The unofficial audio companion to Contra Costa County's EMS field guidelines. Whether you’re a seasoned Paramedic or a new EMT in the 911 system, this podcast is for you. Listen along as we review each guideline, break down key decisions, and help keep you sharp in the field.
Join us for a focused review of Contra Costa County Treatment Guideline A16 — Seizure Management, effective January 2026. This episode breaks down seizure assessment and management for both EMTs and Paramedics, covering clinical differentials, history-taking essentials, and critical branch points. Learn how to recognize Status Epilepticus, understand when and how to administer Midazolam, and master the rapid BGL assessment that guides ALS decision-making. Whether you're managing airway and oxygenation at the BLS level or making treatment decisions as a Paramedic, this episode clarifies your roles, what to look for, and what to do, to achieve the best possible outcomes for your patients.
24 Apr 2025
T01 - Trauma Triage: Know When to Activate
Know when to activate, when to call Base, and how to make smart trauma triage decisions. This episode reviews Contra Costa County EMS Guideline T01—Trauma Triage—covering trauma activation criteria, base contact requirements, EMS judgment scenarios, and transport destinations. Whether you're an EMT or Paramedic, this quick breakdown helps you stay sharp in the field and confident in the call.
12 Apr 2025
A09 - Shortness of Breath
Get up to speed on Contra Costa’s Shortness of Breath Guideline (A09). Learn the red flags, treatment flow, and key decisions for both EMTs and Paramedics. Great for review, training, or field refresh.
7 Apr 2025
A07 - Diabetic Emergencies
In this episode of the Contra Costa County EMS Podcast, we break down Guideline A07: Diabetic Emergency. Designed for EMTs and Paramedics, we cover clinical assessment, BLS and ALS interventions for hypo- and hyperglycemia, and key decision points including oral glucose, D-10, Glucagon, and IV/IO access. Tune in for quick pearls, refusal criteria, and when to escalate care. Clear, concise, and street-ready.
7 Apr 2025
Policy 1004: Determination of Death - Resuscitate or Terminate?
In this episode, we break down Contra Costa County EMS Policy 1004: Determination of Death. Learn when EMS personnel can determine death in the field, criteria for withholding or terminating resuscitation, and key considerations for transport, documentation, and coroner involvement. Stay sharp with this practical guide to a critical policy every provider should know cold.
7 Apr 2025
A06a - Postpartum Hemorrhage Control: From Delivery to Danger
In this episode, we cover Contra Costa County EMS Guideline A06a: Postpartum Hemorrhage Control. Designed for EMTs and Paramedics, we review clinical context, assessment tips, BLS and ALS responsibilities, and key interventions like fundal massage, fluid resuscitation, and TXA administration. Learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding, manage shock, and ensure timely transport. Stay prepared for one of the most critical OB emergencies in the field.
This episode covers field assessment, delivery decision points, and management of complications like breech birth or prolapsed cord. EMT and Paramedic responsibilities are outlined clearly, including post-delivery care. Remember: once the baby is born, you now have two patients. Learn when to call for additional transport and how to stay calm and effective during prehospital deliveries.
28 Mar 2025
A05 - Altered Mental Status: When Seconds Count
Delve into the critical steps of identifying, assessing, and treating altered mental status in the prehospital setting. We highlight essential BLS and ALS interventions, including glucose checks, targeted differentials, and the importance of addressing potential stroke, seizure, overdose, or shock. Join us for a concise overview of Contra Costa County EMS guidelines, where rapid recognition and proper protocol use can save lives.
28 Mar 2025
A04 - Anaphylaxis and Allergic Reaction
Review Contra Costa County EMS Guideline A04, focusing on recognizing and treating allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. This episode differentiates mild from moderate/severe reactions, emphasizing the critical role of thorough assessments and timely epinephrine administration, particularly with airway involvement. Discuss proper epinephrine dosing, special considerations for patients over 50 or with cardiac histories, and adjunct treatments such as oxygen and diphenhydramine. Clinical pearls address nuances of anaphylaxis, epinephrine techniques, and conditions that mimic severe allergic reactions.
28 Mar 2025
A03 - Adult Behavioral
Dive into Contra Costa County EMS Guideline A03 covering adult behavioral emergencies. This episode explores protocols for assessing and managing patients with altered behaviors, emphasizing recognition of psychiatric conditions, substance use, and medical factors. Review differential diagnoses, key signs and symptoms, and effective de-escalation techniques. Learn critical treatment considerations, including the safe use of physical restraints and medications like Midazolam, alongside continuous monitoring practices. Clinical pearls highlight managing severe agitation and recognizing when altered mental status represents a medical emergency.
28 Mar 2025
A02 - Adult Airway Management
Explore Contra Costa County EMS Guideline A02 on adult airway management in prehospital settings. This episode emphasizes the importance of basic airway maneuvers, effective BVM ventilation, and maintaining oxygen saturation at or above 94%. Review when to initiate advanced airway interventions, such as intubation or i-Gel placement, along with key recommendations, including the use of a bougie and continuous capnography monitoring. Clinical pearls highlight critical decision-making, spinal motion restriction considerations, and the importance of thorough documentation and communication.
28 Mar 2025
A01 - Abdominal Pain
This episode covers Contra Costa County EMS Guideline A01 on abdominal pain. Learn a structured approach to patient assessment, including obtaining a thorough medical history and identifying pain characteristics. Explore potential differential diagnoses, recognize critical signs and symptoms, and review essential prehospital interventions, including anti-emetics and fluid resuscitation. Key clinical pearls offer valuable insights for managing unstable patients and special scenarios.
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