EMS 20/20

599
Education #247Courses #11

EMS 20/20 is podcast hosted by two experienced Paramedics. Spencer Oliver and Christopher Pfingsten discuss real calls run by real responders and pull out the lessons you won't find in a text book. This podcast is aimed at Paramedic students, seasoned Paramedics looking to refresh, or any one interested in a deeper dive into pre-hospital health care.

Recent Episodes
  • Please Don't Take Me There
    Apr 10, 2024 – 02:18:20
  • It's Just My Arm... Promise.
    Mar 27, 2024 – 01:32:13
  • Quick! To The Bat Scanner!
    Mar 13, 2024 – 01:44:05
  • Put The Bunny Back
    Feb 28, 2024 – 01:37:27
  • Systemic Failure
    Feb 14, 2024 – 02:12:12
  • It's All About the Delivery
    Jan 31, 2024 – 01:36:34
  • Vaguely Non-Emergent?
    Jan 17, 2024 – 01:49:11
  • Pulling a Code Out of a H.A.T.
    Jan 3, 2024 – 01:52:05
  • That's Kenough Ketamine!
    Dec 21, 2023 – 01:36:27
  • Salmon Stabs Spaghetti
    Dec 6, 2023 – 01:43:06
  • Choosy Medics Choose STEMI
    Nov 22, 2023 – 01:48:58
  • A *Very* Sticky Case
    Nov 8, 2023 – 01:40:25
  • Railroading Rod
    Oct 25, 2023 – 02:55:53
  • You're Tearing Up My Heart
    Oct 11, 2023 – 02:16:30
  • Avoiding SeDEADtion
    Sep 27, 2023 – 01:31:10
  • 12.875 Kilometer
    Sep 13, 2023 – 01:42:36
  • MI Bleed?
    Aug 30, 2023 – 01:43:30
  • Who has the Baby!?
    Aug 16, 2023 – 02:02:13
  • You Can't Make Me!
    Aug 2, 2023 – 01:35:06
  • Methany and the Frog
    Jul 19, 2023 – 01:44:20
  • Hive-way to the Danger Zone
    Jul 5, 2023 – 01:31:11
  • Making a List... For Low SaO2
    Jun 21, 2023 – 01:55:58
  • Snapping Necks and Calling Helis
    Jun 7, 2023 – 01:34:30
  • The Legend of Vent Machina
    May 24, 2023 – 02:04:01
  • LetterSTEMI Problems
    May 10, 2023 – 01:34:09
  • Breaking Blood Vessels
    Apr 26, 2023 – 01:36:37
  • Seizure Victim Unit
    Apr 12, 2023 – 01:31:17
  • A-Hip-A
    Mar 29, 2023 – 01:41:42
  • Bad to the (T)Bone
    Mar 15, 2023 – 01:30:59
  • You Give Love... A Bad Name
    Mar 1, 2023 – 01:50:18
  • Concert Concern
    Feb 15, 2023 – 01:35:19
  • Pandammonia
    Feb 1, 2023 – 01:53:22
  • Pacing/Pressor Pressure
    Jan 18, 2023 – 01:41:38
  • The One Where Bad Stuff Happens
    Jan 4, 2023 – 01:22:09
  • This Call Bugs Me
    Dec 21, 2022 – 01:37:42
  • Teenage Heartbreak
    Dec 7, 2022 – 02:32:57
  • The Fallout of Fallot
    Nov 23, 2022 – 01:35:35
  • Type 1 For Doctor
    Nov 9, 2022 – 01:34:11
  • The Bourne Lift Assist
    Oct 26, 2022 – 01:54:47
  • G.I. Joe!
    Oct 12, 2022 – 01:31:15
  • Falling into Hypoglycemia
    Sep 28, 2022 – 01:45:04
  • What's in the Salad? (AMS)
    Sep 14, 2022 – 01:41:00
  • Severus Arterious!
    Sep 2, 2022 – 01:40:54
  • Drop It Like It's Hot
    Aug 17, 2022 – 01:42:36
  • The Request For Calcium Is Denied
    Aug 3, 2022 – 01:36:20
  • Bicycles and Minivans
    Jul 20, 2022 – 02:09:19
  • worst. chaser. ever.
