Battle of the Badges

Do It For Drew - David Hughes

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses the death of a child and may be difficult for some listeners. In this deeply emotional episode of the260, we sit down with David Hughes to talk about the life and loss of his son, Drew. Together, we discuss the events surrounding Drew’s case, including concerns involving the misuse of RSI protocols and the overall management of his care. While this conversation is heartbreaking, it also serves as an important reminder of the responsibility we carry in EMS and healthcare. Drew’s story highlights why patient advocacy, critical thinking, communication, and accountability matter on every single call. Our hope is that this episode not only honors Drew’s memory, but also encourages meaningful conversations that help improve patient care and prevent tragedies like this from happening again. To learn more about Drew’s story and the mission behind the foundation, visit Do It For Drew Foundation [https://www.doitfordrew.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Lead Boldly with Whitney Bandemer

We’re joined by Whitney for a powerful conversation on leadership that resonates across all ages and experience levels. From developing confidence as a young leader to refining your approach over time, this episode delivers practical advice that applies far beyond EMS. The lessons shared are adaptable, relatable, and relevant to anyone looking to lead more effectively. Lead Boldly Website https://www.leadboldlylearning.com Lead Boldly Manager Experience Class https://www.leadboldlylearning.com/services-1 BooksExtreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win https://a.co/d/bLlWzr3 Radical Candor: Fully Revised & Updated Edition: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity https://a.co/d/bOytVrd Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know https://a.co/d/guhopzh A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Workhttps://a.co/d/arwS3J1 When They Win, You Win: Being a Great Manager Is Simpler Than You Think https://www.amazon.com/When-They-Win-You-Manager/dp/B09GDGCZ4Y/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KQVV47TLTXFD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OkoXhEg2t3WO4t_EHjjwoIjD2Ab2A7-TfVvfP5TqurfAfHoKXwZ_HiHdpkP7iX-LfndfTAtndQy-bMnzqFnLhgV4Yg_BDurcYRufzlVoL4uhy5lGQiMlDAdYR0t88f5KNZ4rtbd5b_VYv7SLyjNN4IqtD2aifD12Q6-svnawCAvkdXSwDfHVonjKnI4m7MpPhU-_4IlAhQbKVD1UHOIM_uUulY6dHRVJ0K9TFoJwUNI.3ghA1iPJaMSNpJfgRYjppoZu9MhN_AyMOOBHWygTPZc&dib_tag=se&keywords=win+they+win+you+win+book&qid=1769086642&sprefix=win+they+win+you+win+book%2Caps%2C250&sr=8-1

Where EMS Began with Dennis Giere

We recorded this episode at the Fort Wayne Fire Museum and sat down with Dennis Giere to talk through where EMS came from, how it gained momentum, and why understanding its beginnings still matters today. This episode looks at the foundation of the service so many of us are proud to be part of and why its history continues to influence how we serve our communities now. Report from Engine Co. 82 by Dennis Smith https://a.co/d/daeQZQ2 American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America's First Paramedics by Kevin Hazzard https://a.co/d/1j0WVhy Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders | America's First EMT Servicehttps://youtu.be/1pGFo0OmfwY?si=MuqUQNaxNI8G8Duk Man Alive: The Bronx Is Burning (Complete) FDNY 1972 https://youtu.be/ygF3NJvy3bY?si=NYA6AApyU2VDCEe-

Battle of the Badges

On this episode of the 260, we sit down with Zak, a strategic business planning manager with the Red Cross, to dig into the spirit behind the annual Battle of the Badges. It’s the friendly competition where fire, police, and EMS each rally their supporters to donate blood and earn bragging rights. We explore why the event is fun, what makes blood donation meaningful, and what a donation experiences from the moment it leaves your arm to the moment it reaches someone who needs it. Plus, we talk about how the tradition took shape and why people look forward to it each year. Join us for a mix of heart, humor, and healthy rivalry

Beyond the Cookbook with Dan Basting & Adam Jackson

In this episode, Kaitlin and Taylor sit down with Dan Basting and Adam Jackson to unpack what it really means to be a “cookbook medic.” Together, they explore how strict protocol reliance can limit critical thinking—and how digging into the why behind the medicine helps elevate care, confidence, and clinical judgment. This conversation challenges you to move past memorization and embrace true understanding in every call.