Prolonged Field Care Podcast

Dennis
  • 4.9 (63)
  • Education

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/subscribe This podcast and website is dedicated to the healthcare professional who needs to provide high quality care in a very austere location. For more content: www.prolongedfieldcare.org Consider supporting us on: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective

  1. S Ketamine Mastery in Austere Care: S-Ketamine Dosing, Tricks, and TCCC Updates

    1d ago

    S Ketamine Mastery in Austere Care: S-Ketamine Dosing, Tricks, and TCCC Updates

    S-Ketamine is now part of the TCCC pharmacopeia; you'd better understand how to use it. Dennis sits down with Pat — a veteran military anesthetist, former Danish Special Operations medical leader, and decades-long ketamine expert — for a deep dive into S-Ketamine. From its development and real-world use in austere environments (including Afghan war wounded and British Field Hospital MERT ops) to practical dosing, side effect management, and why it outperforms morphine in many trauma scenarios, this conversation delivers battle-tested wisdom for medics, PAs, nurses, and SOF operators. Pat shares hands-on lessons from hospital, military, and austere settings: achieving the "thousand-yard stare," managing emergence phenomena, combining with regional anesthesia, IM/IN/rectal routes, and why ketamine shines for hemodynamically unstable patients, refractory asthma, and more. They also discuss training pitfalls, the value of hands-on experience (including vet collaboration ideas), and cultural differences in patient responses. Key Takeaways: S-Ketamine is roughly twice as potent as racemic ketamine — use ~half the dose, but expect the same onset, duration, and side-effect profile (with potentially milder psych effects at mid-doses). Excellent for analgesia and procedural sedation in austere settings; superior hemodynamic stability compared to opioids in hypovolemic trauma patients. S-Ketamine is now included in the 2026 TCCC updates — critical knowledge for every combat medic and austere provider. Practical tips: titrate slowly IV, watch for nystagmus/thousand-yard stare, prepare for emergence with low-dose midazolam + patience, consider regional blocks to reduce opioid needs. Training emphasis: objective endpoints, patient monitoring, planning for side effects, and real-world experience over rote memorization. Whether you're running a prolonged field care scenario, managing a screaming femur fracture, or preparing for the next deployment, this episode arms you with actionable strategies. Subscribe, share with your team, and visit prolongedfieldcare.org for free resources, downloads, and more. PFC Coffee links in the description — fuel for the fight. #ProlongedFieldCare #Ketamine #AustereMedicine #TCCC #SOFMedicine Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Sponsors + Guest Welcome (Pat’s Background) 03:30 S-Ketamine vs Racemic Ketamine: Potency, Dosing, and Myths 08:45 Early Experiences – Afghan War Wounded & Mass Casualty Ketamine Sedation 14:20 Sedation Technique: Thousand-Yard Stare, Nystagmus, Airway Management, Atropine 20:10 Emergence Phenomena, Cultural Differences, and Midazolam Management 25:50 Battlefield Analgesia – Ketamine Superiority Over Morphine (Bastion Study) 30:40 Dosing Strategies: IV Titration, IM/IN/Rectal Routes, Bioavailability 37:15 Training Realities – Avoiding the “Middle Zone,” Objective Endpoints, Vet Collaboration 43:30 Regional Anesthesia + Ketamine Synergy (Chester Buckenmaier Influence) 47:20 Special Populations: Kids, Hemodynamically Unstable, Asthma, Head Trauma, Seizures 53:10 Practical Tips for New Providers, Mission Planning, and Austere Pearls 58:40 Closing Thoughts & Resources For more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠⁠

    51 min
  2. PFC Podcast 285: Adapt or Die - How Ukraine is Rewriting Combat Medicine

