Sign in

Education
Health & Fitness
Christopher M Pfingsten, Spencer Oliver
EMS 20/20 is podcast hosted by two experienced Paramedics. Spencer Oliver and Christopher Pfingsten discuss real calls run by real responders and pull out the lessons you won't find in a text book. This podcast is aimed at Paramedic students, seasoned Paramedics looking to refresh, or any one interested in a deeper dive into pre-hospital health care.
Total 169 episodes
Go to
The Significant Intrusion Album

The Significant Intrusion Album

A car split hot dog style... a medic that is rude and disengaged... a massive med error... what isn't there to love about this week's episode?! Tune and find out just how wild things get in this week's episode!
02:07:0220/11/2024
Special Edition: Heli Horror with Eric Bauer

Special Edition: Heli Horror with Eric Bauer

Join Chris, Spencer AND SPECIAL GUEST **ERIC BAUER** as the team sift through a transfer that has all the bells and whistles: an intubation, a med error, a crew conflict... this one has it all!
01:28:2413/11/2024
An AMS Call For Gifted EMT's

An AMS Call For Gifted EMT's

Spencer and Chris dive into an ALOC call that was perhaps inappropriately placed into the hands of an AEMT. Is this a case of call turfing, or a misguided educational opportunity? Listen and find out!
01:51:3706/11/2024
Special Edition: Chris Seizes

Special Edition: Chris Seizes

We're back for another Master Your Medics Special Edition! Spencer tosses Chris a hot hot potato and Chris... well Chris tries. Does he need a thermometer or a calculator? Find out!
50:4430/10/2024
Greased Lightning

Greased Lightning

Which is the best food product to cover a burn patient in? Spoiler: none. Join the guys as we learn from burn unit RN Erin Horrax that math sucks, patient advocacy is great, and pain meds are pretty darn cool too.
01:34:1523/10/2024
Special Edition: Spencer Kills

Special Edition: Spencer Kills

First rule about EMS 20/20... talk about it, constantly. Second rule... judge Spencer on our Instagram! Does he nail this code 99 call? Does he leave a lot to be desired? Check out the poll on IG @ems2020show!
53:4716/10/2024
We All Scream For Levophed!

We All Scream For Levophed!

Spence, Chris, and the host of Nine One One Nonsense SAMANTHA BRAWLEY take on a critical care transport that was cold from the get go. The fish truly rots from the head as a doctor sends a patient on the wrong medication and leaves a crew with no alternatives...
02:03:4509/10/2024
Special Edition: Ruptured Confidence

Special Edition: Ruptured Confidence

In this weeks MASTER YOUR MEDICS SPECIAL EDITION, Spencer throws Chris a call that requires both clinical prowess and bedside expertise as Spencer hopes to even the odds. VOTE ON OUR INSTA!
55:3902/10/2024
How I (didn't?) Kill Your Mother

How I (didn't?) Kill Your Mother

Let's go to the mall... today! ASHLYNN O'DELL joins the guys once again to go through everyone's favorite call: an uncomplicated refusal with absolutely nothing worry about whatsoever...
01:55:5525/09/2024
Special Edition: Lung Blooder

Special Edition: Lung Blooder

CHECK OUT OUR INSTA AND VOTE! Spencer is dealt a HARD airway call by a cruel Chris! Listen and see how he does and vote to let us know how you feel!!
58:2218/09/2024
Chest Burster

Chest Burster

Spencer brings a call that is totally just anxiety. Honestly, no need to listen to the episode this week, nothing is wrong with the patient. Not at all. Move along. Sign this Refusal to Listen. Maybe have a friend listen if you really think you need it.
01:32:3411/09/2024
Special Edition: Will Chris Choke?

Special Edition: Will Chris Choke?

As payback, Spencer gives Chris a pediatric airway call. Will Chris choke? Head to @ems2020show on Instagram and vote for Chris' score!
42:0304/09/2024
Running Up That SpO2 (Hopelessly)

Running Up That SpO2 (Hopelessly)

The SpO2 climbs while the patient declines? What?! A fed up patient and Paramedic who, if they only could, would swap places with just about anyone on this week's call!
01:41:1728/08/2024
Special Edition: Spencer Gets Breathing Room

Special Edition: Spencer Gets Breathing Room

In today's Master Your Medics Special, Chris throws Spencer a pediatric breathing difficulty to see if he pulls ahead or falls behind in the currently 1-1 match between the the hosts!
28:3821/08/2024
Speeding Towards Sedation

Speeding Towards Sedation

Is less more? Is more less? When a patient's mental baseline is uncertain, how much EMS is too much EMS? Listen and find out to see if the guys can right the speeding bus before thing blow up!
01:39:2614/08/2024
Special Edition: Chris is on Shaky Ground

Special Edition: Chris is on Shaky Ground

Master Your Medics has sponsored today's episode where Spencer tests Chris with an altered LOC call. Does Chris get the shakes or does he tie up the score?
29:2307/08/2024
Wonka's Weedy Wallop!

