. In this fast-paced, BLS-focused podcast, we’ll break down what you must know when responding to patients with suspected head trauma. From altered mental status and pupil changes to airway protection and spinal considerations, this course will sharpen your assessment skills, reinforce critical tre...
When seconds count and the pressure is on, what really makes the difference in saving a life? In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we sit down with Dr. Eric Ernest—emergency physician, EMS medical director, and resuscitation nerd—to talk all things cardiac arrest.
From high-performance CPR and mechanical devices to airway management and post-ROSC care, Dr. Ernest shares practical, field-tested insights...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we’re unlocking the mysteries of the human airway. Designed for EMS professionals ready to level up, The Airway Code breaks down complex anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology into real-world street smarts. We’ll follow the journey of oxygen from the nose to the alveoli—and uncover what happens when that journey gets disrupted. You’ll learn to spot cr...
In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, to dive deep into one of the most critical aspects of prehospital care—airway management. From basic adjuncts to supraglottic airways, Shaun and Nathan review essential anatomy and physiology, break down the strengths and limitations of airway tools, and help providers understand when and why to use each option in the field.
🔗 EMSconnect &ndas...
I sat down with David Givot, author of Sirens, Lights, and Lawyers, on the EMSconnect On Shift Podcast, and let me tell you—this one’s a game-changer.
This episode is a serious eye-opener about the legal blind spots in EMS. We’re not being taught enough, and David doesn’t hold back. Before you touch your next patient or write another narrative, you need to hear this.
🎧 Hit play, take notes, an...
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