Beyond the Call Light

Episode 9: Kevin Hazzard, Author of American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics

Most people don’t realize that the backbone of modern EMS was built on the shoulders of a small, courageous group in Pittsburgh — a city of hardship and resilience. Kevin Hazzard takes us inside the extraordinary story of Freedom House, the pioneering paramedic service that redefined emergency medicine and saved countless lives, all while battling societal resistance rooted in racism and politics. In this eye-opening episode, discover how a handful of Black men in the 1960s reshaped the future of pre-hospital care with innovations like field EKGs, rapid response techniques, and the first use of Narcan for heroin overdoses. Kevin shares captivating stories of heroism, groundbreaking medical breakthroughs, and the unbreakable spirit of community that made it all possible. You'll learn about Peter Safar’s revolutionary contributions — from CPR to intensive care — and how the tragic loss of Safar’s own daughter propelled him to craft the modern paramedic. We break down why those early efforts were buried and how Pittsburgh’s marginalized neighborhoods became the epicenter of a medical revolution. This episode underscores why understanding this forgotten history matters. It’s a story of collective effort, racial injustice, and innovation that continues to influence EMS today. If you’re a health professional, a history buff, or someone curious about the roots of emergency care, this is your must-listen. Kevin Hazzard’s work not only honors those unsung heroes but invites us all to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we still need to go. Prepare to see EMS — and American history — in a new light. Perfect for: Emergency responders, healthcare professionals, history buffs, and anyone interested in the untold stories that shape our everyday lives.

Episode 8: Navigating New Vaccine Guidelines with Dr. Tracy Tyson

In this episode of Beyond the Call Light, host Gary Cope, BSN, RN, CEN, speaks with Dr. Tracy Tyson, a board-certified pediatrician, about recent changes in vaccine recommendations and the importance of emotional health in parenting. They discuss the CDC's updated guidelines (as of Dec. 2, 2025), the role of science in decision-making, and how parents can support their children's development.

Episode 7: Demystifying Palliative Care with Chelsey the Palliative PA

In this episode, Chelsey Ernst, PA-C, and Gary The ER Nurse delve into the world of palliative care, exploring its definition, common misconceptions, and its vital role in patient journeys. They discuss how palliative care differs from hospice and emphasize the importance of understanding and supporting patients with serious illnesses. Tune in to gain insights into how palliative care can enhance quality of life and provide compassionate support. Don't forget to subscribe and follow the podcast to stay updated on future episodes! Takeaways: * Palliative care is an extra medical specialty for support. * Common misconception: palliative care is the same as hospice. * Palliative care focuses on quality of life, not prognosis. * Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments. * The role of palliative care is to support patients and families. * Palliative care involves conversations about serious illness. * Palliative care is needs-based, hospice is prognosis-based. * Palliative care can reduce hospital readmissions. * Palliative care supports holistic patient care. * Palliative care is not limited by time-based restrictions. Chapters: * 00:00:21 Introduction to Palliative Care * 00:00:58 Misconceptions and Clarifications * 00:01:51 Role and Importance of Palliative Care * 00:12:03 Palliative vs Hospice * 00:26:40 Patient Support and Care * 00:42:26 Call to Action

Episode 6: Amy's Path to Personal and Professional Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder

In this episode of Beyond the Call Light, Amy Stevenson shares her compelling journey from a successful career in flight nursing to facing the challenges of alcohol use disorder. Through candid reflections, Amy discusses the impact of burnout, the importance of mental health awareness, and her path to recovery and advocacy. Join host Gary Cope, aka "Gary the ER Nurse," as they explore Amy's story of resilience and the lessons learned along the way.

Episode 5: The Nurse's Financial Guy helps nurses achieve their financial goals

In this episode of "Beyond the Call Light," host Gary, the ER nurse, is joined by Ricky, the nurse financial guy, to explore the financial challenges and opportunities faced by nurses. From budgeting tips to understanding retirement plans, Ricky shares valuable insights to help nurses achieve financial freedom. Tune in to learn how to balance your passion for healthcare with smart financial planning. Takeaways * Nurses often lack a budget, which is crucial for financial planning. * Understanding how retirement accounts are taxed is essential for nurses. * Many nurses rely too heavily on pensions without contributing to 401(k)s or 403(b)s. * Travel nurses must set aside funds for taxes and retirement. * Disability insurance is vital for nurses due to the physical demands of their job. * Maximizing health savings accounts (HSAs) can provide significant tax benefits. * Financial literacy should be a focus in nursing education. * Catch-up contributions can significantly boost retirement savings for those over 50. * Side hustles can provide additional income streams for nurses. * Discipline in financial planning is key to achieving long-term goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy for Nurses 06:49 Understanding Pensions and Retirement Accounts 14:02 The Importance of Financial Planning for Nurses 19:06 Catch-Up Contributions for Nurses Over 50 24:27 Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA Explained 29:29 Creating a Fun Budget for Nurses 34:29 Defining Financial Freedom for Nurses 39:58 Small Financial Changes for Nurses 47:49 Debunking Financial Myths for Nurses