Podcast 195 - EMS Education w/ Mike Carunchio

EMS education has come a long way, but are we actually preparing clinicians to think critically, make decisions, and perform under pressure?

In this episode of the FOAMfrat Podcast, Tyler sits down with Dr. Harrison Brookman and Mike Carunchio, host of The World's Okayest Paramedic, for a candid discussion about the current state of EMS education and where it needs to go.

From the limitations of traditional classroom instruction to the value of realistic simulation, the conversation explores what it really takes to develop competent clinicians. The group also discusses the role of EMS conferences, learning from specialists outside emergency medicine, and the growing influence of social media educators.

Topics include:

How initial EMT and paramedic education has evolved

Teaching critical thinking instead of memorizing algorithms

Why simulation should prepare students for situations where everything goes wrong

Building clinical confidence through experience and decision-making

The value and limitations of EMS conferences

What other medical specialties can teach prehospital clinicians

The difference between education and entertainment on social media

Why curiosity may be the most important quality in an EMS educator