Skip to main content
Coffee Break HEMS Podcast

Coffee Break HEMS Podcast

By Austin Kiser

Short-ish critical care medicine topics to help paramedics, respiratory therapists, and nurses expand their knowledge of critical care medicine and HEMS, operate better out in the field, and pass their specialty certification exams with confidence.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

02.15 When ACLS kills! Part 1

Coffee Break HEMS PodcastOct 28, 2021

00:00
38:18
04.08 Is the AHA Wrong? (Cardiac Axis)

04.08 Is the AHA Wrong? (Cardiac Axis)

In this episode we'll be discussing cardiac axis and its importance in the differential of several non-ACS conditions. Finally, we'll answer the question: is the AHA wrong in telling us to give adenosine for monomorphic wide-complex tach? This will give you the answer.


Reach out:

austin@kisecpr.com

instagram: @coffeebreakhems


Get a copy of our books! www.kisercpr.com/bookstore

Get your CBH Merch: www.kisercpr.com/cbh

Apr 29, 202435:26
04.07 Proning Severely Hypoxic Pt's (Feat David Hersey)

04.07 Proning Severely Hypoxic Pt's (Feat David Hersey)

In this episode we'll be discussing the logistics of proning in the transport environment for severely hypoxic patients.

Get a copy of the new Airway Management book: www.kisercpr.com/bookstore

Go review it on Amazon today, Here: https://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Airway-Management-Prehospital-Hospital/dp/B0CY6CS3GK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9AVH6EEE3AFF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fdc4TmQWEJEDpKtXZFLA0KEqGBiilwKttbBl6GZB0ktKHckKIvLBJwjBQDa0su9VE_ewMFje3reAFn0_FuAh9h4buzF36ja5FLWhtMiO8a4YXayWDKT6SCtOtjUJQJTppC21VZDHVoM_q3FPaRZ1a01HATOIl2GSVmM5rLgDc4gAlbRDQmRhEkafaIyU5Qp6jBqy0SzC21iDEfU-_tlWpZG63GPWTWIF2MG9RY0v7f0.H1VKnFWIXsKvZKZaWt-IffbypQs8NVwAyo4x7n5wE3w&dib_tag=se&keywords=clinical+airway+management&qid=1712764958&sprefix=%2Caps%2C1205&sr=8-1

Apr 10, 202401:04:22
04.06 Talkin' bout Airway Management (Feat: Dr. Haney Mallemat)
Mar 25, 202401:44:41
04.05 All things ETCO2

04.05 All things ETCO2

In this episode we'll be discussing why we breathe, how we remove CO2 and why the normal CO2 level is 40 (in the USA).


Pre-Order the Clinical Airway Management Guide

www.kisercpr.com/bookstore


Get CBH Merch!

www.kisercpr.com/cbh


Reach out on instagram: @coffeebreakhems

email: austin@kisercpr.com

Mar 16, 202438:50
04.04 The Hamilton Series: Breath Types and Modes

04.04 The Hamilton Series: Breath Types and Modes

By popular request we are adding a series of episodes throughout the year to delve into the Hamilton Ventilator as it is now becoming the standard platform the both in-hospital and prehospital critical care. In this episode we'll discuss what a "pressure ventilator" is and how the breath types work on the hamilton. Additional, we'll be talking about the basic modes of invasive ventilation on the platform.


Reach out:

austin@kisercpr.com

Instagram: @coffeebreakhems


Get a copy of the book or vent cards:

www.kisercpr.com/shop


Hold off on getting the coffee break merch, but please go check it out on our shop and let us know what you think!!

Mar 01, 202431:13
04.03 Talkin' bout Vasopressors (Feat Eddy J. Gutierrez MD)

04.03 Talkin' bout Vasopressors (Feat Eddy J. Gutierrez MD)

In this episode I'll be interviewing the fascinating Eddy J. Gutierrez MD. Eddy is an critical care doc in Florida and the Author of "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook". If you work in critical care and deal with vasoactive medications on a daily basis, you better own a copy of this book! You can follow Eddy on Instagram at @eddyjoemd and visit him on his website at www.eddyjoemd.com


Reach out: austin@kisercpr.com

Shop: www.kisercpr.com


Don't forget to snag a copy of our new reference guides and a be on the lookout for our preorders for the second book!

