Shreds of Evidence
Diving deep into the evidence, policies, and politics that shape California EMS. Each episode breaks down the clinical topics, operational challenges, and system-level forces influencing how EMS is delivered across the state. Designed for EMS professionals, healthcare leaders, and policy thinkers who want to understand what’s driving change—and what’s holding it back.
Surgical Cricothyrotomy
A last-resort lifesaving procedure with high stakes, surgical cricothyrotomy is rarely performed—but always looms in the background of airway management. In this episode, we look at the evidence supporting cric in the field, discuss the training and policy debates around it, and reflect on what it means for EMS clinicians to carry such a heavy clinical responsibility.
Tranexamic Acid (EMS)
We examine the evidence behind TXA use in prehospital care and explore how protocol adoption varies across California EMS systems. What does the data say about its effectiveness in trauma? Why do some agencies use it while others hesitate? This episode unpacks the science, the operational considerations, and the policy landscape shaping TXA’s role in the field.
