The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect

The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect is where first responders continue the conversation after the call. Hosted by EMS educator Shaun Pitts, each episode brings together paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, physicians, educators, and industry leaders to explore the topics that shape our profession. From clinical medicine and patient care to leadership, mental health, education, career development, and the realities of life in emergency services, we cover the conversations that happen when the radios are quiet. Whether you’re on your commute, between calls, or finally enjoying some time off, you’ll leave every episode with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and ideas you can take back to your next shift. Because learning doesn’t stop when the call ends. The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect. Real conversations. Better providers. Stronger responders.

The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect is a education podcast hosted by EMSconnect, with 94 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

EMSconnect hosts The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect, a education show with 94 episodes published.

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  Episode #3

  WHO THE HELL GAVE US THE MICROPHONE?

  Oct 1, 20262 hourS5

  Send us Fan Mail There was no script. No outline. No carefully planned conversation. Nathan and Shaun hit record… and just started talking. What followed was a raw, unfiltered conversation about EMS, how we got here, the people and experiences that shaped us, the lessons we learned the hard way, and what we wish someone had told us when we were brand-new providers. We talk about the reality of growing in EMS, finding your place in the profession, making mistakes, learning from them, and figuring out what kind of provider and person you actually want to become. We brought in questions from social media and answered them live, taking the conversation wherever it went. No polished presentations. No talking points. No pretending we have everything figured out. Just two EMS providers talking about the job they love, the mistakes they've made, the things they've learned, and what they hope the next generation of providers takes with them. If you're a student, a brand-new provider, or someone who's been in EMS for years, there's probably something in this conversation that'll make you laugh, think, or say, "Yep… I've been there." So grab your headphones. And maybe don't let us near a microphone again. EMSconnect LLC Smooth Operator Soap Wash off the last shift with the new EMS line! Use code "getlessdumb" at check out! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect You are DIRTY! Get clean here: https://smoothoperatorsoap.myshopify.com/ Must have study books: https://www.rescueknowledge.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4X_WfNxIw0Px_16vHIkAURqQIxkeW_CIjTxg4RAQP1-j_RFgeKD

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  Episode #2

  The Black Cloud: When the Shit Show Follows You Home

  Aug 26, 20261 hourS5

  Send us Fan Mail What happens when the calls don't end when your shift does? On this episode of The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect, Shaun sits down with firefighter/paramedic Laelen for a raw and honest conversation about the ways EMS can change you over time—and what happens when the weight of the job starts following you home. Laelen shares her journey from volunteer EMT to paramedic, FTO, educator, and firefighter/paramedic, along with the story behind earning a reputation as a “shit show black cloud.” But beneath the laughs and legendary calls is a much deeper conversation about bad calls, bad culture, burnout, and the moments when everything starts spiraling both at work and at home. They talk about first responder mental health, gallows humor, vulnerability, the stigma surrounding asking for help, and the difference between true resilience and simply becoming really good at hiding that you're struggling. This isn't a conversation about pretending everything is okay. It's about being honest when it isn't—and learning how to pull yourself back. Because sometimes the person sitting next to you on the rig isn't fine. And sometimes, neither are you. This is the shit we don't always talk about. Listen to The Off Shift Podcast by EMSconnect wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

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  Episode #1

  What I Wish I Knew: The Lessons Every Rookie Firefighter Learns Too Late with Nic Pluskota

  Jul 26, 202643 minS5

  Send us Fan Mail Starting a career in EMS or the fire service can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of lessons no one teaches you in class. In this episode, I sit down with Nic Pluskota to talk about everything rookie. From earning trust in the station to avoiding common mistakes, Nic shares honest advice and practical insights that every new provider—and even seasoned veterans mentoring the next generation—should hear. We dive into what to expect during those critical first few years, the habits that set great firefighters and EMTs apart, how to handle setbacks, and what it really takes to build a successful career in emergency services. Whether you're a probationary firefighter, a brand-new EMT or paramedic, or someone looking to become a better mentor, this conversation is packed with real-world experience, actionable takeaways, and stories you'll relate to. If you're just getting started, this episode could save you years of learning the hard way. Support the show EMSconnect – All Social Media & Resources https://linktr.ee/EMSconnect

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  Episode #5

  Care vs. Clarity: Should Empathy Step Back on Scene?

  Apr 27, 20261h 18mS4

  <p>Send us Fan Mail</p><p>EMS training is designed to build competence, but it often fails to prepare providers for the chaos, complexity, and human side of real-world calls. In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we break down insights from EMS1’s reader response article: https://www.ems1.com/ems-training-and-education/ems1-readers-respond-whats-the-biggest-gap-between-training-and-real-world-calls<br/> and bring it into the reality of the street.<br/><br/>According to frontline providers, the biggest gaps in EMS education aren’t just clinical, they’re human. From struggling with patient communication to a lack of realistic, hands-on training and even navigating death notifi...

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  Episode #4

  Standards, Service & Something Greater with Zac Willhide

  Mar 3, 202658 minS4

  <p>Send us Fan Mail</p><p>In this episode of EMSconnect On Shift, we sit down with Zac — a firefighter/EMT with both volunteer and career experience — to explore what it truly takes to serve at a high standard in the fire and EMS world. From his early days on the rig to navigating the chaos of high-stakes calls, Zac shares how faith has guided him, grounded him, and helped him stay resilient on shift.</p><p>We dive into the tough questions: How do we maintain excellence under pressure? How do we process the weight of what we see...

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