EM Pulse Podcast™

UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine
  • 4.9 (94)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Bringing research and expert opinion to the bedside

  1. 5D AGO

    Time is Tissue

    Summer hikes and backyard play mean we’re bound to see a few snakebites in the ED—and getting the first steps right makes all the difference. In the first half of this 2 part series, Medical Toxicologist Dr. Jonathan Ford joins us to walk through the key steps in caring for patients with snake envenomations. We’ll walk through what to do (and not to do) in terms of pre-hospital care, how to triage and assess patients when they arrive in the ED, and how to decide which patients need antivenom. Dr. Ford reviews dosing strategies, monitoring, and key considerations for children, elderly, and pregnant patients. And we discuss practical guidance on supportive care, from pain control to wound management. By the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to provide effective, evidence-based care for your next snakebite patient. Have you had a patient with a serious or challenging envenomation?  How did you manage it? Share your story with us social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest: Dr. Jonathan Ford, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicologist at UC Davis Resources: Seifert SA, Armitage JO, Sanchez EE. Snake Envenomation. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jan 6;386(1):68-78. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra2105228. PMID: 34986287; PMCID: PMC9854269. **** Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

    37 min

  2. AUG 18

    Resus Update: Part 2

    In the second half of this two part episode, Dr. David Leon unpacks some of the most hotly debated topics in resuscitation—fluids, blood products, ECMO, and post-arrest care. He breaks down the pros and cons of crystalloids (yes, even the “pasta water” debate), explains why lactated Ringer’s is often preferred over normal saline, and dips into the use of albumin and colloids. Dr. Leon also discusses the promise and challenges of extracorporeal life support (ECLS), the evolving role of targeted temperature management (TTM), and even peeks into what advances the future might hold. It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation every resuscitationist should hear. What do you think of Dr. Leon’s tips? Are you using these tools in your practice? We’d love to hear from you. Share them with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest: Dr. David Leon, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesia at UC Davis Resources: American Heart Association (AHA) Algorithms Perman SM, Elmer J, Maciel CB, Uzendu A, May T, Mumma BE, Bartos JA, Rodriguez AJ, Kurz MC, Panchal AR, Rittenberger JC; American Heart Association. 2023 American Heart Association Focused Update on Adult Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2024 Jan 30;149(5):e254-e273. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001194. Epub 2023 Dec 18. PMID: 38108133. **** Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

    18 min

  3. AUG 7

    Resus Update: Part 1

    In this high-yield two part episode, we dive into the evolving world of resuscitation with Dr. David Leon, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesia at UC Davis. From the shift in priorities from ABC (Airway-Breathing-Circulation) to CAB (Circulation first) to the practical use of peripheral vasopressors and rapid infusion catheters, this episode breaks down how frontline ED care is adapting to sicker patients, longer ICU boarding times, and limited resources. Tune in for insights on advanced access strategies, pre-hospital blood products, and why old tools, like whole blood and vasopressin, are making a powerful comeback. What do you think of Dr. Leon’s tips? Are you using these tools in your practice? We’d love to hear from you. Share them with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest: Dr. David Leon, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesia at UC Davis Resources: American Heart Association (AHA) Algorithms Perman SM, Elmer J, Maciel CB, Uzendu A, May T, Mumma BE, Bartos JA, Rodriguez AJ, Kurz MC, Panchal AR, Rittenberger JC; American Heart Association. 2023 American Heart Association Focused Update on Adult Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2024 Jan 30;149(5):e254-e273. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001194. Epub 2023 Dec 18. PMID: 38108133. **** Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

    25 min

  4. JUL 23

    Acute Agitation

    We’re back with another episode of Push Dose Pearls with ED Clinical Pharacist, Haley Burhans! In this episode, we break down the essentials of managing agitation in the ED—starting with why you should avoid diphenhydramine in the elderly and benzodiazepines in the 3 D’s: drunk, delirium, and dementia. We discuss how to quickly assess the cause, choose the right medication, and decide between IM and IV routes. And Haley offers some key safety tips and considerations for special populations, including kids and the elderly.  Was this episode helpful? What other medications would you like to learn more about? Hit us up on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: Haley Burhans, PharmD, Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist at UC Davis Resources: ACEP’s New Clinical Policy on Severe Agitation. By Molly E.W. Thiessen, MD, FACEP | on February 12, 2024 Pediatric Education and Advocacy Kit (PEAK): Agitation Hoffmann JA, Pergjika A, Konicek CE, Reynolds SL. Pharmacologic Management of Acute Agitation in Youth in the Emergency Department. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2021 Aug 1;37(8):417-422. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000002510. PMID: 34397677; PMCID: PMC8383287. Gerson R, Malas N, Feuer V, Silver GH, Prasad R, Mroczkowski MM. Best Practices for Evaluation and Treatment of Agitated Children and Adolescents (BETA) in the Emergency Department: Consensus Statement of the American Association for Emergency Psychiatry. West J Emerg Med. 2019 Mar;20(2):409-418. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2019.1.41344. Epub 2019 Feb 19. Erratum in: West J Emerg Med. 2019 May;20(3):537. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2019.4.43550. Erratum in: West J Emerg Med. 2019 Jul;20(4):688-689. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2019.4.44160. PMID: 30881565; PMCID: PMC6404720.. **** Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

