The Critical Care Commute Podcast

Critical Care Commute
  • 4.6 (7)
  • Medicine

The Critical Care Commute Podcast is grateful for your ears, insights and feedback. In return its hosts- Peter Brindley and Leon Byker, two ICU doctors in Alberta, Canada- offer up knowledge and debate with some of the most qualified, interesting, enlightened and provocative folks in Critical Care Medicine, and beyond. We strive to keep it practical and concise. Like you, our overriding goal is to get better, do better and feel better.

  1. Staying Safe with Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers - Practical Skills with Sonja Hoag, RN, CNE and Podcast Host.

    6d ago ·  Bonus

    Staying Safe with Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers - Practical Skills with Sonja Hoag, RN, CNE and Podcast Host.

    In this episode, we're joined by Sonja, RN, Nurse Educator, and host of the Sedation Vacation Radio podcast. (Full disclosure: we're big fans, so we might be just a little biased!) Sonja shares practical, real-world advice on infection prevention and control, from getting PPE right to safely managing patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fevers. Along the way, we explore what it takes to prepare healthcare teams and systems for these high-consequence situations, with plenty of practical tips and lessons you can apply in your own workplace. Key topics Infection control procedures for viral hemorrhagic fever PPE donning and doffing protocols with step-by-step guidance System-level response and isolation procedures for high-risk infectious cases Role of medical officers and rapid response teams in outbreak management Waste disposal and sample handling for contagious diseases Aerosol-generating medical procedures and precautions Takeaways: Proper PPE donning and doffing is critical to prevent self-contamination. Clear protocols and checklists improve safety during high-risk procedures. System-level planning includes designated isolation units and inter-agency communication. Understanding the difference between contact, droplet, and airborne precautions is essential. Links of Interest: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/ebola/border-measures.htmlPractical PPE: Coverall PPE (this is the PPE that anyone going into the room and doing patient care or assessments will be wearing) https://youtu.be/ADosrKxfsNIBuddy PPE (this is the PPE that is worn by those who assist with Coverall doffing and other tasks) https://youtu.be/RaNwdvSyrb4Coverall and Buddy Doffing https://youtu.be/EjVoXmRNzWcSedation Vacation Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/15P4tJ7uW17u41bm3V7CEf?si=1ua7uXu-Sa6nQGrkur0Gow

    24 min
  2. Ebola!

    Jun 16

    Ebola!

    Join us on this episode as we discuss Ebola Disease with Dr Rob Fowler, critical Care Physician, Researcher and Scientist. As a physician who experienced working with patients with Ebola Disease, there is no better person to discuss this hot topic. Key Topics Ebola virus strains and outbreaksDiagnostic testing and laboratory protocolsTherapeutic developments and clinical trialsSupportive care principles in Ebola treatmentInfection prevention and PPE in outbreak settingsCase fatality rates and clinical outcomesVirus immune evasion mechanismsPublic health response and outbreak management. Further reading and important links: WHO Supportive Care Guidelines (2026 – coming soon) https://www.magicevidence.org/WHO Specific Therapeutic Guidelines (not Bundibugyo species specific) (2022) http://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240055742WHO Ebola and Marburg virus IPC Guidelines (2026) https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240111332

    33 min
  3. Hantavirus Infection: From Rodents to Cruise Ships and ICU.

    May 26

    Hantavirus Infection: From Rodents to Cruise Ships and ICU.

    This episode features Professor Wendy Sligl discussing hantaviruses, their transmission, clinical presentation, public health response, and prevention strategies. Aimed at healthcare professionals and public health officials, it provides critical insights into managing outbreaks and understanding zoonotic diseases. Key Topics: Hantavirus family and strains Transmission routes and human-to-human spread Clinical presentation and severity spectrum Public health response and quarantine protocols Prevention and protective measures

    25 min
  4. Intubate at the Roadside? A.I Modelling that Could Save Lives, Money and Justify Resources.

    May 12

    Intubate at the Roadside? A.I Modelling that Could Save Lives, Money and Justify Resources.

    From Intubation Dilemmas to Data-Driven Decisions: Cutting-Edge Research in Pre-Hospital Trauma Care. In this episode, we explore a study that leverages machine learning and causal modeling to improve pre-hospital trauma interventions, specifically endotracheal intubation. Experts Amy Nelson and Julian Thompson discuss how innovative data analysis can inform real-time decision-making, enhance patient outcomes, and optimize resource allocation in emergency settings. Main Topics: The long-standing debate over early pre-hospital intubation and its survival benefitsMethodological advances using machine learning and causal inference in emergency researchHow predictive models can support clinicians at the roadside and future directions for trauma careThe significance of integrating AI tools into clinical judgment without replacing human expertiseCost-effectiveness and system-wide implications of adopting data-driven protocols in trauma systems

    27 min
  5. Dr Craig Spencer: I Went to an Anti Vax Conference, So Should You!

