The Compassion Continuum
DAMN Good Medics
In this episode of the Damn Good Medics podcast, hosts Mark and Chad delve into the profound impact of action-oriented compassion in the field of emergency medical services. Joined by Emily who is a DNP, they explore the nuances between sympathy, empathy, and compassion, emphasizing how taking tangible actions can transform care and support for both patients and providers. Through personal stories and professional insights, they highlight the critical role of emotional intelligence and the challenges of compassion fatigue, offering listeners a thoughtful examination of what it truly means to...
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The Narrow Therapeutic Index of Confidence – Part 2
DAMN Good Medics
In this episode, our crew continues the deep dive into confidence in EMS. Building on Part 1, this conversation turns to practical tools and strategies: how to cultivate grounded confidence through mentorship, peer support, and self-reflection. From recognizing early warning signs of overconfidence to reinforcing healthy habits in training and practice, this episode equips medics at every level with ways to strike the right balance. Season Recap: Why We’re Here — setting the vision for transformation in EMS Affect in Action — how emotions shape workplace culture Felt, Not Taught...
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The Narrow Therapeutic Index of Confidence Part 1
DAMN Good Medics
Confidence in EMS practice is a critical but so often overlooked aspect of emergency medical services. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the delicate balance between having enough confidence to make life-saving decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of overconfidence. As EMS professionals, we've all experienced those moments of self-doubt, right? Especially early on in our careers. But how do we cultivate healthy, mature, confidence that empowers us to provide the best care possible? We delve into this, dare I say, critical topic, sharing personal experiences and insights from our...
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Part 2 - Return to the Basics - Competence
DAMN Good Medics
In Part Two of our conversation on competence, we shift focus from the individual provider to leadership. Lee explores how burnout, poor training, and unclear expectations often cause leaders to stall—or fail altogether. From the dangers of “flying by the seat of your pants” to the missed potential of under-supported FTOs, we ask: Are we preparing people to lead, or just promoting them? We dig into the real gaps—between expectation and education, between promotion and preparation—and ask what it really means to be competent in leadership roles. Topics Covered: The role of...
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Return to the Basics – Competence
DAMN Good Medics
In this episode, Lee opens up about a time when he was on the verge of walking away from his EMS career. He struggled with intense self-doubt and wrestled with the question so many of us face: Am I really cut out for this? That turning point came when he found mentors who didn’t just encourage him—but challenged him. They offered constructive criticism, not just praise. That guidance helped him reframe his journey and understand where he truly was in his professional development. We dive into two key models that help explain how we grow in our careers: the Dreyfus Model of Skill...
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Conversations Unseen: How Attitudes Shape the Values We Uphold
DAMN Good Medics
In this episode of 'Damn Good Medics,' hosts Mark, Lee and Chad delve into the transformation from good medics to great medics by exploring the high reliability components within the EMS industry. They discuss how attitudes, if held for long enough, can become deeply ingrained values influencing personal and professional behavior. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, adaptive attitudes, and the impact of workplace environment and social circles on individual and collective performance. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they highlight the need for...
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Felt, Not Taught: Gut Instincts and the Weight of the Unspoken EP2
DAMN Good Medics
Felt, Not Taught: Gut Instincts and the Weight of the Unspoken EP 2 Show notes: EMS, paramedics, emergency response, and mental health In this episode, we dive into the unseen layers of emergency medical services—the things we feel, but don’t always say out loud. From the valence of our gut reactions to the unspoken knowledge passed between seasoned medics, we explore how tacit knowledge shapes clinical judgment and real-time decision-making. We ask the big questions: Do all EMS professionals share the same fears on the job? And if so, why don't we talk about them more openly? Join us...
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Affect in Action: Emotions on the Front Lines EP 01
DAMN Good Medics
Ep 01 Affect in Action: Emotions on the Front Lines Show Notes In this inaugural episode, the hosts introduce themselves and share their diverse backgrounds, education, and experiences in the industry. They lay the groundwork for the podcast by offering personal stories that shaped their perspectives and professional paths. The discussion dives into the concept of affect — exploring how emotional tone and presence shape workplace culture and interpersonal dynamics. The hosts also examine the value of continued education and the importance of staying current in a field that...
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DAMN Good Medics - Why we're here
DAMN Good Medics
What separates a good medic from a great one? In the high-stakes world of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), it’s not just about following protocols—it’s about transformation. Join us as we draw the lines in the sand, cutting through the chaos of the EMS industry to uncover what truly elevates patient care, strengthens organizations, and empowers medics to exceed their potential. Each episode breaks down actionable strategies, hard-earned insights, and the mindset shifts necessary to bridge the gap between good and DAMN good. If you’re ready to make meaningful, lasting changes in your...
info_outlineIn this episode, Lee opens up about a time when he was on the verge of walking away from his EMS career. He struggled with intense self-doubt and wrestled with the question so many of us face: Am I really cut out for this?
That turning point came when he found mentors who didn’t just encourage him—but challenged him. They offered constructive criticism, not just praise. That guidance helped him reframe his journey and understand where he truly was in his professional development.
We dive into two key models that help explain how we grow in our careers: the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisitionand the Conscious Competence Ladder.
The Dreyfus Model outlines five levels:
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Novice
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Advanced Beginner
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Competent
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Proficient
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Expert
Meanwhile, the Conscious Competence Ladder runs parallel, tracking our awareness of our skills:
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Unconscious Incompetence – You don’t know what you don’t know.
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Conscious Incompetence – You know what you can’t do yet.
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Conscious Competence – You know how to do it, but it takes effort.
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Unconscious Competence – It’s second nature. You do it without thinking.
These models raise two key questions for our field:
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Where do you think most EMS providers—or leaders—fall within these stages?
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At what level do you think providers or leaders are most dangerous—and to whom?
We also touch on concepts from political theory, including Chesterton’s Fence and the Overton Window, to explore how institutional knowledge and boundaries protect against reckless change.
Lee reflects on the “cookbook paramedic” phase—often where advanced beginners live. These providers may stick to the rules and protocols but miss the bigger picture. It’s only through proficiency, where pattern recognition kicks in, that you begin to truly understand what to do—not just follow steps.
At the expert level, practitioners rely on tacit knowledge—intuitive, fast, and often hard to explain. They’ve seen the patterns before. They innovate because they understand the system.
Where are you on that ladder?
Where is your team?
Be sure to listen to the next episode, where we finish this conversation and talk about what it really takes to grow as a provider—and what to do when you feel stuck.
Lee’s YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@accessmedic
Dylan’s Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-brabham/499664225
Ironed Out Media: