Join Erik & Matt on the Axene CE Podcast

A compassionate and comprehensive look at addiction — what it is, how it develops, and evidence-based strategies for breaking free from substance dependence.

A candid look at EMS care for incarcerated patients — the clinical considerations, challenges, and rewarding moments of providing care in correctional settings.

How EMS providers can recognize and report child abuse: physical exam patterns, the "Ten Four Faces P" mnemonic, and reporting responsibilities.

A focused course on human trafficking, covering essential EMS operations and safety concepts for field-ready providers.

Tackle pediatric cardiac emergencies in EMS with confidence — vital signs, shock types, congenital anomalies, and critical transport decisions explained.

A look at mass casualty response in EMS — the strategies, challenges, and emotional impact of managing the worst calls first responders ever face.

MCI response principles for EMS: triage, hemorrhage control, scene coordination. Lessons from the New Orleans attack with Dr. Axene and Matt Ball.

EMS medical directors discuss whole blood transfusion programs: the science, logistics, real-world outcomes, and implementation challenges for agencies.

Life-saving hemorrhage control techniques for EMS and civilians: tourniquets, wound packing, and stopping the bleed in trauma emergencies.

Learn to recognize and manage common toxidromes in the prehospital setting — a practical EMS guide to poisoning and overdose presentations.

Part 2 of high-risk OB emergencies: preeclampsia, eclampsia, placental emergencies, neonatal resuscitation & postpartum hemorrhage for EMS.

Part 1 of high-risk OB emergencies in EMS — real cases, trauma in pregnancy, sepsis, and expert tips for prehospital providers.

A look at ECMO in EMS — the benefits, challenges, and future possibilities of bringing extracorporeal life support into the prehospital setting.

Part 2 of OMI vs STEMI: new EKG patterns EMS providers must know to avoid missing up to 25% of heart attacks in the prehospital setting.

Part 1: Why OMI is replacing STEMI in emergency medicine — essential EKG pattern recognition for EMS providers treating suspected heart attack patients.

A deep dive into ketamine for EMS — origins, proper use in emergency settings, side effects, and what every paramedic should know about this powerful medication.

Learn the most common high-risk errors EMS providers make — medication mistakes, communication failures, and how to prevent them in the field.

New research challenges cervical collar use in EMS, Dr. Axene & Matt Ball break down the 2025 data and what it means for prehospital spine care.

A practical breakdown of patient refusals in EMS — liability risks, documentation strategies, and how to manage uncooperative patients in the field.

Master prehospital stroke assessment with Cincinnati, LAMS & FAST — including LVO recognition and subtle presentations every EMS provider must know.

Identify and manage upper vs. lower GI bleeds in the field — including TXA updates, shock index, and when blood transfusion is appropriate.

Patrick Pianezza, co-creator of the film "Code 3," joins to discuss EMS burnout, culture, low pay, and the real stories behind the movie.

Essential pediatric EMS skills, practical tips, real-world scenarios, and expert guidance for caring for children in the prehospital setting.

Caring for obese patients in EMS: medication dosing, treatment complexities, and provider safety considerations for prehospital providers.

Practical EMS strategies for caring for patients with special needs from autism to mobility challenges, vision, and hearing impairments.

The EMS "load and go vs. stay and play" debate explained. A medical director and FTO's perspectives on one of prehospital medicine's toughest decisions.

Dr. Axene introduces 6 evidence-based pillars of health and wellness specifically designed for first responders, a practical framework for long-term well-being.

Drowning, near-drowning, and cold water immersion in EMS. The physiology, prehospital management, and secondary complication considerations explained.

Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion in EMS teaching rapid cooling techniques, thermoregulation, rhabdomyolysis, and prehospital heat emergency management.

Fire Chief Robert Reardon shares powerful leadership lessons on navigating trauma, bridging admin and operations, and building trust within EMS agencies.

Advanced EMS airway management: when to intubate, first-pass success, and challenges with pediatric, geriatric, trauma & obese patients explained.

Sepsis kills more than cardiac arrest. Learn prehospital recognition, EMS treatment strategies, and how AI & ETCO₂ are improving early detection.

The reality of EMS in the fire service: clinical complacency, cultural gaps, and why staying medically sharp matters in a fire-based EMS system.

The latest EMS OMI criteria reveal STEMI misses up to 34% of heart attacks. Learn the EKG patterns every prehospital provider must know in 2025.

The conclusion of the 3,200-mile EMS world record ambulance journey. Chaos, comedy, Guinness certification, and mobile CE education on the road.

How Dr. Axene & Matt Ball planned a Guinness World Record-breaking 3,200-mile ambulance journey while creating EMS education content along the way.