Feb 15, 202401:15:26
04.02 When Dispatch Doesn't Get It Right (Feat. Tyler Gausen FP-C)

04.02 When Dispatch Doesn't Get It Right (Feat. Tyler Gausen FP-C)

In this episode, Tyler and I will be discussing a patient case he has several months ago that is a great example of managing several problems at the same time in the field. We also get into a great discussion on how to differentiate between DKA and HHS in the field as well as the differences in our considerations during an interfacility transport of these patients.


Check out our reference cards:

www.kisercpr.com/shop


Reach out:

austin@kisercpr.com


Follow us on instragram:

@coffeebreakhems

Jan 26, 202401:12:37
04.01 ARDS: The death you didn't know you were responsible for

04.01 ARDS: The death you didn't know you were responsible for

In this episode we'll be discussing our contribution to patient outcomes during our resuscitation of sick patients. We look at a few interesting studies that review BVM ventilation volumes and. How does this affect our patients, and is there something we can do to change this?

Connect with us:

austin@kisercpr.com

instagram: @coffeebreakhems


Visit our shop:

www.kisercpr.com/shop

Jan 16, 202441:23
03.19 The Achy Breaky Neonatal Heart

03.19 The Achy Breaky Neonatal Heart

In this episode we'll be discussing neonatal congenital heart defects. From recognition to treatment, and everything in between.


Reach out:


kisercpr@gmail.com

instagram: @coffeebreakhems

Mar 25, 202331:48
03.18 Are Prehospital Transfusions Safe?

03.18 Are Prehospital Transfusions Safe?

In this episode we'll be discussing the safety of transfusing Rh positive blood into the population at large. 

Feb 24, 202317:24
03.17 Medicine Cabinet Murder Pt III
Jan 23, 202316:16
03.16 It Won't Fail Because Of Me
Dec 30, 202219:44
03.15 The fetal heart rate is dropping!!

03.15 The fetal heart rate is dropping!!

In this episode we'll discuss the four of decelerations you may see at the bedside during a high-risk obstetrical transport. What they are and how you treat them. 


reach out:

instagram: @coffeebreakhems

facebook: Austin Kiser

email: kisercpr@gmail.com

Check out our reference guides and vent management book: www.kisercpr.com/shop

Dec 26, 202217:54
03.14 The 1 to 1 vent strategy

03.14 The 1 to 1 vent strategy

This episode covers the termed "1:1 vent strategy". when your patient have horribly high airway resistance AND high AutoPEEP there's no other place to turn. This strategy is rarely utilized because these patients aren't common, which is why it's so important to understand. 


reach out:

instagram: @coffeebreakhems

facebook: Austin Kiser

email: kisercpr@gmail.com

Check out our reference guides and vent management book: www.kisercpr.com/shop

Dec 12, 202225:21
03.13 Why do we have so many fluids!?

03.13 Why do we have so many fluids!?

In this episode we'll be discussing the various kinds of fluid we have available for infusion, when each is necessary and how our fluid compartments work. Enjoy! 


reach out:

instagram: @coffeebreakhems

facebook: Austin Kiser

email: kisercpr@gmail.com

Check out our reference guides and vent management book: www.kisercpr.com/shop

Nov 28, 202221:03
03.12 How does digoxin actually work?

03.12 How does digoxin actually work?

In this episode we'll be discussing digoxin and how it works in the heart. Then, we'll look at how it becomes toxic, what you'll need to look for, and how to fix it. 

reach out: 

instagram: @coffeebreakhems

facebook: Austin Kiser

email: kisercpr@gmail.com


Check out our reference guides and vent management book: www.kisercpr.com/shop 

Nov 13, 202213:58
03.11 Medicine Cabinet Murder Part II

03.11 Medicine Cabinet Murder Part II

In this episode we'll be discussing diagnosis of toxicological issues, and how we can't take a primary diagnosis at face value. 

Check out the previous episode that'll help you dissect this case:

The badassery of Base Excess

The Worlds Okayest pH talk


Reach me: 

Instragram @coffeebreakhems

Email: kisercpr@gmail.com


Get your vent and lab reference cards: 

kisercpr.com/shop 

Sep 26, 202226:20
03.10 Demystifying Hyponatremia
Aug 22, 202224:30
03.09 Adv Hemodynamic Monitoring: The Easy Way
Aug 05, 202232:28
03.08 The First Clean Kill

03.08 The First Clean Kill

In this episode I'll be discussing failure. How it seems inevitable, how it's horrible, but how it's also so important. I have never really told these stories and I had to be very vulnerable in order to tell them. I hope you can find solace in the fact that this happens to us all.  