    Jul 6, 2022 – 01:12:33
  • Fight and Flight
    Jun 22, 2022 – 01:37:50
  • Lawsagna
    Jun 8, 2022 – 02:22:53
  • Altered LOC Quest
    May 25, 2022 – 01:20:22
Recent Reviews
  • Craigschimetz
    Educational entertainment at it’s finest
    Learned a lot from these guys. They present information in a digestible, entertaining way. For those who grow irritable about tangents and swearing, you don’t sound like fun people to be around. There’s plenty of dry, informative, NPR style podcasts out there I’m sure you would love. What’s the point of putting a product out there that you don’t enjoy making? The way these guys present remind me of every great provider I’ve gotten to ride with. Thanks for having fun with it guys.
  • Jay Wegener
    I have no idea what they are talking about!!!!
    I’m not an EMT, I’m not someone who is going to school for any of those sorts of things, heck I build houses for a living. I listen to this podcast every single day though! It has peaked my interest in this field of work. I love it! I have learned so much even if I don’t know all the terms. If I ever became an EMT or paramedic of some sort, I would walk in so confidently knowing that I had EMS 20/20’s information on my side. I’m sure for the people who are in the field, this is really useful information! Keep up the good work guys! Hope you guys get to read this!
  • Barefootmedic
    This podcast the perfect mixture of knowledge and light hearted fun
    Ems 20/20 is a amazing podcast for multiple reason but I really enjoy how humble they are about there vast knowledge of emergency medicine. This is the podcast you learn 1-2 “pieces” of knowledge to throw into your treatment plan puzzle while also laughing till you can’t breath this is my favorite podcast in emergency medicine due to being able to listen to a episode without having to pause it multiple times to understand the topics to the depth of other podcast in emergency medicine do.
  • soopy sue
    Listened to all the episodes and am going to listen to it again
    Such a great podcast and incredible teaching tool. Please keep them coming!
  • zookeeperjenks11
    It’s a Yep For Me!
    I cannot recommend this podcast more enthusiastically. I’ve spammed people with some of my favorite episodes so far and will continue to do so. I’m not in the human medical care field, but the guys do such an awesome job of being able to inform and entertain a broad range of listeners. Moreover, they offer educational opportunities and feedback for so many of those amazing people serving our communities in this capacity. Solid info, great resources, super fun presentation, humbly human hosts and a wild ride every episode; what’s not to love?!
  • Brianna RN
    Will recommend this podcast to anyone
    I am a newish ER nurse that has never done anything prehospital. I started listening to this show before I even started in the ER and it has given me such a profound understanding and respect for the things paramedics and EMTs have to deal with. I will never forgot when I was in my first month working in the ER, I had a hypothermic patient that had J waves on their EKG and the doctor started to tell me what they were and how rare they were and I told him I had learned about them from a podcast called EMS 2020
  • Mike Unt Hertz
    Great but annoying
    I am a Medic/ FF, 5 years exp. (Working 48’s and 72’s consistently since I first started) I teach a Medic and EMT classes at the college. Well rounded all around even though I’m not perfect. I really enjoy listening to these podcast because they are Highly educational. My biggest issue is the rambling and constantly going off topic. Not many people just have 2 hours to sit there and listen about the last peanut butter and jelly sandwich you had. I love the show but if all possible please stay on topic with less unnecessary interruptions. Me and my students pretty much agree on this and it hurts the captivity. Otherwise great job, glad to have found out about y’all
  • queenkathryn
    As an Outsider
    I am not in the EMS field but have a boyfriend that is and I have found this podcast to be so informative when he is talking about things that have happened in his daily work life! Thank you so much for being full of information and funny while doing so. Love the nicknames!!!
  • jdjsosoenrbr
    So close yet so far from a 5
    These guys are great 9/10 if you listen to the episode you will learn something that makes you a better clinician other times they each forget to bring more then one Brain cell each and those two cells get into an argument over who is in 3rd place (ah la beating the theme and puns to absolute death and forgetting it’s an ems podcast). All in all I love the show I love listening and learning from you guys keep in up!
  • Colterross12
    So sick
    I’m an experienced EMS provider and now a nursing student. Every single episode drop always contributes in some way directly to my studies as well as keeps me current on all things EMS so that my skills can stay sharp. They are the ultimate study buddies and it really helps that they are not boring at all.
  • H3nry0709
    Great
    You 2 are great. As a Paramedi, Paramedic instructor, EMS-I, and working towards FP-C, listening to you 2 remind me there are others in this service that are alike. It is also my #1 “must listen” to for medic students as well. Keep up the great work.