A paramedic faces manslaughter charges for an honest medication error. What EMS providers need to know about growing criminal liability in the field.

Should paramedics go to nursing or medical school? Erik and Matt compare pathways, share personal journeys, and offer candid advice for EMS providers.

The final THRIVE pillar: how first responders can build consistent exercise habits, break through fitness plateaus, and use community for accountability.

Mental health, resilience, and vitality for EMS professionals. Personal stories, community support strategies, and psychological well-being for first responders.

What it's really like to work Christmas, Thanksgiving & Super Bowl as an EMS provider the challenges, sacrifices, and unexpected joys of holiday shifts.

Nutrition and mental stimuli as the fourth THRIVE pillar — how food choices, whole foods, and processed food awareness impact first responder health.

Sleep science, sleep apnea management, and restorative practices for EMS shift workers: the third THRIVE pillar for first responder well-being.

The second THRIVE pillar for first responders: weight management, blood pressure monitoring, cancer screenings, and cholesterol for long-term EMS health.

Building strong EMS teams for better wellness: the first THRIVE pillar explores how community, camaraderie, and accountability improve well-being.

Introducing the THRIVE framework: six pillars of health and wellness designed specifically for EMS professionals and first responders.

How to pass your paramedic mega code evaluation: insights from a medical director and seasoned FTO on preparation, common failures, and strategy.

Dr. Axene shares what it's like to be an NFL Airway Management Physician for the Dallas Cowboys. Roles, responsibilities, and emergency response at game day.

A fun, informative take on tattoos from an EMS physician and a firefighter/paramedic. Medical insights, personal stories, and what the science says.

How should EMS be taught? Dr. Axene (educator & physician) and Matt Ball share their educational philosophy and unique approaches to training EMS providers.

On the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, Dr. Axene and Matt Ball reflect on where they were and pay tribute to the heroes and civilians lost on September 11, 2001.

Proven exam strategies for National Registry, NCLEX & MCAT success — Dr. Axene and Matt Ball share tips from years of teaching and personal experience.

The 2024 edition of embarrassing EMS stories — Dr. Axene and Matt Ball share career blunders, humorous mishaps, and the human side of prehospital medicine.

EMS burnout is a growing crisis post-COVID — causes, warning signs, and practical solutions for preventing and recovering from first responder burnout.

A real-world update on the 48/96 EMS shift schedule — Matt Ball shares 6+ months of personal experience on the pros, cons, health, and family impacts.

Body cameras for EMS providers — the growing debate, privacy concerns, patient care implications, and the pros and cons of wearable cameras in the field.

An honest look at the calls and cases that tested two emergency medicine veterans. Proving no ER physician or firefighter is immune to fear.

Five things an ER physician and a firefighter/paramedic refuse to do — career-saving advice, personal philosophies, and stories from the field.

An introduction to Dr. Erik Axene and Matt Ball — their backgrounds, professional journeys, and what's ahead for the show.

A personal and clinical look at heart health for first responders — diagnostic tips, management techniques, and the unique cardiac risks of EMS and fire careers.

The evolution of the modern emergency room — from humble beginnings to today's lifelines, and the transformative future of prehospital care.

An honest conversation about firefighter trauma — the emotional and psychological toll of the job, coping strategies, and why peer support matters.

A real look at life in the fire service — the demands, the rewards, and the highs and lows of a career most outsiders never see.

A complete guide to becoming a firefighter — academy training, volunteer programs, fire science degrees, EMT certification, and the physical and aptitude tests.

A breakdown of the 48/96 firefighter schedule debate — fatigue, performance, work-life balance, staffing, and the health implications shaping the conversation.

Part 2 of the leadership conversation with Jerry Wells — advanced strategies, practical tactics, and the team dynamics that drive performance in EMS and fire.

A foundational conversation on leadership and teamwork in EMS with guest Jerry Wells — strategies, insights, and what separates good teams from great ones.

Firsthand stories from Matt Ball's trip to Ukraine — the experiences, challenges, and lessons from time spent on the ground in a war zone.

A close look at the prehospital controversies putting first responders under scrutiny — courtroom cases, policy debates, and what they mean for EMS.

Inside the Damar Hamlin on-field response — Dr. Erik Axene's perspective as an NFL sideline physician on the medical response, athlete safety, and emergency protocols.

The personal journeys of an ER physician and a firefighter/paramedic — the motivations, backgrounds, and experiences that shaped two emergency medicine careers.

A candid look at the unseen pressures of first responder life — diet, exercise, mental health, home-life strain, and strategies for staying balanced.