Wonka's Weedy Wallop!

Wow. Spencer tries to outright murder Chris with a litany of system issues and leaving equipment behind as a Paramedic gets assaulted and an EMT gets abandoned. Listen now and see if Chris survives this week's episode!
01:38:1231/07/2024
Special Edition: Pass or Flail?

Special Edition: Pass or Flail?

For the first time ever, Chris and Spencer will be squaring off to see who can pass the test the best as the guys test one another using the 100 Patient Scenarios book by Master Your Medics! In this episode, Chris serves up a trauma call to see if Spencer can manage. Check out the masteryourmedics.com bookstore and get a copy of the 100 Patient Scenarios Book today!
38:1524/07/2024
UnTrue Lies

UnTrue Lies

Chris becomes numb to crews leaving kits out in the rig... but no worries! His senses are revitalized as apathy encroaches upon an unsuspecting intern and things go from bad to worse to bullshit! Let's see what the guys think in this week's episode!
01:50:5317/07/2024
We Did Not Plan For This

We Did Not Plan For This

What happens when you have talented medics at a standby event... with no operation plan? Frustration and a little hilarity is what happens, and Spencer and Chris are here again to break it all down. PLUS! Are we going back to weekly content??? Maybe...
01:51:1503/07/2024
Under the Bridge

Under the Bridge

Can you fall from a bridge onto a steel barge and survive? Maybe. Chris and Spence go on an adventure where vehicles are commandeered and daring rescues are made in one of the most atypical calls we've had in quite some time!
01:41:5519/06/2024
Hurt

Hurt

EMS can be dangerous. Though incidents that truly threaten the lives of responding crews are not common, his leadership responds and supports those on the front lines matters.
01:42:5129/05/2024
All The Small Pills

All The Small Pills

Chris and Spencer need a little help from an expert. Enter Dr. Ryan Feldman, Clinical Toxicologist and host of The Poison Lab Podcast! A patient takes everything they can get their hands on, but of all the pills... which one is the worst? Find out on this weeks episode!
01:52:0322/05/2024
LEGO my V-Tach!

LEGO my V-Tach!

"Stop shocking me!!" Is the quote of the day when listening to this episode! Spencer and Chris delve into a fall patient then ends up being just a little bit more than a band-aid. Can the crew follow the instructions and build a great call out of loose parts?
01:38:1108/05/2024
T is for Terrible Manners

T is for Terrible Manners

N is for neuro symptoms, S is for stroke, and U is for uncaring agency that needs a reality check. What do you do when a responding agency is responding angrily? Listen and find out!
01:43:2924/04/2024
Please Don't Take Me There

Please Don't Take Me There

So what do you do when the nearest "appropriate" hospital is actually the lair of the Shredder? Do you pass it up or go by the book? Listen to this week's episode and see if the Turtles go rogue or following the teachings of Master Splinter.
02:18:2010/04/2024
It's Just My Arm... Promise.

It's Just My Arm... Promise.

When is it ever really as easy at it seems? Take a helluva dive with the guys as they figure out what was missed as a vaping patient complains about their arm.
01:32:1327/03/2024
Quick! To The Bat Scanner!

Quick! To The Bat Scanner!

Well now here's a fun one: what happens when a fall patient who just needs a hand up suddenly becomes an altered patient? Find out in this week's totally copyright infringement free episode!
01:44:0513/03/2024
Put The Bunny Back

Put The Bunny Back

Does this weeks crew get conned into using air for their cardiac patient? Spencer and Chris talk nitro, 90's movies, and Nicholas Cage in this weeks clip filled episode!
01:37:2728/02/2024
Systemic Failure

Systemic Failure

Each and everyone of Chris' triggers are pulled in this harrowing tale of herding cats. A severely injured/ejected patient is treated by a severely injured system... and the result is... not great.
02:12:1214/02/2024
It's All About the Delivery

It's All About the Delivery

Everyone's favorite call type is front and center as an expecting mother does what expecting mothers do. Listen as Chris makes terrible guesses at this episodes theme... but also be sure to listen to our SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
01:36:3431/01/2024
Vaguely Non-Emergent?

Vaguely Non-Emergent?

Does a crew let the dispatch information lead them astray? Are they able to see through the smoke screen of a convoluted history? Listen and find out if being sick for two days means you won't see a third!
01:49:1117/01/2024
Pulling a Code Out of a H.A.T.

Pulling a Code Out of a H.A.T.

Sometimes illusions of trauma can get the better of us. Spencer and Chris see if the crew in today's episode is fooled by sleight of... car, or if they manage to see past the tricks and get to the bottom of the magic hat.
01:52:0503/01/2024
That's Kenough Ketamine!

