SRTC Rogue Medic Podcast

Episode 38 - Packaging For Success

Episode Description: In this episode, we dive into one of the most critical yet often overlooked skills in austere and wilderness medicine—patient packaging. Whether it’s a multi-system trauma on a scree slope, a hypothermic hiker deep in the backcountry, a caver with unstable chest trauma, or a mountain biker with a TBI, how you secure, protect, and move your patient can make or break their outcome.We’ll explore the goals, concepts, and challenges of patient packaging, including:Stabilizing injuries without sacrificing access for ongoing careProtecting patients from environmental extremes during prolonged evacuationsBalancing speed versus precision when every second countsReal-world case scenarios that test creativity and adaptabilityJoin us as we unpack the principles of stabilize, protect, and move, and discuss how mastering patient packaging isn’t just about transport—it’s about survival.Hosts: Jason "Big J" TartaloneIf you have comments you would like to share or a topic for a discussion, hit us up at Sergeant_RescueTng@outlook.com or click the contact link on our webpage at www.SergeantRescue.com.

Episode 37 - The Mentor You Needed

In this episode, we dive into the power of mentorship in EMS and why it matters now more than ever. Every provider remembers what it felt like starting out—unsure, overwhelmed, and hoping for someone to show them the ropes. This conversation challenges you to step into that role for the next generation: to be the mentor you once wished for. We’ll explore what makes an effective mentor, how to balance guidance with accountability, and why mentorship shapes not only careers but the culture of EMS itself. Hosts: Jason "Big J" TartaloneIf you have comments you would like to share or a topic for a discussion, hit us up at Sergeant_RescueTng@outlook.com or click the contact link on our webpage at www.SergeantRescue.com.

Episode 36 - Boots, Brains, and Backbone

 Boots, Brains, and Backbone: The Weight of the FTOIn this episode, we get real about one of the most critical — and often underappreciated — roles in EMS: the Field Training Officer. Whether you're training fresh recruits or shaping seasoned providers, being an FTO isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about leadership, mentorship, accountability, and setting the tone for a provider’s entire career.We break down:The mindset shift from clinician to educatorWhy FTOs must model professionalism under pressureThe dangers of complacency and “passing the problem along”How great FTOs build confident, competent, and safe providersStrategies for providing feedback that actually sticksIf you're an FTO, want to become one, or just want to understand the responsibility that comes with shaping the next generation of EMS providers — this one's for you. It’s not a title. It’s a duty.Hosts: Jason "Big J" TartaloneIf you have comments you would like to share or a topic for a discussion, hit us up at Sergeant_RescueTng@outlook.com or click the contact link on our webpage at www.SergeantRescue.com.

Episode 35 - Venom & Voices

Venom and Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Ben AboIn this thrilling and insightful episode, we’re joined by the legendary Dr. Ben Abo — emergency physician, medical toxinologist, and venomous animal expert. We dive deep into the world of envenomation's, snakebite medicine, and the vital role of medical voice and advocacy in wilderness and austere environments.From his frontline experiences with venomous creatures to his work shaping national protocols and wilderness medicine education, Dr. Abo brings a unique blend of science, stories, and soul. Whether you're an EMS provider, SAR medic, or simply a curious mind, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways and unforgettable moments.🩺 Topics include:Common myths and truths about snakebitesBest practices in prehospital envenomation managementThe reality of venomous species in the U.S.Building better communication between field responders and toxicologistsWhy advocacy and education are critical to saving livesStrap in — it’s an episode that bites back (in the best way).Hosts: Jason "Big J" Tartalone & Jeff KwiecienGuests:  Dr. Ben Abo  - Venom 1 & 2 FloridaIf you have comments you would like to share or a topic for a discussion, hit us up at Sergeant_RescueTng@outlook.com or click the contact link on our webpage at www.SergeantRescue.com

Episode 34 - SAR Management Principles

Episode Title: “The Principles of Search: Art, Urgency, and Strategy in SAR”When a person goes missing, time is critical—and so is the strategy. In this episode, we break down seven foundational truths that every Search and Rescue professional, volunteer, or agency must understand to be effective in the field. From treating search as a true emergency to knowing when (and when not) to deploy a grid search, we explore the mindset, tactics, and priorities that drive successful outcomes.We'll cover:Why search is always an emergencyHow every mission is a classic mystery in need of critical thinkingThe importance of searching for clues and the subject simultaneouslyWhat to prioritize for the best chance of successHow to recognize if the subject has left the areaThe correct order of search prioritiesWhy a grid search should be your last resortWhether you're a seasoned SAR operator or just getting involved, this episode lays out the core principles that separate a chaotic effort from a calculated, life-saving mission.Hosts: Jason "Big J" TartaloneIf you have comments you would like to share or a topic for a discussion, hit us up at Sergeant_RescueTng@outlook.com or click the contact link on our webpage at www.SergeantRescue.com.