Episode 20: Episode 20: Overheated: EMS Lessons in Heat Stroke

This episode dives into a real-world case of a patient found altered and seizing at Cherry Creek State Park during a string of heat-related calls. Paramedic Zach Hutchins recounts the challenges of navigating multiple simultaneous incidents, accessing the patient in a campsite, and recognizing the signs of heat stroke. Together with Dr. Jonathan Apfelbaum, the team breaks down key assessment points, including differential diagnosis for altered mental status, the role of environmental factors, and when to initiate active cooling. The conversation provides practical takeaways for EMS providers managing hyperthermic patients in the pre-hospital setting.