In this episode of the Erik and Matt Show (EMS) Join Dr. Erik Axene and Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Ball as they dive into the essential skills and knowledge every EMS provider needs when caring for pediatric patients. In this episode, you’ll ge...

In this episode of the Erik and Matt Show (EMS), we dive into a groundbreaking article from August 2025 that questions the effectiveness of cervical collars. Analyzing data from nearly 4,000 studies, the article finds no evidence that cervical ...

In this episode of the Erik and Matt Show (EMS), we dive into the unique challenges of caring for obese patients, a growing population, particularly in the U.S. We explore the complexities of treatment, proper medication dosing, and ensuring pr...

In this insightful episode of the Erik and Matt Show (EMS), hosts Erik and Matt explore the complexities of providing exceptional care for patients with special needs. From overcoming barriers like hearing or vision impairments to addressing ph...

In this episode of the Erik and Matt Show (EMS) we discuss the age old issue of when we should stay and play or load and go. The days of "give them a dose of diesel" are fading. We need to be doing what's best for our patients.This is a ...

In this episode of the Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball discuss health and wellness. There's so much misinformation out there on what it means to be "healthy." But what does it really look like to be a healthy person. It's...

In the episode of the Erik and Matt Show (EMS) we discuss the complex and time-critical world of submersion injuries. From drowning and near-drowning incidents to cold water immersion and secondary complications, Erik and Matt explore what real...

In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene, MD and firefighter/paramedic Matt Ball tackle a seasonally critical topic: hyperthermia. With record-breaking heat across the U.S., they break down how to recognize early...

In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), we sit down with Fire Chief Robert Reardon of Duxbury, Massachusetts, for a powerful conversation on leadership through adversity.Chief Reardon opens up about navigating some of t...

Airway management isn’t just about getting the tube, it’s about knowing when, why, and how to do it right. In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and firefighter/paramedic Matt Ball get real about what it takes...

Sepsis kills more patients than trauma or cardiac arrest, yet it’s often missed in the field. In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and firefighter/paramedic Matt Ball break down everything EMS providers need ...

In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and firefighter/paramedic Matt Ball talk candidly about EMS in the modern fire service. From the glamorized expectations in recruitment ads to the daily reality of medical calls, t...

STEMI is out. OMI is in. In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Axene and Matt Ball unpack the newest data on occlusive myocardial infarction (OMI) criteria—and why sticking to traditional STEMI patterns could cause you to miss up...

The record has been set—but it almost didn't happen. In this follow-up episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball break down the chaos, comedy, and close calls from their 3,200-mile ambulance journey. From me...

What does it take to set a Guinness World Record for the longest EMS ground transport? In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball reveal their ambitious plan to take the oldest licensed ambulance in the U.S. o...

Whole blood transfusions are gaining momentum in EMS, but how do they work in the field? In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball sit down with EMS medical directors Dr. Joshua Bobko, Dr. Mark Gambe...

Massive hemorrhage is the leading cause of death in trauma, and EMS providers often have just seconds to intervene. In this episode, Erik and Matt discuss hemorrhage control techniques that save lives both in the field and in extreme environmen...

Criminal charges against EMS providers are becoming more common, and the latest case out of Sioux City has the EMS world on edge. A paramedic is facing manslaughter charges after mistakenly administering a paralytic instead of a sedative—result...

In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, we tackle one of the most common questions we get: Should paramedics go to nursing school or med school? Erik and Matt share their personal journeys through nursing and medical school, compari...

Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) have unfortunately become a more frequent reality. In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball reflect on the tragic New Orleans attack that left 15 dead and dozens injured. They dive i...

As first responders, EMS professionals often encounter situations others don’t—inside homes, in unsafe environments, and during moments of crisis. In this sobering episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball explore...

In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball emphasize the importance of consistent exercise and forming healthy habits tailored for first responders. They delve into practical strategies for breaking through...

In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball tackle the critical topic of vitality, the fifth pillar of the THRIVE series. They dive into how mental health impacts overall well-being, sharing personal stories...

For first responders and medical professionals, holidays often mean more than festive celebrations—they mean sacrifices and balancing acts. In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball share their unique experiences w...

In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show, Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball dive into the fourth pillar of THRIVE: Intake. They explore how choices around food, drink, and even mental stimuli impact overall health and wellness. Wi...