  • jesi :))
    mńm
    ive said it before and ill say it again, this podcast is amazing ❤️. they deliver the calls in such an easy to digest way, i absorb so much information. everyone in these reviews seems to be an emt, paramedic, or someone studying to be one, but dawg, im in high school and i love it so much. ems 20/20 weeks are my favorite, to the point where i go up to my mom every other wednesday and i’m like “MOM, IT’S THE OTHER WEDNESDAY :DDD” and i have to re-explain it to her every other week. i love this podcast so much, i will always be a huge supportwer for it. i love the silliness, the references, the rants, the information, everything is amazing :) keep doing what you’re doing cuz its great 👍 :) -jesi :]
  • camerons1217
    Cameron
    Very Interesting!
  • AMR-1
    Entertaining
    Just recently found this show and I really enjoy the format of going over calls that weren’t the best. I enjoy the process of hearing the evolution of the call as presented and hearing the thoughts of the hosts as they work through the information. One of my two or three favorites I listen to in the EMS field.
  • jaymeeleighh
    Truly a Gem
    I was looking for something to hyperfixate on when I need to clean or listen to on my commute to and from work and boy did you guys deliver. Chris and Spencer somehow manage to deliver wide and valuable knowledge in a way that makes my audhd brain tingle in just the right way. I have learned so much from listening to these guys, they feel like EMS big brothers in the best way possible. Thank you for the content that you put out, you have a dedicated listener in me!
  • Ledgerwj
    Easy Listening
    I’ve listened to multiple EMS podcasts, but from the first episode, you guys have had me hooked. I’m pretty sure it’s because nothing is candy coated; if the provider did something you guys don’t agree with, you call it out. As someone who has been in EMS for many years, these episodes are easy to follow. And you guys explain terms that a civilian wouldn’t understand with ease! Thanks for making my many hour long drives to work more tolerable!
  • Bond44!!
    Snapping necks
    I never made it into your show because I couldn’t stand the stupid banter. This could be an informative podcast but you sound like middle schoolers.
  • RNL1119
    Great show!
    As an ER nurse I believe that it would be beneficial for ER nurses to do ride alongs with EMS. It would give a good perspective that is not seen in the hospital (and maybe make it less of a pain to hand off report). This podcast is a glimpse of that for me! I really appreciate it!
  • Fire medic 2533
    Great show!!!!
    Thanks guys, Love this Podcast!! We’ve needed something like this for a long time. I’m a Critical Care Paramedic and have on the job for 26 years all together. My current service runs about 14 ALS trucks 24/7. I think you’ve hit the head with doing a QA/QI podcast. I’ve actually leaned several points and have changed my practice due to several of your thoughts. Thank you again!!!!
  • Christian.ems
    Best show in the field
    Big thanks to Christopher and Spencer for this podcast. It has helped me immensely. They’re very knowledgeable and just a blast to listen to. Chris and Spencer not only provide good clinical knowledge but they also provide street smarts that can’t be found in our textbook. I’m very grateful. Thanks gents!
  • djjffkd
    5 stars
    love this podcast! the hosts are fun to listen to and clearly intelligent providers, i feel like i learn so much every time i listen not just because of the calls presented but because of their discussion of the calls. i especially love the episodes where they do a deeper dive into one of the topics touched on in the previous episode, i feel that it provides me with an opportunity to reflect on my own experiences and how the knowledge im gaining could be useful during those experiences. as someone just beginning to gain experience in EMS i appreciate listening to people with an array of experiences as paramedics talk about cases and hear from their point of view. plus they’re funny!
  • G'ma4'
    Language
    You say the point of the podcast is to teach and I want to learn always. I listen to podcasts while traveling in my car but cannot listen to yours because of the bad language and the ages of or sensibilities of my passengers. You both are clearly intelligent enough to deliver episodes without the bad language. It doesn’t enhance anything it just makes it less likely that in some settings people will be able to learn from you. I know you’re probably thinking….EarPods…shouldn’t have to because of language, unsafe in some situations.
  • tpindawg
    Found while looking for educational ems podcasts, stayed because of the humor
    This is an amazing podcast that covers it all with humor and knowledge I’d definitely recommend anyone and everyone listen
  • RMD3819
    Excellent EMS Call Review Podcast
    I am an old time medic that enjoys listening to this podcast. The calls are real and the advice realistic and practical. The critiques and advice reflect street level EMS knowledge.
