Ep: 8 Prove It or Lose It – Competency Verification & Skills Check

After eight classes, the crew hits a mid-season “prove it” moment. Mike, Max, and Jonathan recap Section One of EMT school and what it’s like to switch from book work to demonstrating real skills under pressure. It’s a lighter, story-driven debrief that still digs into hands-on takeaways—like practicing backboards with head blocks for c-spine control—and why actually touching the equipment beats watching someone else do it.

They also run through the big themes from the first eight chapters: EMS system overview, EMT well-being, legal/ethical scenarios, patient movement, med terms, anatomy, pathophysiology, and lifespan development—plus how the “skills check” vibe changes the way you study and perform.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro & welcome back to RideAlong (Ep. 8 kickoff)

02:22 – Sponsor Spotlight: xShear Trauma Shears + Giveaway reminder

38:57 – Section One recap: from EMT wellness to patient movement, ethics, terminology, anatomy, pathophysiology, and lifespan development

45:02 – Hands-on highlights: backboards, head blocks, and why c-spine practice matters

45:44 – “Doing it beats watching it”: why practical reps change everything

46:41 – How we’ll treat review episodes + where to connect with us on socials

47:24 – Closing & disclaimer

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.

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🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links

www.RideAlong.Bulletn.net

Ep 7: Stayin’ Alive – CPR Certification Night

Mike and Max earn their CPR certification — the first major credential on the road to becoming EMTs. With Jonathan adding real-world perspective, the crew covers what high-quality CPR really means, how AEDs actually work, and why chest recoil is just as important as compression depth.

From adult compressions to infant rescue breathing, this episode dives into the skills every EMT (and civilian) needs to know. Plus, a closer look at the scoop stretcher in Tools of the Trade, and a student tip on being ready for your very first clinical shift.

Episode Breakdown

00:58 – Medical Term of the Week: High-Quality CPR

08:17 – Recognition and early intervention

13:45 – Chest recoil, depth, and compression rate

22:15 – AEDs: What they actually do (and don’t do)

34:03 – Rescue breathing and avoiding barotrauma

42:49 – Adult vs. pediatric CPR

46:42 – Choking emergencies & “abdominal thrusts”

52:58 – Tools of the Trade: Scoop Stretcher

1:08:12 – Student Tip of the Week: Be prepared for CPR on your first clinical shift

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.

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🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links

https://linktr.ee/RideAlongEMTSchool

Mike and Max (with Jonathan bringing the paramedic perspective) tackle life span development — how EMTs assess and interact with patients differently from infancy through late adulthood. From dehydration in infants, to psychosocial factors in adolescents, to polypharmacy in the elderly, the crew walks through the major age groups and what makes each unique in the field.

This week also features a musically Medical Term of the Week, a spotlight on the Reeves stretcher as our Tool of the Trade, and a student tip on the importance of doing truck checks. Plus, we highlight the Code Green Campaign, an organization dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention for first responders.

Episode Breakdown

08:08 – Medical Term of the Week: Psychosocial

17:12 – Life span development across age groups

20:30 – Vital sign ranges: infants vs. adults

25:04 – Psychosocial factors in kids and adolescents

34:51 – Sensitivity and communication with teens

39:45 – Early and middle adulthood: trauma and bad habits

43:04 – Late adulthood: fragility, pill burden, and polypharmacy

52:58 – Tools of the Trade: Reeves Stretcher

1:00:48 – Student Tip of the Week: Participate in truck checks

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and storytelling purposes only. It is not medical advice or official EMT training. Always follow your accredited instructors and local protocols.

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🚑 RideAlong: EMT School Links

https://linktr.ee/RideAlongEMTSchool