Episode 183 [Full] James Dahmer, Canadian Rescue Specialist Paramedic The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by James Dahmer, rescue medic. 
Dahmer shares his background and talks about how he got into search-and-rescue (SAR). He also recounts some of his most memorable rescues, including a fatal resuscitation in the Tantalus Range, and a rescue where he had to perform CPR on a longline. 
This conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of SAR work in treacherous mountain environments. They discuss various incidents and challenges Dahmer has faced in his many rescue roles. These stories include a flight to rescue a patient in cold weather, the use of intraosseous (IO) and intravenous (IV) access, preventing IV from freezing in extreme temperatures, a large dockyard fire, a severe half torso laceration, and a major concussion case. 
In this conversation, Dahmer shares his experiences and insights as a paramedic, hoist rescue specialist, ropes rescue technician, and ski patrol member. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and psychology of patients in pre-hospital medicine. Dahmer also discusses the challenges and creativity required in rope rescues and the physical demands of high-stress situations. He highlights the value of training and mentoring in the field, plus the need to pass on knowledge to the next generation and share stories in the SAR community. Enjoy!
 
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00:00 Introduction and Background
02:52 James' Journey into Search and Rescue
09:43 James' First Rescue
28:49 Resuscitation on a Long Line
33:19 Flight to the South
36:12 CPR Basics in Cold Weather
39:37 Intraosseous (IO) and IV Access
42:29 Preventing IV Freezing
46:32 Squamish Dockyard Fire
52:12 Half Torso Laceration
59:25 Major Concussion
01:01:50 Treating Hypothermia and Stroke Symptoms
01:04:07 Helicopter Rescue and Landing
01:05:27 Recovery and Gratitude
01:06:43 The Importance of Recognition
01:07:09 The Role of Mentors and Training
01:09:29 The Practice of Medicine and Trying New Techniques
01:11:59 Realistic Training and Pushing Boundaries
01:14:18 The Balancing Act of Risk and Rescue
01:15:30 The Limitations of Helicopter Rescue
01:19:22 Progressive Training and Building Skills
01:25:19 The Loneliness of Air Operations
01:27:22 The Speed and Efficiency of Helicopter Rescue
01:30:03 The Challenges of Helicopter Rescue in Canada
01:35:16 Triple Fatality at Shannon Falls
01:41:00 The Importance of Context and Psychology in Pre-hospital Medicine
01:43:18 The Challenges of Rope Rescue and the Need for Creativity
01:49:25 The Intensity and Physical Demands of High-Stress Rescues
01:56:40 The Value of Training and Mentoring
02:01:41 The Jelly Newton Piñata and the Importance of Sharing Stories
02:08:38 Train Your Replacement and Be a Genuine Mentor