The Critical Care Commute Podcast

This episode explores the critical aspects of maternal health, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, multidisciplinary collaboration, and specialized training in managing maternal critical illness. Guests Stephen Cantellow and Deborah Horner share insights from their work and recent research to improve outcomes for women during and after pregnancy.Key topicsThe increasing incidence of maternal critical illness in the UKImportance of multidisciplinary collaboration in maternal careGuidelines and standards for emergency preparedness in obstetric critical careThe establishment and goals of the Maternal Critical Care AllianceThe role of simulation training in improving emergency responseKey procedures like resuscitative hysterotomy and uterine displacement during cardiac arrestTransport and management of pregnant women in emergency situationsAddressing psychological impacts and maternal mental health post-critical illnessMaternal Critical Care Alliance

This engaging conversation explores career development, mentorship, and maintaining value throughout a medical career, with insights from experts in pediatric critical care, Drs Denise Goodman and Raj Basu. Key Topics:Career planning and transition strategiesMentorship's role in professional growthMaintaining motivation and feeling valuableThe importance of self-awareness and reflectionBalancing work, family, and personal fulfillment

In this "fireside" chat, recorded in front of a live audience at the Canadian Resuscitative Ultrasound Course West 2026 (CRUS WEST), Peter Brindley explores the role of point-of-care ultrasound in clinical practice, as we kick of Season 6.Join us as Drs Brian Buchanan and Leon Byker, course directors for this year's CRUS WEST 2026, along with Dr Leo Smyth, Internist and Point of Care Ultrasound specialist, share insights on how to integrate ultrasound effectively while avoiding common pitfalls, examining its benefits, limitations, and the evidence surrounding its impact on patient outcomes. Key Topics Discussed: Ultrasound as a diagnostic and monitoring toolThe role of physical exam versus ultrasoundEvidence, (or lack thereof) on ultrasound reducing mortalityRisks of over-reliance on ultrasoundTraining and competency in ultrasound useLegal and medicolegal considerationsUltrasound in procedural guidanceImpact of ultrasound on clinical workflowKey Words: ultrasound, point-of-care, clinical practice, diagnosis, procedure, evidence, medical education, patient safety

In this episode, Prof. Lynora Saxinger and hosts Peter Brindley and Leon Byker explore the history, impact, and public perception of vaccines. They discuss how vaccines have saved millions of lives, the challenges of vaccine hesitancy, and strategies for effective science communication.Key topicsThe impact of vaccines on global health and mortalityThe role of vaccines as heroes in medicineChallenges of vaccine hesitancy and misinformationThe importance of trust and communication in vaccinationStrategies for effective vaccine advocacy and educationThis episode was made possible by: Pfizer - Unrestricted Educational Grant - https://www.pfizer.com/

This episode features Professor Bram Rochwerg discussing the latest guidelines on surviving sepsis, covering evidence-based practices, fluid management, vasopressor use, and emerging therapies. Gain insights into how expert panels synthesize evidence to guide critical care in sepsis management.Key Topics Covered: Sepsis guideline updates 2026Evidence synthesis and recommendation strengthFluid resuscitation strategies and targetsVasopressor use and peripheral administrationEmerging therapies: Methylene blue, steroids, bicarbonateBiomarkers and diagnostics in sepsisLinks: Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock 2026 | SCCMExecutive Summary: Surviving Sepsis Campaign:... : Critical Care Medicine

In this episode, we're joined by Sonja, RN, Nurse Educator, and host of the Sedation Vacation Radio podcast. (Full disclosure: we're big fans, so we might be just a little biased!)Sonja shares practical, real-world advice on infection prevention and control, from getting PPE right to safely managing patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fevers. Along the way, we explore what it takes to prepare healthcare teams and systems for these high-consequence situations, with plenty of practical tips and lessons you can apply in your own workplace.Key topicsInfection control procedures for viral hemorrhagic feverPPE donning and doffing protocols with step-by-step guidanceSystem-level response and isolation procedures for high-risk infectious casesRole of medical officers and rapid response teams in outbreak managementWaste disposal and sample handling for contagious diseasesAerosol-generating medical procedures and precautionsTakeaways:Proper PPE donning and doffing is critical to prevent self-contamination.Clear protocols and checklists improve safety during high-risk procedures.System-level planning includes designated isolation units and inter-agency communication.Understanding the difference between contact, droplet, and airborne precautions is essential.Links of Interest: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/ebola/border-measures.htmlPractical PPE: Coverall PPE (this is the PPE that anyone going into the room and doing patient care or assessments will be wearing) https://youtu.be/ADosrKxfsNIBuddy PPE (this is the PPE that is worn by those who assist with Coverall doffing and other tasks) https://youtu.be/RaNwdvSyrb4Coverall and Buddy Doffing https://youtu.be/EjVoXmRNzWcSedation Vacation Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/15P4tJ7uW17u41bm3V7CEf?si=1ua7uXu-Sa6nQGrkur0Gow

Join us on this episode as we discuss Ebola Disease with Dr Rob Fowler, critical Care Physician, Researcher and Scientist. As a physician who experienced working with patients with Ebola Disease, there is no better person to discuss this hot topic. Key TopicsEbola virus strains and outbreaksDiagnostic testing and laboratory protocolsTherapeutic developments and clinical trialsSupportive care principles in Ebola treatmentInfection prevention and PPE in outbreak settingsCase fatality rates and clinical outcomesVirus immune evasion mechanismsPublic health response and outbreak management. Further reading and important links: WHO Supportive Care Guidelines (2026 – coming soon) https://www.magicevidence.org/WHO Specific Therapeutic Guidelines (not Bundibugyo species specific) (2022) http://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240055742WHO Ebola and Marburg virus IPC Guidelines (2026) https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240111332

This episode features Professor Wendy Sligl discussing hantaviruses, their transmission, clinical presentation, public health response, and prevention strategies. Aimed at healthcare professionals and public health officials, it provides critical insights into managing outbreaks and understanding zoonotic diseases.Key Topics:Hantavirus family and strainsTransmission routes and human-to-human spreadClinical presentation and severity spectrumPublic health response and quarantine protocolsPrevention and protective measures

From Intubation Dilemmas to Data-Driven Decisions: Cutting-Edge Research in Pre-Hospital Trauma Care. In this episode, we explore a study that leverages machine learning and causal modeling to improve pre-hospital trauma interventions, specifically endotracheal intubation. Experts Amy Nelson and Julian Thompson discuss how innovative data analysis can inform real-time decision-making, enhance patient outcomes, and optimize resource allocation in emergency settings.Main Topics:The long-standing debate over early pre-hospital intubation and its survival benefitsMethodological advances using machine learning and causal inference in emergency researchHow predictive models can support clinicians at the roadside and future directions for trauma careThe significance of integrating AI tools into clinical judgment without replacing human expertiseCost-effectiveness and system-wide implications of adopting data-driven protocols in trauma systems

In this in-depth interview, Dr. Craig Spencer discusses the anti-vaccine movement, its community dynamics, historical context, and how healthcare professionals can engage effectively. The conversation explores the psychology behind vaccine hesitancy, community engagement strategies, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.Further Reading: https://www.statnews.com/2025/11/11/childrens-health-defense-conference-pro-vaccine-doctor/Craig Spencer, MD, MPH | Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies | Brown University