    4d ago

    PFC Podcast 285: Adapt or Die - How Ukraine is Rewriting Combat Medicine

    In this powerful episode of the Prolonged Field Care Podcast, Dennis sits down with Viktoriia, Chief Medical Officer, responsible for medical care across more than 150 kilometers of active front line. A former OB/GYN who served as a combat medic in 2014–2015 and later on Medevac, Viktoriia shares the raw, real-time evolution of Ukrainian military medicine from outdated Soviet-era training to a battle-hardened system built for drone-saturated battlefields, prolonged evacuations, and extreme resource constraints. They dive deep into how Ukraine rapidly expanded medic scope of practice, trained every infantryman to Combat Lifesaver (CLS) level, pushed aggressive hypothermia management, and achieved a groundbreaking policy change allowing combat medics to deliver low-titer group O whole blood and dry plasma at the point of injury after a specialized 32-hour course. This podcast was recorded in partnership with Leleka Foundation, an American-Ukrainian charitable initiative committed to helping frontline medics in Ukraine save lives. This project creates a vital platform for Ukrainian frontline medics to share firsthand trauma care experience from the battlefield with their American counterparts, strengthening knowledge exchange. Key Takeaways: Train everyone to CLS level — it’s the only scalable solution to medic shortages and the targeting of medical personnel.“Prolonged Field Care under fire” is the new reality: limited interventions, maximum security, and ruthless prioritization because the battlefield is completely transparent.Aggressive hypothermia management and intraosseous access have become frontline skills for regular infantry due to hours-to-weeks-long evacuations in freezing trenches.Decision-making under fire is the most critical (and trainable) skill — technical abilities mean nothing without the judgment of when to act.Other militaries should stop preparing for the last war. Use Ukraine’s “lessons identified” now, while you still have time to adapt training proactively.Whether you’re a combat medic, unit leader, medical educator, or just obsessed with what actually works when everything goes wrong, this episode delivers hard-won wisdom you won’t find in any textbook. Chapters 00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to Viktoriia Kovach, Chief Medical Officer02:03 — The Core Lesson of the War: Radical Adaptability to Save Lives03:11 — Pre-2014 Medical Training: Soviet-Era Foundations & “Grandfather’s Bandages”06:36 — The 2014 Shift: NATO Cross-Training Lands in Ukraine09:38 — Expanding Medic Scope of Practice: Blood, IO Access & Advanced Interventions11:14 — The Modern Training Pipeline: 55-Day Basic General Military Training + Adaptive Period16:01 — Combat Lifesaver (CLS) for Every Infantryman — The Scalable Solution19:39 — Solving the Combat Medic Shortage: Positioning, Internal Instructors & CLS Emphasis23:52 — Drone Warfare Reality: Training Rapid Decision-Making Under Constant Aerial Threat29:07 — Prolonged Field Care Under Fire: Hypothermia Priority, Wound Care & Limited Interventions31:49 — The Blood Transfusion Revolution: 32-Hour Course, Low-Titer O Whole Blood & Dry Plasma36:23 — Lessons Identified: Advice for Commanders Preparing for the Next War39:39 — Closing & ResourcesFor more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠

    40 min
  3. PFC Podcast: Silent Brain Killer - SpO2 Goals, Airway Triggers & Saving Lives When Oxygen Is Scarce

    Jun 25

    PFC Podcast: Silent Brain Killer - SpO2 Goals, Airway Triggers & Saving Lives When Oxygen Is Scarce