That's Kenough Ketamine!

It's just a code one leg pain... how hard could it be? Spencer and Chris find out in today's episode as the guys examine easy errors with difficult consequences!
01:36:2721/12/2023
Salmon Stabs Spaghetti

Salmon Stabs Spaghetti

Chris and Spence review a call that goes clinically... fine. But what happens when the patient suddenly doesn't like the direction the call is going? And what happens when a doctor is.... WRONG?!
01:43:0606/12/2023
Choosy Medics Choose STEMI

Choosy Medics Choose STEMI

The guys review a nutty situation where a responder is sandwiched between a DNR and a very serious diagnosis... and also their partner...
01:48:5822/11/2023
A *Very* Sticky Case

A *Very* Sticky Case

Spencer and Chris bring in the big guns from the Standard of Care podcast, Samantha Johnson and Nick Adams! This episode is probably one of the most disturbing cases of neglect we've reviewed in a while, so you've been warned!
01:40:2508/11/2023
Railroading Rod

Railroading Rod

Ashlyn O'Dell joins Chris and Spence as the trio try and be very useful engines on a trauma call! With an object stuck... somewhere and a rather un-useful little engine on scene, the team has their work cut out for them.
02:55:5325/10/2023
You're Tearing Up My Heart

You're Tearing Up My Heart

It might sounds crazy, but it ain't no lie... Spencer and Chris try to navigate what to do when a big mistake is made on a severe trauma patient... and it's not a mistake that is hard to make, either.
02:16:3011/10/2023
Avoiding SeDEADtion

Avoiding SeDEADtion

The guys try to figure out exactly where the line between sedation and death is, and as a bonus, Spencer teaches you how to smoke meth.
01:31:1027/09/2023
12.875 Kilometer

12.875 Kilometer

Crossing into Canadian terrain, Spencer and Chris delve into a call where a patient does their best attempt at refusing treatment for their... gunshot wound?
01:42:3613/09/2023
MI Bleed?

MI Bleed?

Chris and Spencer see if they can solve why a man with the most rancid of toots can't stay upright. And also... Chris totally screws up! Also be sure to check out this week's sponsor, In Case at getincase.com/EMS2020!
01:43:3030/08/2023
Who has the Baby!?

Who has the Baby!?

Spencer throws Chris for a loop by making him critique... himself(ves)? In today's VERY strange episode, two BLS responders care for a sick baby, make a last minute switch on who is doing what, while the patient's mother seems to lose faith. Check out this week's sponsor, In Case at getincase.com/EMS2020 !
02:02:1316/08/2023
You Can't Make Me!

You Can't Make Me!

Sometimes patients don't just say no, but sometimes they say f&^$ no! What happens when two responders are confronted by a verbally hostile patient? Does fighting fire with fire work? Spoiler: no, it does not. Check out this episode's sponsor at getincase.com/EMS2020, and use PROMO CODE EMS2020 for $5 off!
01:35:0602/08/2023
Methany and the Frog

Methany and the Frog

In this week's episode, Spencer tells Chris a tale about meth, altered levels of consciousness, and maybe even child protective services. Also, frogs.
01:44:2019/07/2023
Hive-way to the Danger Zone

Hive-way to the Danger Zone

Can the guys see where (or if) a handful of secret agents went wrong? Did they go wrong? Try to keep up with the twists and turns of this weeks episodes as everything from airway management to scene management is discussed.
01:31:1105/07/2023
Making a List... For Low SaO2

Making a List... For Low SaO2

In a Lucky Charms fueled rage, Chris shares his thoughts on what it takes to be a Paramedic before the guys try and figure why a patient is so short of breath. Is it bronchoconstriction? Pulmonary Edema? Heart problems? Listen and find out!
01:55:5821/06/2023
Snapping Necks and Calling Helis

Snapping Necks and Calling Helis

So we might not be COPS, but this episode is still bound to make you sweat as an accident in treacherous terrain interrupts the Catalina Wine Mixer. From hiking to helicopters, Chris puts Spence through the paces in this week's episode!
01:34:3007/06/2023
The Legend of Vent Machina

The Legend of Vent Machina

Spencer and Chris roll the dice on today's episode as we follow brave adventurers into the unknown as they set out with a vented patient to a nearby kingdom. What could possibly go wrong? Lots. Lots can go wrong.
02:04:0124/05/2023
LetterSTEMI Problems

LetterSTEMI Problems

Check out 90 Seconds: The Epic Story of Eli Beer! Support EMS 20/20 by purchasing through our affiliate links below:Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/90-Seconds-Story-United-Hatzalah/dp/1422633071?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=ems2020-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6bd179cb5c9766c0bf582f235fd9ed9e&camp=1789&creative=9325ArtScroll (Publisher):https://www.artscroll.com/linker/EMS2020/Books/9781422633076.html 
01:34:0910/05/2023