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January 11, 2021 65 mins

Art Hsieh is Paramedic Program Director for the Public Safety Training Center at Santa Rosa Junior College where he also teaches. His career in emergency medical services spans nearly 40 years, including serving as president of the National Association of EMS Educators, presenting at conferences at home and abroad, and is the author of two books: The Paramedic Companion: A Case-Based Worktext, and EMT Exam for Dummies. I invite Art on the podcast for us to better understand the first responder’s perspective, particularly the paramedic’s, if iboga experiencers take a turn for the worse. It might be uncomfortable calling emergency services after taking an illicit substance, especially when that substance has many health risks, risks you might not have known or prepared for. Things can and do go pear-shaped for some people whether taking iboga at a retreat or in a more underground setting, and anticipating such scenarios literally can save your life. Topics of our discussion include: Art interrogates me paramedic-style about the iboga experience, serving as an example of what to expect when paramedics arrive on scene among other topics; cultural diversity in EMS; cultural competency, also known as “cultural humility”; abating danger through “scene size-up” and “scene safety” considerations; responding to situations in sacred settings; how EMS students are trained to handle non-ordinary states of consciousness; and preparing forward-thinking “cheat sheets” for first responders. Also, visit my Podcast Supplements article regarding afterthoughts of Art and I's conversation (https://amhouot.com/77-ep2-8_first-responders-as-last-resorts_art-hsieh/) and to download the free IBOGA INFORMATION DOCUMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS.

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Iboganautics is a podcast intended for entertainment purposes only and all content shared on Iboganautics is for entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider or legal counsel with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or legal situation. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Neither Iboganautics nor any of its affiliates, sponsors, producers, guests, or hosts encourage the illegal use of controlled substances.

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