  • Withie
    Informative and easy to listen to.
    I just started listening to this podcast two weeks ago and I am really enjoying it so far. I feel like im sitting at a table with the two hosts having a discussion rather than listening to someone talk at me. The calls are easy to follow, the content is relevant, and I am looking forward to continuing my listening journey.
  • MadMaxMinds
    These guys are great!
    No matter what your qualifications in the field, there’s something for everyone to benefit from the lived and shared experiences these guys highlight. I personally am at the beginning of my EMS career and this podcast has given me an invaluable glimpse into what this field looks like. Thanks guys! I’m looking forward to working my way through the rest of your shows.
  • EMT of the year
    Love, but just a few pointers…
    I’m an EMT-B that has been working on an ALS rig for 4 years. While I love listening to the podcast and love hearing the stories, it does get frustrating when they get off track and go on tangents for a long time. I also noticed that Chris can sometimes be really condescending and sometimes biased towards the crew that experienced the call when he already knows the ending. They also seem to be biased with things that not everyone has available. For example, my area, we do NOT have RSI, they bring up RSI and DSI a lot as the treatment, which shouldn’t be the only treatment option, as it’s not available for everyone. It seems like they aren’t very appreciative to basic partners either. The way they talk about basics is that they’re the driver and that one cannot be a good provider unless they are a paramedic. Otherwise, I love the podcast.
  • Aceee49
    Well done
    I am an EMT out of NYC as well as the suburbs of PA and I could relate to most of the calls. I find the breakdowns educational, although there are plenty of learning resources available, your podcast is very concise and filled with pertinent information. Entertaining, as well.
  • Renegade383
    Educational and entertaining
    I am currently a Paramedic intern and this podcast has been super helpful. They teach you about different paramedics and their pit falls, that way you can avoid those mistakes in the future. Any time I am headed to my internship I listen to them on the way there to help get the right mindset before I get there.
  • selkies are people too
    Learning is fun with EMS 20/20
    Hilarious and educational. Sort of like the “Car Talk” of EMS. Great job guys. (I’m not even in paramedic school but still learning so much. ) EMT-B
  • CalvaryMedic
    Obsessed
    So I’m a new medic but been in EMS a few years. Found these guys about 2 weeks ago and I’m obsessed! Great pass time at work and better than death by PPT . I’m a fan .
  • DV_Tanker
    Great information
    This is a great emergency medical podcast. I listen to it every other week when it comes out. I’ve shared it with my fellow EMT advanced EMT and paramedic friends on the job, I believe there’s a lot to learn from the podcast. The hosts are awesome. They take seriousness and comedy and mix it well to a point that it still gets the point across and you learn. What are you been on the job for 20 years or a year you can learn something from almost every podcast and the fact that you can get into a continuing education credits is a plus.
  • jjr6
    Homework
    I’m the director of the local college EMS department. I tell all of my students to listen to you! They love it. I love when they come to class and we have a conversation about the things they learned while listening and questions they have. As my program grows so will your listeners!
  • EMScheetah
    what a Bonanza
    Wanted to wait until I have listened to every single one of these episodes, but even with “just” having about 70 of them under my belt I admit that I am addicted. I am an EMT Basic/ambulance driver in a very rural district for 17 years. Training around here is not based enough on case studies, which to me are the most instructive. Since listening I feel more comfortable and assertive in my skills. There is so much learning/relearning in these episodes, plus the added value of seeing things from an ALS perspective versus BLS. Thank you, Spenser and Chris, for always having a generous attitude towards those of us with lesser medical knowledge. In addition to all the FREE presentation/transfer of knowledge, you guys have made me smile every single day with your humor and laughter and great voices!
  • 8ig daddy
    New listener
    Been a Medic for over 22 years. I still have a lot to learn and really appreciate your teaching style. I pick up something from every episode. Thank you, Mike
  • ja42baker
    Favorite FOAMed podcast
    After discovering EMS 20/20 through the “Standard of Care” crossover episode (Lawsagna), I’ve finally listened to every episode. There’s a lot of great material out there in the podcast universe, but I find case studies like this to be the most helpful. Dialogue makes it more engaging. Chris and Spencer make it fun and entertaining. I look forward to watching the RSI videos soon. I do have one question: With so much discussion about transporting “Code 3” or “Code 1,” I’ve never heard of transporting “Code 2.” Is there a Code 2? If not, please make something up. Thanks, Alex, 4th Year Nurse
  • 1Timotheus
    Ridiculous use of language
    I am not opposed to cursing but the poor use of it in this podcast is nauseating. It sounds like five years olds saying their first naughty words.
  • Asr21travel
    Listen to them all!
    Well I am nearing the end of a 6 month quest to get through all the back episodes. Such great continuing learning - thanks guys!
  • Bruiser 17
    Addicted!!
    I recently started listening to this podcast while on duty with my partners and we love it! We are learning and laughing at the same time. Great podcast!
  • Red.Free
    Great podcast!
    My partner and I constantly have EMS 20/20 on while on duty. We love listening to the calls and talking through them together. By far my favorite podcast and so entertaining! Chris and Spencer make things so easy to understand and learn from🚑
  • Nicoleannejay
    All around FABULOUS podcast
    I love listening to Chris & Spence. I feel like I’m right there, hanging with friends talking shop. I routinely LOL. Also, I learn something every episode (this coming from an experienced ICU nurse). Thanks for making us better & keeping us entertained! 💗🙏🏻
  • Tim Downing
    Awesome!
    Chris and the Other Dude rock! I enjoy listening to them so case review, but in a positive manner. They don’t berate providers for mistakes, but provide insight how things might be done better. And they dig into the medicine and science beyond the analysis. It’s a great listen and I learn something I can do better from each episode. Cannot recommend it enough!
  • Lt Vitamins
    Funny, educational, AWESOME!
    Truly enjoy listening to every episode. As a paramedic intern and getting ready to test it’s been helping me stay fresh and thinking outside the box. I love hearing how you guys would do the calls and your opinions about everything. And love that you guys do the show with the joking that is oh so familiar within the EMS field.
  • jmellow
    Came for Mom’s Spaghetti - stayed for the EMS funzies
    Always dig the episodes. They keep getting better and better. I enjoy the nerdy comments combined with the genuine tidbits of knowledge that are sprinkled throughout. I’d definitely recommend to any EMS person out there looking for a solid podcast to enjoy. 👍👍👍🚑
  • Medic2023
    Just amazing
    As a three year EMT and a student currently in the paramedic course, this podcast has been absolutely wonderful to listen to. Play cover everything from basic techniques two interactions of different medications and I just want to say that this podcast has been extremely helpful while I’m still currently in school and I believe it will be even more helpful even after I’m done. Please keep up the good work guys you have a lot of good providers out here listening to you. Addendum:I would absolutely love some more content on rapid sequence intubation (RSI) and delayed sequence intubation (DSI) due to the fact that I will be taking that class after my paramedic as well.
  • ForgetfulSpartan
    The real Essentials to EMS
    According to Spencer I am Cowboy, and I must say, this podcast should be promoted as a hitchhikers guide to EMS. The guys go through so many unique scenarios and cover material that has such broad applications, and all the while uncover and share legitimate, useful information. The way each call is analyzed and the use of their amazing 20/20 hindsight (and humor) make the podcast a joy to listen to. Highly, HIGHLY recommend for any healthcare personnel.
  • wannabe baby medic
    Perfect for all people!
    As a medic student I began listening to gain some knowledge during long drives. I have since become so excited to listen to a new episode every week and share with family members so they can learn more about what I do! The episodes do a perfect job educating on great topics and accurately explaining calls, but the hosts also make it fun to listen! 10/10 would recommend to everyone, EMS employed or not.
  • jillibeanx
    Must Listen
    This is my favorite podcast of all time. Such great information presented in a clear and easy to understand way with the perfect dose of humor. I’ve listened to every episode at least twice and get new tidbits of information from every listen. I highly recommend this podcast to all my colleagues within EMS and emergency medicine as well as to anyone who wants to know more about real world EMS cases.
  • jencovi
    Not Sure Where to Start!
    I’m a nurse manager at a retirement convent. Thankfully we haven’t had to call EMS much in the last year. However this podcast has helped me revamp little things in our protocol so that when we do need to call 911, the first responders have as much relevant info as possible. Whether you work in the medical field or not, you will learn a lot while enjoying the time listening to EMS 20/20.
  • tc9341
    Great EMS podcast
    This podcast offers great discussions about real life calls with many opportunities for good takeaways. Many of their episodes remind me of calls I have ran and I was still able to learn more. Highly recommend this podcast to any EMS clinician!
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