
EMS: Erik & Matt Show
After hours style conversation focused on the hidden and often overlooked parts of first responder life. Discussing everything from continuing education and home life to health and wellness.
Episodes
52 episodes
Why STEMI Isn’t Enough Anymore: The EMS OMI Criteria Update
STEMI is out. OMI is in. In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Axene and Matt Ball unpack the newest data on occlusive myocardial infarction (OMI) criteria—and why sticking to traditional STEMI patterns could cause you to miss up...
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30:06

The EMS World Record Attempt for the Longest Ambulance Transport (Part 2)
The record has been set—but it almost didn't happen. In this follow-up episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball break down the chaos, comedy, and close calls from their 3,200-mile ambulance journey. From me...
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56:20

The EMS World Record Attempt for the Longest Ambulance Transport (Part 1)
What does it take to set a Guinness World Record for the longest EMS ground transport? In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball reveal their ambitious plan to take the oldest licensed ambulance in the U.S. o...
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24:32

Whole Blood in EMS: Life-Saving Science, Challenges & Implementation
Whole blood transfusions are gaining momentum in EMS, but how do they work in the field? In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball sit down with EMS medical directors Dr. Joshua Bobko, Dr. Mark Gambe...
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1:07:08

Hemorrhage Control: Stopping the Bleed in EMS & Trauma
Massive hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in trauma, and EMS providers often have just seconds to intervene. In this episode, Erik and Matt discuss hemorrhage control techniques that save lives both in the field and in extreme environmen...
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28:42

EMS Providers Being Charged Criminally
Criminal charges against EMS providers are becoming more common, and the latest case out of Sioux City has the EMS world on edge. A paramedic is facing manslaughter charges after mistakenly administering a paralytic instead of a sedative—result...
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17:07

Paramedic to Nurse or Doctor? What to Expect in Nursing and Medical School
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, we tackle one of the most common questions we get: Should paramedics go to nursing school or med school? Erik and Matt share their personal journeys through nursing and medical school, compari...
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29:37

Mass Casualty Incidents and Trauma Response
Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) have unfortunately become a more frequent reality. In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball reflect on the tragic New Orleans attack that left 15 dead and dozens injured. They dive i...
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28:29

Recognizing Child Abuse: Critical Steps for EMS and First Responders
As first responders, EMS professionals often encounter situations others don’t—inside homes, in unsafe environments, and during moments of crisis. In this sobering episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball explore...
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29:11

Exercise: The Sixth Pillar of THRIVE for Health and Wellness
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball emphasize the importance of consistent exercise and forming healthy habits tailored for first responders. They delve into practical strategies for breaking through...
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29:32

Vitality: The Fifth Pillar of THRIVE for Health and Wellness
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball tackle the critical topic of vitality, the fifth pillar of the THRIVE series. They dive into how mental health impacts overall well-being, sharing personal stories...
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31:27

Working the Holidays as First Responders
For first responders and medical professionals, holidays often mean more than festive celebrations—they mean sacrifices and balancing acts. In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball share their unique experiences w...
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12:08

Intake: The Fourth Pillar of THRIVE of Health and Wellness
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball dive into the fourth pillar of THRIVE: Intake. They explore how choices around food, drink, and even mental stimuli impact overall health and wellness. Wi...
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29:39

Rest: The Third Pillar of THRIVE for Health and Wellness
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball focus on the importance of Rest as the third pillar of THRIVE for health and wellness. They discuss the science behind sleep, share practical tips for managing sle...
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29:38

Health: The Second Pillar of THRIVE for Health and Wellness
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball dive into the second pillar of THRIVE—health. Covering key points like weight tracking, blood pressure checks, cancer screenings, and cholesterol ma...
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29:36

Team: The First Pillar of THRIVE for Health and Wellness
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball dive into the first pillar of THRIVE—team. They explore how building strong relationships and community among EMS professionals can improve both personal ...
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29:53

THRIVE: The Six Pillars of Health and Wellness for EMS Professionals
In this episode of the Erik & Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball discuss the critical importance of health and wellness for first responders. Erik, who has spoken across the country on this topic, emphasizes that keeping ourselve...
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29:41

Mega Code Paramedic Training: Insights from Medical Directors and FTOs
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball explore the crucial components of mega code paramedic training. From the perspective of a medical director and a seasoned FTO, they discuss the challenges an...
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29:54

OMI vs STEMI: Understanding Critical EKG Patterns in EMS (Part 2)
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball continue to discuss the vital differences between Occlusive Myocardial Infarction (OMI) and STEMI, two critical conditions that can make the difference between lif...
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29:45

OMI vs STEMI: Understanding Critical EKG Patterns in EMS (Part 1)
In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball break down the vital differences between Occlusive Myocardial Infarction (OMI) and STEMI, two critical conditions that can make the difference between life and dea...
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29:49

Erik’s Experience as an Airway Management Physician for the Dallas Cowboys
In this episode of the Erik & Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene shares his unique experience as an Airway Management Physician (AMP) with the Dallas Cowboys. The NFL employs AMPs to be on the sidelines at every game, ready to respond to any m...
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29:45

Tattoos: The Pros, Cons, and Medical Insights
In this episode of the Erik & Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball dive into the world of tattoos. Getting a tattoo is a big decision, and Matt, who has several tattoos, shares his experiences while Erik, who is considering getting...
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29:19

EMS Education: Philosophy and Unique Approaches
In this episode of the Erik & Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball share their philosophy on EMS education. With Dr. Axene’s extensive background as an educator—holding a master’s degree in education and experience as a physics tea...
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27:10

9/11: Remembering the Heroes and Civilians Lost
On this very special episode of the Erik & Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball reflect on where they were on September 11, 2001. As we honor the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we take a moment to remember the heroes and civ...
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26:27

Test Prep: Strategies for National Registry, NCLEX, and MCAT Exams
In this episode of the Erik & Matt Show (EMS), hosts Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball share effective strategies for tackling major exams like the National Registry, NCLEX, and MCAT. Drawing from their extensive experience, Erik and Matt provid...
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28:03
