Stupidity in EMS: The causes and remedies

Stupidity in EMS: The causes and remedies

From Loud & Clear: EMS Guiding Principles - Advanced Continuing Education for Paramedics, EMTs & Prehospital Care Providers by Ross Orpet, Paramedic turned EMS Physician

January 13, 2026 · 23 min · Episode 108

About this episode

The episode discusses the cognitive factors leading to mistakes in EMS and how to control them.

You're not making mistakes because you're dumb. You're making mistakes because of seven predictable factors—and once you know them, you can control them. Kris Kaull delivered a masterclass at FASTCAN on the hidden forces that cause even experienced paramedics to miss critical information when it matters most. This isn't about memorizing more protocols—it's about understanding the cognitive science behind high-stakes decision-making in emergency medicine. Guest/Cast/Crew information- Guest- Kris Kaull, FP-C Host- Ross Orpet Catch up with us after the show - Instagram- @emsloudandclear YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@EMSLoudandClear Website- www.emspodcast.com 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 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 Want to stay ahead of the top 1% in EMS and build real confidence in the…

People in this episode

Host: Ross Orpet

Guest: Kris Kaull

Topics covered

  • cognitive science
  • decision-making
  • emergency medicine
  • paramedic training
  • mistake prevention

Keywords

  • EMS
  • paramedics
  • decision-making
  • cognitive science
  • mistakes
  • training
  • emergency medicine

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Dichotomy of Leadership, Extreme Ownership, Managing the Unexpected: Sustained Performance in a Complex World, Thinking Fast and Slow

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