# Life Over Limb: Field Amputation, Preparing for the Unthinkable

An episode of [Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles - Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1500168983), 20 Nov 2024, 15 min.

Audio: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/zkdwzqwy5x77945a/Life_or_limbb5xfr.mp3

Dr. Avery McKenzie interviews Dr. Eric Adler, regional medical director for Flight for Life, about the challenging and rare procedure of field amputations. They discuss the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, the steps involved in developing a protocol for such emergencies, and the logistical challenges faced during the process. Dr. Adler shares insights from real-life cases and emphasizes the critical need for planning and knowing the resources available in urgent scenarios. 00:00 Emergency Field Amputation: A Real-Life Scenario 00:25 The Reality of Unlikely Medical Emergencies 02:04 Introducing Today's Episode and Guest 04:26 Dr. Eric Adler's Experience and Protocol Development 05:46 Indications and Procedures for Field Amputation 10:50 Challenges in Creating a Field Amputation Protocol 14:23 Final Thoughts and Preparedness Resources • Website show notes link (picture of the kit and copy of the protocol): https://emspodcast.com/life-over-limb-field-amputation-preparing-for-the-unthinkable/ • Other episodes you might like: Episode 31- You Were Taught Wrong, Traumas Not Algorithmic Gear We Like • Good Stethoscope - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2 • Good Shears - https://amzn.to/40FROuF or https://amzn.to/3ChZ4Tn • Notepad for taking notes on calls - https://amzn.to/3Z1X21J • Sunglasses - https://frontline-optics.com/discount/EMSCAST15 • Books we recommend - • The Dichotomy of Leadership - https://amzn.to/4fiCAjN • Extreme Ownership - https://amzn.to/3O1FWfa • Managing the Unexpected: Sustained Performance in a Complex World - https://amzn.to/3V7BwYf • Thinking Fast and Slow - https://amzn.to/4fiJG85 • A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2 Guest/Cast/Crew information- Guest- Erik Adler Host- Ross Orpet, Avery Mackenzie Catch up with us after the show • Instagram- @emscast • Website- www.emspodcast.com Interested in The Loud & Clear Fellowship? Book a free coaching call with us: emspodcast.com/free-coaching-call American Burn Association / ABLS: Enter the ABLS giveaway by June 30, 2026; the winner will be selected July 1, 2026. Loud & Clear listeners also get 10% off ABLS Now through August 31, 2026. Details: https://bit.ly/aba-loud-clear

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them.