Tac Medic Whiskey: The Tactical Medicine Podcast

Quick Hits - Tips and Tricks of The Trade

In this quick hitter we look at some tricks of the trade for successful tactical operations. 

Pain in the Arse: Analgesia Under Fire

In this episode, I talk about the tools and tricks of the trade for managing pain in care under fire. 

Blood on the Ground: Whole Blood, Components, and the Battle for Better Prehospital Care

In this episode of Tac Medic Whiskey, Dr. Stephen P. Wood dives deep into one of the most urgent—and controversial—topics in trauma care: the use of prehospital whole blood. Drawing on military data, civilian trials, and boots-on-the-ground experience, this episode explores why whole blood saves lives, why component therapy may fall short in the field, and what’s holding back broader implementation.
Dr. Wood tackles everything from hemorrhagic shock and logistics of field transfusion to walking blood banks, cold-stored platelets, and freeze-dried plasma, all while challenging the institutional inertia that puts patients at risk. He also shines a light on the equity gap—why elite teams get whole blood while underserved urban communities often go without.
 
Eastridge BJ, et al. Death on the battlefield (2001–2011): implications for the future of combat casualty care. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2012.
Sperry JL, et al. Prehospital Plasma during Air Medical Transport in Trauma Patients at Risk for Hemorrhagic Shock. N Engl J Med. 2018.
Yazer MH, et al. Safety of low‐titer group O whole blood in trauma patients: a retrospective cohort study. Transfusion. 2018.
Seheult JN, et al. Platelet storage conditions and transfusion outcomes: cold vs. room temperature. Shock. 2020.
Strandenes G, et al. Cold-stored platelets: physiology and emerging data. Transfusion. 2021.

Did You Bring Protection?

In this episode, a live podcast from the FDNY SRFM conference in NYC for a discussion on eye pro, helmets and tactical gear. We discuss the minimum standards, vest levels and the rounds they protect you from, as well as the importance of training in that gear. 

Lightning Round: Taser related injuries

In this episode we look at Tasers. We take a deep dive into how they work, some of the injuries associated with tasers, as well as special populations including pregnancy and people with cardiovascular disease.

Major Burns: What is in, What is Out

In this episode we chat about major burns. From airways, to fluids and pain management, this episode covers the soup to nuts in major burn management. 

That Sucks! Sucking Chest Wounds and Crics.

In this episode we get down and dirty on the management of sucking chest wounds and cricothyrotomy. We explore the methods and the science behind several cric methods as well as some myth busters around chest seals. 

Selfcare and Wellness: Staying Alive and Well

In this episode we tackle mental health, wellness, selfcare and suicide. PTSD, depression, and suicide are 40% higher in our field than in the general population. Learn some of the keys to taking care of your mind and body, as well as your operator colleagues.