Jul 01, 202231:52
03.07 BP 221/118? Well that's not good.
May 07, 202234:04
03.06 Picking the Proper Pressor
Apr 15, 202239:58
03.05 The Septic Trainwreck
Mar 25, 202238:58
03.04 Level Up Your Trauma Resus Package
Mar 05, 202229:18
03.03 Clinical Pearls: How To Crush Your Clinical Interview

03.03 Clinical Pearls: How To Crush Your Clinical Interview

In this episode we'll discuss tips and tricks for dominating your clinical interview. We'll cover Trauma, ABG's, Neuro Emergencies, Labs, RSI, Preoxygenation, DKA, and Pressors. 

Feb 16, 202245:57
03.02 Brain Attack!! When do you pull the trigger.

03.02 Brain Attack!! When do you pull the trigger.

In this episode we'll be discussing the treatment of intracranial hypertension and herniation syndromes. Enjoy! 

Reach out: 

instagram: @coffeebreakhems 

email: kisercpr@gmail.com 

Don't forget to give us that 5-star rating so we can continue to be discovered by other people like you! 

Jan 29, 202223:45
03.01 The Severe Hypoxia Vent Strategy

03.01 The Severe Hypoxia Vent Strategy

In this episode we'll be looking at a vent strategy for the severely hypoxic patient, and why it all lies with the mean airway pressure. Hope you enjoy. Don't forget! Be on the lookout for my book, (The Flight Medic's Approach to Mechanical Ventilation) coming out in a few months, I'll be taking pre-orders soon. 


Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com

Jan 11, 202236:09
02.18 Our Deadliest Intervention: The Myths of RSI

02.18 Our Deadliest Intervention: The Myths of RSI

In this episode we'll be discussed the common myths surrounding RSI, and how we can be better. Also, sorry for the low volume! My Mic was acting up. 

Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com

Dec 16, 202133:09
02.17 Medicine Cabinet Murder

02.17 Medicine Cabinet Murder

In this episode we'll be looking at Benadryl (diphenhydramine) overdose and how to treat it in the field. Enjoy. 


Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com

Nov 23, 202129:45
02.16 When ACLS Kills! Part 2

02.16 When ACLS Kills! Part 2

In this episode we'll be reviewing different tachyarrhythmias and how to treat them. Enjoy! 

Nov 11, 202149:38
02.15 When ACLS kills! Part 1

02.15 When ACLS kills! Part 1

In this episode, which is part 1 of a 2-part series, we'll be discussing how different antiarrhythmics work on your action potential curve and why we shouldn't be so afraid of adenosine. Hope you like it! 

Oct 28, 202138:18
02.14 Avoiding the Vented COPD Death Spiral

02.14 Avoiding the Vented COPD Death Spiral

Hey guys, this week we're talking about intubated and vented COPDers and their annoying tendency to AutoPEEP on the vent. 

Sep 21, 202139:09
02.13 Four Ways to Die on a Ventilator

02.13 Four Ways to Die on a Ventilator

This week we're talking about the logistics of properly prepping our mechanically vented patients for transport.

Sep 01, 202120:22
02.12 Why do we even give TXA?

02.12 Why do we even give TXA?

To answer the episode title's question, it's because we want to, like, save peoples lives! In this episode, we'll take a look at fibrinolysis, tPa, TXA, and how it all works in our patients. 

Aug 10, 202127:46
02.11 Going Deep into Clotting in Trauma

02.11 Going Deep into Clotting in Trauma

In this episode we talk about clotting, trauma, and why the heck we should care about calcium in our patients! 

Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com 

Jul 27, 202142:56
02.10 Trapped at 10,000 feet

02.10 Trapped at 10,000 feet

Hi all! In this episode I'll be discussing HAPE and HACE in a gnarly case discussion. Hope you enjoy. 

Reach me at: kisercpr@gmail.com

Jul 13, 202130:28
02.09 HELLP! She's Dying!

02.09 HELLP! She's Dying!

In this episode we're talking about Pre Eclampsia, HELLP, and DIC in pregnancy. Hope you enjoy. 

Reach me at : kisercpr@gmail.com

May 28, 202124:46
02.08 Why is that Lactate so High?

02.08 Why is that Lactate so High?

Talking about lactate fermentation and what our body does to fix it. The Cori cycle. and much more. 

May 13, 202119:50
02.07 Looking outside of STEMI

02.07 Looking outside of STEMI

This week we're taking a look at Cardiac axis and determining how useful it can be in your field differentials. 

Apr 15, 202133:39
02.06 World's Okayest pH Talk!

