He wasn’t slurring his speech. He wasn’t paralyzed. He wasn’t even that confused. But something wasn’t right—and that’s what made this call dangerous.

In this Radio Report episode, we break down a real listener-submitted call involving a patient with subtle neurological changes that didn’t initially fit the “classic” stroke picture. Through the scenario, we discuss executive dysfunction, the limitations of FAST exams, cognitive bias in EMS, and why normal glucose and stable vitals should never stop you from thinking critically.

Because the most dangerous stroke patient… might be the one you almost call normal.

🖥️ For more Life & Sirens content, visit www.lifeandsirenspodcast.com

📱 Follow us on social media: @LifeAndSirensPodcast

🎙️ To submit your stories, questions, or experiences to be featured on the show, follow this link: https://www.lifeandsirenspodcast.com/radioreports

Revisit this episode from Season 1 with us!

"Don’t Worry, You’ll Stop Freaking Out Soon” explores the early days of being a paramedic, addressing the fears and uncertainties that come with the job. We’ll discuss real experiences, tips for building confidence, and how it gets easier over time—sometimes even fun!

📝 Episode show notes: https://www.lifeandsirenspodcast.com/episode-guide/episode-3-dont-worry-youll-stop-freaking-out-soon

🖥️ For more Life & Sirens content, visit www.lifeandsirenspodcast.com

📱 Follow us on social media: @LifeAndSirensPodcast

🎙️ To submit your stories, questions, or experiences to be featured on the show, follow this link: https://www.lifeandsirenspodcast.com/radioreports

Pain is one of the most common reasons patients call 911—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we break down how pain management in EMS is evolving from a simple “treat the number” approach to a more thoughtful, physiology-driven strategy.

We explore why pain is more than a symptom—it’s a stress response that can directly impact outcomes—and how relying solely on opioids may be limiting care. From the rise of ketamine to emerging multimodal approaches like nitrous oxide, IV acetaminophen, and regional anesthesia, we discuss what modern analgesia looks like in the field.

🖥️ For more Life & Sirens content, visit www.lifeandsirenspodcast.com

📱 Follow us on social media: @LifeAndSirensPodcast

🎙️ To submit your stories, questions, or experiences to be featured on the show, follow this link: https://www.lifeandsirenspodcast.com/radioreports