    In this episode of the Prolonged Field Care Podcast, Dennis sits down with Jeff to tackle one of the most time-sensitive and under-appreciated threats in tactical and austere medicine: anoxic brain injury. They break down exactly what it is, how fast it can progress from unnoticed hypoxia to devastating outcomes, and why the MARCH algorithm plus aggressive prevention of secondary injury are your most powerful tools when oxygen and resources are limited. Key Takeaways: Anoxic brain injury exists on a spectrum — brief drops in SpO2 can cause real damage, and recovery (when it happens) can take days, weeks, months, or even years of rehab.The landmark Arizona pre-post TBI study showed hypoxia and hypotension each increase mortality 2–3×; combined they increase it 5–6×. Updated analysis reveals harm begins at SpO2 96–97%. In the field resuscitation phase, the goal is 100% whenever possible.Prevention starts with MARCH: control hemorrhage first (no blood = no oxygen delivery), then airway and breathing. Give whatever oxygen you have — even 1 L/min is better than nothing. Keep patients warm to avoid coagulopathy.Airway escalation trigger: consistent SpO2 94% despite maximal non-invasive oxygen → move to supraglottic or definitive airway based on your proficiency, scenario, and time to definitive care. In tactical environments, the fastest reliable airway often beats the “gold standard.”Once anoxic injury is suspected, focus shifts entirely to preventing secondary and tertiary brain injury: avoid re-hypoxia, hypotension, hyperthermia, hypoglycemia, pain/agitation (which raises ICP and oxygen demand), and seizures.Resuscitation targets: SBP 120–140 mmHg (or MAP 65–85) — avoid the U-shaped mortality curve on both ends. ETCO2/PaCO2 35–45 mmHg. Normoglycemia and normothermia (avoid fever). Consider higher sodium for cerebral edema under neurocritical care guidance.Basics win: Even non-medics can save brains by controlling bleeding, positioning airways, and keeping patients warm. Time will tell on recovery — keep working at it.Whether you’re a combat medic, flight medic, wilderness provider, or anyone operating in resource-limited environments, this episode delivers practical, evidence-based strategies to protect the brain when every molecule of oxygen counts. Check out free resources and downloads at www.prolongedfieldcare.org. Grab a bag of fresh-roasted PFC coffee (link in the description) and stay on the bleeding edge of combat and austere medicine. Podcast Chapters (approximate timestamps) 00:00 — Introduction & What Is Anoxic Brain Injury?03:15 — The Spectrum of Anoxic Injury & Recovery Potential07:00 — Prevention: MARCH Algorithm & Limited Resource Strategies11:45 — The Arizona TBI Study: Why Hypoxia & Hypotension Are So Deadly16:30 — SpO2 Targets: 100% Goal & When Harm Really Begins21:00 — Airway Decision-Making: Triggers, Escalation & Skill-Based Choices26:30 — When Anoxia Has Occurred: Shifting to Secondary Injury Prevention31:15 — Resuscitation Targets: BP, MAP, ETCO2 & Avoiding the U-Shaped Curve35:45 — Neuroprotection Extras: Pain, Agitation, Seizures, Glucose & Temperature40:00 — Key Takeaways: Basics Save Brains (Even for Non-Medics) For more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠

    32 min
  4. PFC Podcast 284: Pediatric Trauma in Denied Environments

    Jun 22

    PFC Podcast 284: Pediatric Trauma in Denied Environments

    In this episode of the Prolonged Field Care Podcast, Dennis sits down with Dr. Mike Falk — pediatric ICU physician with multiple deployments to Iraq, Gaza, and Ukraine — for a raw, practical, deep dive into pediatric care when you’re the only asset and evacuation is denied. Most combat medics carry 99% adult gear. Kids still show up. Dr. Falk breaks down the absolute minimalist kit that actually works in austere and combat environments: canine tourniquets for toddlers, the single blue IO you really need, simplified airway choices, push-pull resuscitation with a syringe and stopcock, and a field-expedient needle cric setup. Then he walks through three real cases that expose the brutal decision-making required in prolonged field care: A 4-year-old pulled from rubble with a head injury who decompensates from rising ICPAn 8-year-old with a penetrating chest wound and tension pneumothorax at the thoracoabdominal junctionA 4-year-old with an infected blast wound fracture who develops septic shock days later in a denied environmentYou’ll learn weight-based dosing that actually works in the field, why kids decompensate differently, how to mix and run an epinephrine drip with limited supplies, the realities of black-tagging children in mass casualty events, and why these cases stay with providers long after the mission. Key Takeaways: The truly minimalist pediatric kit that won’t break your weight limitPractical field management of rising ICP when you have no CT or neurosurgeryPush-pull volume resuscitation and epinephrine drip mixing for pediatric shockWhy penetrating trauma at the 6th–7th rib level is often thoracoabdominalThe emotional and ethical weight of black-tagging kids — and why you must train itMalnutrition’s hidden impact on wound healing and sepsis in prolonged scenarios Chapters 00:00 - Welcome & Why Most Medics Are Unprepared for Pediatric Patients 00:57 - The Bare Essential Pediatric Combat Medic Bag 02:25 - Canine Tourniquet for Under-2s & Minimalist Hemorrhage Control 02:25 - Vascular Access: Why the Blue IO is Usually All You Need 03:22 - Simplified Airway: OPAs, NPAs & i-gel Sizes That Actually Matter 03:22 - ET Tubes: Why Only 4.0, 5.0 & 6.0 Cuffed Are Necessary 04:24 - Push-Pull Resuscitation Technique (Syringe + Stopcock) 04:56 - Needle Cricothyrotomy Setup & Critical I:E Ratio Warning 07:09 - Case 1 Begins: 4-Year-Old Blast Victim Pulled from Rubble 08:47 - Initial Assessment, C-Spine Considerations in Kids & Access 12:16 - GCS 11, Pain Control & Why Fluids Make Sense Early 14:17 - Hours Later: Decompensation & Rising ICP 18:17 - Positioning, Hypertonic Saline Dosing (5 mL/kg) & Decision to Intubate 23:13 - Ketamine-Only Intubation, Permissive Hyperventilation & Realities 27:51 - The Emotional Toll: Black Tagging Kids in MCI 29:44 - Case 2: 8-Year-Old with Right Chest GSW & Tension Pneumothorax 31:36 - Chest Seal + Needle Decompression (Anterior Approach Preference) 34:23 - Blood Resuscitation (10 mL/kg) & Why Location Matters (Diaphragm Level) 40:20 - Case 3: 4-Year-Old with Infected Blast Wound Fracture – Septic Shock 42:51 - Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics & Source Control in Denied Environments 45:26 - Push-Pull Boluses, Epinephrine Drip Mixing & Permissive Hypotension 51:09 - Malnutrition’s Impact on Healing & Infection in Prolonged Care 56:49 - Final Lessons: Training Black Tags, Calling for Help & Provider PTSD 57:32 - Outro & Where to Find More PFC Content For more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠

    58 min
  5. PFC Podcast: TXA - 2g Slam and other myths busted

    Jun 18

    PFC Podcast: TXA - 2g Slam and other myths busted

    In this deep-dive episode of the Prolonged Field Care Podcast, Dennis sits down with trauma and critical care surgeon Dr. John McClellan ( University of North Carolina) to cut through the noise on tranexamic acid (TXA) in trauma. They cover the mechanism, who actually needs it, why the dosing shifted from 1g + drip to 2g upfront, pre-hospital decision-making when bleeding is controlled, redosing in ongoing hemorrhage, IM/IO options, seizure and hypotension concerns, the critical 3-hour window, and practical advice for the medic who is truly alone and afraid. Whether you’re a combat medic, flight medic, or trauma provider, this conversation delivers actionable clarity on one of the most studied — and sometimes misunderstood — tools in hemorrhagic shock resuscitation. Key Takeaways: TXA is a lysine analog that reversibly (and at higher doses irreversibly) binds plasminogen, preventing its conversion to plasmin and stabilizing clots. It is one of the most evidence-backed hemorrhage adjuncts available.The ideal candidate is any patient you suspect will trigger (or has triggered) a massive transfusion protocol — not just obvious amputations. Err on the side of giving it early in pre-hospital/austere settings to avoid missing occult bleeding.Modern trauma practice favors 2g IV push upfront over the older CRASH-2 regimen of 1g bolus + 8-hour drip because traumatic bleeding is an acute event that needs rapid high plasma levels. The 8-hour drip was designed for elective surgical cases with ongoing bleeding over hours.Overall safety is excellent. Large meta-analyses have not shown a clear increase in thrombotic events attributable to TXA. The bigger practical risks are seizures with doses significantly above 2g and accidental double-dosing due to poor handoff between pre-hospital and hospital teams.Transient hypotension can occur with rapid push, but causality is murky — it is often impossible to separate from the patient’s underlying shock state.Redosing is reasonable (another 1–2g) if significant re-bleeding causes hemodynamic instability. Roughly 25% of active TXA can be lost in major hemorrhage/transfusion models.Give TXA within 3 hours of injury for maximum benefit. After 3 hours efficacy drops sharply and some data suggest potential increased bleeding risk.For the solo medic: Preload if your protocol allows. Make TXA automatic once you have access (alongside calcium and blood products). Prioritize rapid transport. TCCC supports IM if no IV/IO is possible, though delivering the full 2g volume can be challenging.Documentation and clear handoff are non-negotiable when pre-hospital TXA is given.Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Podcast Disclaimer00:25 – Guest Introduction: Dr. John McClellan, Trauma Surgeon01:52 – What is TXA and How Does It Actually Work?03:28 – Who Should Get TXA? The Massive Transfusion Patient04:16 – Pre-Hospital TXA: Bleed Control First or TXA First?07:06 – Safety Concerns: Thrombosis, Seizures & Double Dosing Risks09:54 – Dosing Evolution: CRASH-2, 1g + Drip vs 2g Push in Trauma13:33 – Does TXA Cause Hypotension? Unpacking the Evidence19:12 – IO & IM TXA: Practical Routes When IV Access Is Tough21:46 – Redosing TXA in Ongoing Bleeding or Transport29:37 – Advice for the Medic Who Is Truly “Alone and Afraid”32:21 – The 3-Hour Rule: Why Timing Matters and What Happens After34:14 – Final Thoughts & Practical Takeaways from Dr. McClellan For more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠⁠

    35 min
  6. PFC Podcast 283: Underground Manufacturing - Ukraine’s Shadow Factories Saving Lives

    Jun 15

    PFC Podcast 283: Underground Manufacturing - Ukraine’s Shadow Factories Saving Lives

    In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis sits down with David Plaster — former U.S. Army combat nurse, medic, and 68 Delta who has lived and worked in Ukraine since 2012, long before the full-scale invasion. David pulls back the curtain on one of the most remarkable stories in modern tactical medicine: how Ukraine built resilient, dispersed, underground manufacturing networks for hemostatic gauze and tourniquets when conventional supply chains collapsed or became targets. From the very first improvised IFACs in 2014 (duct-tape chest seals and all) to scaling production of Krovin Goss / Hemostat gauze at roughly $1 per meter and developing a functional “cat-style” tourniquet that Ukrainian and U.S. SOF tested and trusted, David shares the real mechanics of wartime medical logistics. He explains pre-planned basement factories, compartmentalized production across multiple hidden sites, the shift from volunteers to paid war widows and veterans’ families, rigorous quality control, and the constant fight against opportunists, “carpet baggers,” and adversarial intelligence collection. This is far more than a war story — it’s a masterclass in austere medical manufacturing, supply-chain resilience, and why training and knowledge will always outperform gear alone. Key Takeaways: Pre-war planning and deep personal networks (built years earlier) are the real force multipliers when supply chains get bombed or corrupted.Highly motivated local workforces — especially people with direct skin in the game (war widows, veterans’ families) — can deliver exceptional quality and output even in dispersed, low-tech underground conditions.Dramatic cost advantages ($1/m hemostatic gauze vs. $10+ imported) free up resources to buy more of everything else and keep production sustainable.Dispersed, multi-site manufacturing with compartmentalized components dramatically increases survivability and operational security.Functional analogs that are properly tested (double-blind SOF trials included) can serve as effective bridges when premium Western gear is unavailable or too expensive.The biggest failure point in tactical medicine is almost never the gear — it’s implementation and mastery of the basics by everyone, not just medics. Tourniquet application, conversion/repositioning, and preventive medicine thinking belong at the squad-leader level.Medics must operate as advisors and educators. Command emphasis on these skills across the force (not just in the aid bag) is what actually moves the needle on survival. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & David Plaster’s Background (U.S. Army combat nurse in Ukraine since 2012)02:30 – Early Days: 2014 Improvisation, First IFACs, and the Complete Absence of Western TCCC06:00 – The Krovin Goss / Hemostat Gauze Story: Chemistry, Corruption, and the Pivot Underground11:30 – Going Underground: Pre-Planned Basements, Plan B/C/D, and Dispersed Manufacturing Strategy16:00 – Why the Tourniquet Project Started: Fake Chinese Gear, Expensive CATs, and Local Demand23:30 – The Manufacturing Model: Volunteers to Paid Staff, War-Affected Workers, and Quality Control27:00 – Security Realities: Protecting Sites from “Carpet Baggers,” Visitors, and Adversarial Interest30:00 – Bigger Lessons: Training Failures, ASM/Tourniquet Conversion Changes, and Why Knowledge > Gear36:00 – Preventive Medicine Mindset, Medics as Advisors, and Building Systems That Actually Work For more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠⁠

    52 min
  7. PFC Podcast: Velocity Kills - Wound Ballistics, Shotguns & Unpredictable Trauma in Prolonged Field Care

    Jun 11

    PFC Podcast: Velocity Kills - Wound Ballistics, Shotguns & Unpredictable Trauma in Prolonged Field Care

    In this episode of the Prolonged Field Care Podcast, Dennis sits down with trauma surgeon Mark Shapiro for a no-BS masterclass on wound ballistics. They break down why understanding the physics of penetrating and blast trauma matters in austere and combat environments — even when experience makes you cynical. From high-velocity rifle rounds and their massive temporary cavities to the infectious nightmare of shotgun wounds and the four phases of blast injury, Mark shares hard-won lessons from civilian Level I trauma centers and years training special operations medics and ground surgical teams. They tackle the myths around entry/exit wounds, when (and when not) to explore right upper quadrant gunshot wounds downrange, why you should almost never pack the abdomen or chest from the outside, how to assess neurovascular status in blast-injured extremities, and why bizarre bullet paths and “stable” patients with signs of life can still surprise you. Key Takeaways: Kinetic energy (½mv²) means velocity is king — high-velocity rifle rounds create devastating temporary cavities and fragmentation that can turn one projectile into many.Jacketed rounds still fragment at rifle speeds; never assume a clean through-and-through. Bone fragments act like secondary missiles and can create wounds up to 3x the size of the fragment.For stable patients with right upper quadrant GSWs in resource-limited settings, expectant management can be reasonable — but you must have a plan, know your limits, and be ready to move if things change.Never pack the abdomen or chest from the outside in most cases. It risks pushing debris deeper and worsening injuries. Cover exposed organs if needed, but don’t shove gauze into body cavities.Shotgun wounds (especially buckshot/birdshot) are “mobile IEDs” — massive tissue destruction, heavy debris inoculation, and extremely high risk of infection, fistula, and devascularized tissue requiring serial debridement.In extremity blast trauma, assess vascular status (pulses, Doppler signals, color, warmth, capillary refill) and neurologic function. The ~6-hour window to revascularization is critical, but the decision point comes earlier.Training + common sense + adaptability beat rigid protocols when resources are limited. Sometimes the best move is observation.Chapters 04:15 – Why Wound Ballistics Knowledge Still Matters (even when you’re cynical)08:30 – High-Energy Rifle Wounds: Muzzle Velocity, Kinetic Energy & Spitzer Bullets13:45 – Fragmentation, Tumbling & Secondary Missiles (bone shards & unpredictable paths)18:20 – Clinical Reality: Multiple Injuries & Why “Small Entrance, Big Exit” Is a Myth22:50 – Entry vs. Exit Wounds: When Trajectory Actually Matters (and when it doesn’t)26:40 – Right Upper Quadrant GSWs: Explore, Observe, or Expectant Management Downrange?31:10 – The Dangers of Packing Abdominal & Chest Wounds from the Outside34:55 – Low-Energy Pistol Wounds: How They Differ (or Don’t) from Rifles37:20 – Shotgun Wounds: Close-Range Carnage, Debris & Infectious Nightmares42:40 – IEDs & Modern Explosives: Blast Physics, Ukraine Patterns & Hard-Ground Effects48:15 – Primary, Secondary, Tertiary & Quaternary Blast Injuries Explained52:30 – Neurovascular Assessment in Blast-Injured Extremities (Conscious & Unconscious Patients)56:45 – Lessons from the Trauma Bay: Common Sense, Training & Knowing When to Deviate from ProtocolFor more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠

    58 min
  8. PFC Podcast 282: Blast Lung - Expert Tactics for Blast Lung Injury in Prolonged Field Care

    Jun 8

    PFC Podcast 282: Blast Lung - Expert Tactics for Blast Lung Injury in Prolonged Field Care

    In this high-signal PFC Podcast episode, Dennis sits down with Dr. John Wightman — former 24th Special Operations Wing Surgeon, emergency physician, and one of the world’s leading experts on blast injuries. Drawing from decades of clinical, combat, and academic experience (including co-authoring a seminal paper on blast injuries just before 9/11 and multiple combat deployments), Dr. Wightman breaks down the unique pathophysiology, recognition, and prolonged field care management of blast lung injury — the often-hidden threat that can kill even when penetrating trauma doesn’t. From the physics of the supersonic pressure wave to practical field decisions on tension pneumothorax, ventilation strategies, fluid management, and avoiding air embolism, this is essential listening for medics, operators, and anyone preparing for large-scale combat operations, urban warfare, or confined-space blasts. Key Takeaways: Primary blast lung injury is caused by the blast wave itself — not fragments or being thrown — and creates unique pulmonary contusions, air leaks, and arterial air emboli risks.Most significant blast lung develops within the first 1–6 hours; subtle dyspnea on exertion can be an early warning.MARCH priorities still rule — aggressively rule out (or treat) tension pneumothorax, even bilaterally, before assuming blast lung.Positive pressure ventilation can worsen outcomes (especially air embolism risk) — use judiciously; CPAP or PEEP may be better bridges when possible.PAO₂/FiO₂ ratio (or SpO₂ on room air) helps stratify severity and predict need for advanced support.Tympanic membrane rupture proves blast exposure but is not required for blast lung.Fluid management must be careful — permissive hypotension may be dangerous in blast lung + shock.Don’t forget occult blast bowel injury — delayed perforation is real (up to 8 days).Whether you're running a team in Ukraine-style trench warfare, preparing for mass casualty events, or just want to stay on the bleeding edge of combat medicine, this episode delivers critical, actionable knowledge. Chapters: 00:43 - John Wightman Introduction: 32 Years as Air Force EM Physician & Blast Injury Expert02:54 - What Is Blast Lung? Defining Primary vs Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary & Collateral Injuries05:23 - The Physics of the Blast Wave: Overpressure, Stress Waves & Alveolar Damage09:50 - Pathophysiology: Pulmonary Contusion, Pneumothorax, Air Embolism & Traumatic Pseudocysts12:30 - Timelines: When Does Blast Lung Declare Itself? (Israeli & Combat Data)15:56 - Epidemiology: Confined Spaces, Buses, Buildings vs Open-Air Blasts23:12 - Field Diagnosis & MARCH Priorities — Tension Pneumothorax First28:30 - Advanced Assessment: P/F Ratio, Ultrasound Findings, SpO₂ Guidance35:55 - Ventilation Strategies: When to Intubate, CPAP/PEEP, Lung Protective Settings41:18 - Oxygenation Goals, Fluid Management & Permissive Hypotension Risks52:16 - Air Embolism Management & Patient Positioning56:12 - Other Critical Considerations: Blast Bowel Injury, TM Rupture, Resource Triage01:04:36 - Final Thoughts & Key Advice for Deploying MedicsFor more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠

    1h 6m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
63 Ratings

About

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/dennis3211/subscribe This podcast and website is dedicated to the healthcare professional who needs to provide high quality care in a very austere location. For more content: www.prolongedfieldcare.org Consider supporting us on: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective

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