02.06 World's Okayest pH Talk!

Hey guys! This week we're talking about pH. What determines pH, the Stuart approach, and what the hell does bicarb do!? Hope you enjoy.

Mar 31, 202123:37
02.05 The HOPpy side of Murder

02.05 The HOPpy side of Murder

This week we'll be chit chatting about the HOP killers, ei: the reason we sometimes inadvertently kill our patient's during intubation. (so we can hopefully avoid that nonsense in the future). 

Mar 12, 202133:05
02.04 Would you get on the plane?

02.04 Would you get on the plane?

If your pilot didn't use a checklist before takeoff, would you get on the plane? In this episode, we'll be talking about proper pre-oxygenation and the use of an intubation checklist in HEMS and EMS (and hospitals too).. 


Mar 04, 202148:19
02.03 Going Deep into Mechanical Ventilation

02.03 Going Deep into Mechanical Ventilation

WhooHoo, this is Part III of our mechanical vent series. We talk about pressure control ventilation, how to target ETCO2 goals, and how to help with the refractory hypoxic patient. I hope you enjoy. 


#HEMS #CoffeebreakHEMS #airmedical #kisercpr #flightparamedic #flightnurse #criticalcare #emergencymedicine 

Feb 05, 202146:19
02.02 When at First You Don't Succeed, Change Something

02.02 When at First You Don't Succeed, Change Something

In this episode we talk about the obstructive lung strategy. This is part 2 of our 3-part intro to mechanical ventilation series. I hope you enjoy. 


#HEMS #CoffeeBreakHEMS #Airmedical #flightparamedic #flightnurse #EMS #criticalcare #mechanicalventilation #foamed

Jan 22, 202134:42
02.01 How to Not Commit Murder With a Ventilator

02.01 How to Not Commit Murder With a Ventilator

WHAT?!?! We are one year down and kicking off season two. This year we'll be focusing on a 23 episode season that'll prepare you to take the FP-C or CFRN exam. In episode 1, we'll be starting a three part series on mechanical ventilation. I hope you enjoy! 

Reach me: kisercpr@gmail.com


#HEMS #Airmedical #CoffeebreakHEMS #FOAMed #phiairmedical #emergencymedicine #flightparamedic #flightnurse #criticalcare 

Jan 05, 202150:08
01.24 What kind of shock is this?

01.24 What kind of shock is this?

In this episode, we'll be talking about herniation syndromes and how to treat them in the prehospital arena. Hope you enjoy. 


reach me at: kisercpr@gmail.com


#HEMS #coffeebreakHEMS #FOAMed #criticalcare #flightnurse #flightparamedic #airmedical 

Dec 03, 202024:44
01.23 Dude his SpO2 is 61%, pull out!

01.23 Dude his SpO2 is 61%, pull out!

In this episode, we'll be discussing the airway death spiral (not my term), and a few little tips and tricks to prevent our patients from dying to death. 

Reach out: kisercpr@gmail.com

#HEMS #criticalcare #airmedical #PHIAirMedical #FOAMed #coffeebreakHEMS #flightparamedic #flightnurse

Nov 17, 202035:23
01.22 ... Is that the high pressure alarm?

01.22 ... Is that the high pressure alarm?

In this episode, we'll be covering high resistance and low compliance on a vented patient. Hope you enjoy. 


#HEMS #criticalcare #airmedical #flightnurse #flightparamedic #FOAMed #coffeebreakHEMS

Oct 30, 202035:05
01.21 The Sucky Subarachnoid, Part II. The hard part

01.21 The Sucky Subarachnoid, Part II. The hard part

In this episode, we finish our 2-part episode on treating a significant subarachnoid bleed in the critical care realm. Hope you enjoy. 

reach out to me and let me know what you want to hear about! kisercpr@gmail.com

#HEMS #FOAMed #EMS #Airmedical #PHIairmedical #coffeebreakHEMS #criticalcare #flightparamedic #flightnurse #emergencymedicine

Oct 12, 202017:00
01.20 The Sucky Subarachnoid, Part I

01.20 The Sucky Subarachnoid, Part I

This first part is a look into the ED care of a 50's female with subarachnoid hemorrhage following a ruptured aneurysm. These are incredibly dynamic patient's and give way for many different treatment modalities. Let me know what you think and be on the lookout for Part II in a few days (that's the part where the patient starts to give you a mental and logistical workout). 

#HEMS #FOAMed #airmedical #criticalcare #coffeebreakHEMS #flightparamedic #flightnurse #phiairmedical #emergencymedicine

Reach me at: kisercpr@gmail.com

Oct 07, 202020:41