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The EMS Handoff: Mind the Anion Gap

The EMS Handoff

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Guests: Tyler Christifulli

How is it possible for metabolic acidosis and anion gap to be remotely interesting? The two words send shivers down most medics’ spine. However, Tyler Christifulli from FoamFrat joins the EMS Handoff crew to make this information not only accessible but fun to learn and review. 

Previous: Gamification of EMS with Dr. Cicero and Dr. Wallner

Tyler Christifulli is a flight medic and co-founder/producer at FOAMfrat where he lends his expertise to educating EMS providers through blogs, podcasts and online content.

Show Highlights

  • pH and the hydrogen “hot potato”
  • Should we replenish sodium bicarbonate in low bicarb patients?
  • Electrical neutrality
  • Sodium, Chloride, and bench pressing
  • Bicarb as an anion
  • DKA and Bicarb
  • Beta hydroxybutyrate and acetone
  • Bicarbonate buffering
  • Do patients die from respiratory acidosis?
  • Is there a difference between a respiratory and metabolically acidotic patient?
  • Managing patients with no lab values
  • COVID-19 is a vascular disease
  • Difference pAO2 and SpO2
  • Cardiac arrest and sodium bicarbonate
  • Kind versus Wicked Environment
  • Confirmation bias
  • Acid Base balance for EMTs

Connect with the Guest

Resources/Articles Mentioned in Podcast

Telemedicine Connects Rural Paramedics to Physicians

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Dr. Michael J. Carr about how telemedicine is saving lives in Georgia.
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Rethinking Medical Direction in the 21st Century

Join hosts Bradley Dean and David Blevins as they sit down with Dr. David Tan to explore the evolving role of medical direction in EMS.
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Dan Burke

Dan Burke, EMS safety director for the Center for Patient Safety, joins the podcast to discuss the organization.
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Transitioning the COVID Provider with Janet Taylor

Bradley Dean welcomes Janet Taylor to discuss the seismic shifts in EMS education brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.