    Apr 28

    Dr Craig Spencer: I Went to an Anti Vax Conference, So Should You!

    In this in-depth interview, Dr. Craig Spencer discusses the anti-vaccine movement, its community dynamics, historical context, and how healthcare professionals can engage effectively. The conversation explores the psychology behind vaccine hesitancy, community engagement strategies, and the importance of understanding different perspectives. Further Reading: https://www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/childrens-health-defense-conference-pro-vaccine-doctor/ Craig Spencer, MD, MPH | Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies | Brown University

    34 min
  6. Antibiotic Stewardship: IV Amoxiclav with Dr George Zhanel

    Apr 17

    Antibiotic Stewardship: IV Amoxiclav with Dr George Zhanel

    In this episode, made possible through an educational grant from Sandoz Canada, Dr. George Zhanel discusses the latest developments in antimicrobial stewardship, focusing on IV Amox Clav, its clinical applications, safety profile, and the Canadian Leadership on Antimicrobial Real-Life Usage Registry (CLEAR). Gain insights into optimizing antibiotic use and future prospects in antimicrobial development. Key Topics: IV Amox Clav clinical applicationsCanadian Leadership on Antimicrobial Usage Registry (CLEAR)Antibiotic stewardship strategiesFuture developments in antimicrobial agents Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility 01:47 Introduction of Dr. George Zhanel and his background 02:41 The journey into IV Amox Clav and its significance 03:21 Overview of the CLEAR registry and its purpose 06:18 Findings from the CLEAR study on IV Amox Clav usage 07:57 Clinical indications and safety profile of IV Amox Clav 10:58 De-escalation and appropriate use of IV Amox Clav 12:34 Use in bacteremia and various infections 13:35 Side effects and safety data of IV Amox Clav 15:02 Dosing strategies and renal adjustments 17:29 Beta-lactamase inhibitors and future antimicrobial development 20:16 Future prospects for new antibiotics in Canada 23:13 Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA) and involvement 25:53 Case examples and clinical decision-making in pneumonia and skin infections 31:09 Closing remarks and appreciation for the audience Resources: Canadian Leadership on Antimicrobial Real-Life Usage Registry (CLEAR) - https://www.clearregistry.ca Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA) - https://www.cara.ca Meropenem Vaborbactam - https://www.meropenem.com Ceftazidime-Avibactam - https://www.ceftazidime-avibactam.com Guest Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-zhanel Twitter - https://twitter.com/GeorgeZhanel

    32 min
  7. Meningitis: Implications for Critical Care

    Apr 3 ·  Bonus

    Meningitis: Implications for Critical Care

    Young lives have sadly been lost in the 2026 Kent meningitis outbreak. An “unprecedented” cluster centred on the University of Kent, linked to a Canterbury nightclub, and rapidly spreading through student halls and social mixing. In this timely and hard-hitting podcast episode, Jonny is joined by Intensivists Martin Beed, Peter Brindley (authors of the new primer on infectious meningitis and encephalitis in the Journal of the Intensive Care Society), and Andrew Conway-Morris. They explore the UK government’s targeted MenB vaccination program for university students and affected schools, the critical importance of early clinical suspicion and prompt antibiotic administration, transmission risks in nightclubs and social settings (including behaviors like vaping), and lessons from past UK and global outbreaks. The discussion also covers practical public education, healthcare worker resources including useful infographics. The discussion stresses the need for high vigilance, rapid treatment, vaccination where appropriate, and support for public and family mental health during outbreaks. Packed with actionable clinical guidance and real-world takeaways, this episode is essential listening for healthcare professionals, students, parents, and anyone wanting to understand how to spot, treat, and prevent this devastating disease.

    51 min
  8. Dose VF: Defibrillation Done Right! With Prof. Sheldon Cheskes

    Mar 25

    Dose VF: Defibrillation Done Right! With Prof. Sheldon Cheskes

    This episode features Sheldon Cheskes discussing advanced defibrillation techniques, including double sequential defibrillation, vector change, and the importance of early intervention in refractory VF. Gain insights into recent trials, practical protocols, and the impact on neurological outcomes. Key topics Double sequential defibrillation (DSD)Vector change and pad positioning in defibrillationTiming and dosing of medications in VFImpact of early intervention on neurological outcomesRecent clinical trials: Dose VF and EpiDose Further Reading: Defibrillation Strategies for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Critical Care Commute Podcast is grateful for your ears, insights and feedback. In return its hosts- Peter Brindley and Leon Byker, two ICU doctors in Alberta, Canada- offer up knowledge and debate with some of the most qualified, interesting, enlightened and provocative folks in Critical Care Medicine, and beyond. We strive to keep it practical and concise. Like you, our overriding goal is to get better, do better and feel better.

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