About this episode
Dennis and Brad discuss the practical applications and advantages of fentanyl in combat medicine.
In this high-value episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis reconnects with Brad for a no-fluff, combat-medic-focused breakdown of fentanyl—the fast, predictable, cardiovascularly stable synthetic opioid that belongs at the front of every aid bag. From its 1950s Belgian lab origins to real-world battlefield use, Brad shares hard-earned lessons on why fentanyl beats morphine and Dilaudid in trauma, how to titrate it safely in the dirt, and why it’s the perfect partner for procedural sedation. Whether you’re pushing IV doses, deploying lollipops, or wondering why patches are a bad idea, this is the practical, experience-packed guide every prolonged field care provider needs. Key Takeaways Fentanyl is your new “run-home-to-mama” opioid —faster, more predictable, and more stable than morphine in trauma. Titrate aggressively but smartly : 50 mcg IV bumps every few minutes guided by respiratory rate; cut to 25 mcg if hypotensive. Perfect for both analgesia AND procedures —pair with Versed for synergy and ketamine for deeper sedation without burning through your supply. Lollipops work great when used correctly (800 mcg is the money dose); add Zofran for the second one and wet the mouth if…
People in this episode
Host: Dennis
Guest: Brad
Topics covered
- fentanyl
- combat medicine
- opioids
- trauma care
- procedural sedation
- field care
Keywords
- fentanyl
- opioids
- trauma
- sedation
- combat medic
- analgesia
- titration
- field care
Mentioned in this episode
Products: fentanyl, morphine, Dilaudid, Versed, ketamine, Zofran, lollipops, patches
Places: Belgium
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