    21 min

  5. JUN 30

    Life Balance: an Inside Job

    In this episode, we welcome back Dr. John Rose as cohost for a conversation with Dr. Gary Tamkin—Emergency Physician and Vice President of Provider Development at US Acute Care Solutions. Together, they explore what it really takes to find happiness and fulfillment in the high-stakes world of emergency medicine. From the trap of the arrival fallacy to the pressure of always chasing the next milestone, Dr. Tamkin shares personal insights and practical strategies tailored to the unique challenges EM clinicians face. You’ll come away with two actionable tools to help build more meaning, balance, and joy—both on shift and off. What are your tips for avoiding burnout and finding balance? Share them with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guest Host: Dr. John Rose, Professor of Emergency Medicine and EMS Medical Director at UC Davis Guest: Dr. Gary Tamkin, Emergency Physician and Vice President of Provider Development and US Acute Care Solutions Resources: Podcast: 10% Happier with Dan Harris Podcast: Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam Transitions by William Bridges, PhD with Susan Bridges The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor **** Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

    26 min

  6. JUN 25

    Push Dose Pearls: Hypoglycemia

    Hypoglycemia can be subtle—or dangerously obvious—and knowing when and how to treat it is critical. In her first episode as our new Push Dose Pearls expert, Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist, Haley Burhans, joins us to break it down. We discuss glucose thresholds by age, when to draw critical labs, and how to choose the right treatment—whether it’s oral glucose, IV dextrose, or IM or intranasal glucagon. From neonates to older adults, Haley delivers practical, evidence-based pearls to help you manage low blood sugar safely and effectively in the ED. Was this episode helpful? What other medications would you like to learn more about? Hit us up on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: Haley Burhans, PharmD, Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist at UC Davis Resources: Gandhi K. Approach to hypoglycemia in infants and children. Transl Pediatr. 2017 Oct;6(4):408-420. doi: 10.21037/tp.2017.10.05. PMID: 29184821; PMCID: PMC5682370. Rickels MR, Ruedy KJ, Foster NC, Piché CA, Dulude H, Sherr JL, Tamborlane WV, Bethin KE, DiMeglio LA, Wadwa RP, Ahmann AJ, Haller MJ, Nathan BM, Marcovina SM, Rampakakis E, Meng L, Beck RW; T1D Exchange Intranasal Glucagon Investigators. Intranasal Glucagon for Treatment of Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover Noninferiority Study. Diabetes Care. 2016 Feb;39(2):264-70. doi: 10.2337/dc15-1498. Epub 2015 Dec 17. PMID: 26681725; PMCID: PMC4722945.. MD Calc GIR (Glucose Infusion Rate) Calculator **** Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

    22 min

  7. JUN 5

    Packing for the Unexpected

    Summer travel is in full swing and, for physicians, that means more than just packing swimsuits and sunscreen. In this episode of EM Pulse, we sit down with wilderness medicine expert, Dr. Mary Bing, to unpack the real-world essentials of travel medical kits. From duct tape and whistles to epinephrine and steroids, you’ll learn what to bring, how to tailor your supplies based on destination and group, and why your role as a physician—formal or not—comes with extra responsibilities. Whether you’re headed to the Alps or the backyard, this episode is your go-to guide for staying medically prepared on the move. Don’t just travel light—travel smart. What’s in your first aid kit? Hit us op on on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: Dr. Mary Bing, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Assistant EM Residency Program Director at UC Davis Resources: Surviving a Wilderness Emergency by Peter Kummerfeldt ACEP: First Aid Kit U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Traveling with medication ***  Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

    29 min

  8. MAY 17

    AI After Hours: Tools for medical educators and lifelong learners

    In this follow-up to our artificial intelligence in EM series, we’re diving into how AI can enhance your professional life outside of clinical shifts. Joined by Dr. Jaymin Patel—Assistant Residency Program Director and tech-savvy educator—we explore three practical AI tools that can streamline teaching, content creation, communication, and even how you consume literature on your commute. From ChatGPT to DALL·E to NotebookLM, we break down what each tool does, how to use it effectively, what pitfalls to avoid, and how even non-educators can leverage them. Tune in to learn how to use AI intentionally, efficiently, and ethically in your day-to-day professional life.  Are you using AI in your professional life? What’s your favorite tool? Share your experience with us on social media @empulsepodcast or connect with us on ucdavisem.com Hosts: Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Guests: Dr. Jaymin Patel, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Assistant EM Residency Program Director at UC Davis Resources: Nivritti Gajanan Patil, Nga Lok Kou, Daniel T. Baptista-Hon, Olivia Monteiro. Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: A Practical Guide for Educators. MedComm – Future MedicineVolume 4, Issue 2 e70018. First published: 02 April 2025 https://doi.org/10.1002/mef2.70018 ChatGPT DALL•E NotebookLM **** Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.

    19 min
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4.9
out of 5
94 Ratings

About

Bringing research and expert opinion to the bedside

Information

  • Creator
    UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    184
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 UC Davis Emergency Department
  • Show Website
    EM Pulse Podcast™

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