What if the best EMS educators weren’t clinicians, but patients themselves? In this episode, hosts Hilary Gates and Maia Dorsett welcome sudden cardiac arrest survivor Nova McCarthy and medical director Alicia Bond for an insightful discussion on how patient experiences can enhance EMS education. Nova describes her experience as a keynote speaker and explores the power of patient-centered learning. She details powerful moments from her near-death experience, including the compassion and kind words of the EMS clinicians who cared for her. Listen in to discover how EMS providers can learn directly from those they serve—gaining deeper empathy, refining communication, and improving decision-making in high-stakes moments. This conversation challenges traditional training methods and offers an innovative take on EMS education.

Mentioned in the episode:

Heartsight

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

Trauma Survivors Network

Near Death Experiences

Email Alicia Bond: jcemsmedical@gmail.com

Email Nova McCarthy: mccarthynova@gmail.com

State of Jefferson EMS Conference

Ginger Locke highlights the episode's key points with her "Mindset Minute."

The EMS Educator is published on the first Friday of every month! Be sure to turn on your notifications so you can listen as soon as the episode drops, and like/follow us on your favorite platform.

This podcast is sponsored by EMS Gives Life. Would you consider becoming a living organ donor? For more info visit www.emsgiveslife.org

Check out the Prodigy EMS Bounty Program! Earn $1000 for your best talks!

Get your CE at www.prodigyems.com Follow @ProdigyEMS on Twitter, FB, YouTube, TikTok & IG.