The Brutal Reality of Being a First Responder | SME 001

What’s life as a paramedic really like? Joshua Skovlund is an Army Ranger-turned-paramedic-turned-journalist who reveals the unvarnished ground truth about what first responders endure in EMS. From brutal 911 calls, overdoses, burnout, split-second decisions, to what the media misses—this episode hits hard. From urban emergencies in Minneapolis to working at a fire department in New Hampshire, Josh shares tactics he's used on scene, tough triage decisions, the human cost of saving lives, and how he thinks we can fix America’s EMS system. Follow Josh on Instagram New here? Welcome to Subject Matter Expert, hosted by Marty Skovlund Jr., featuring top experts across diverse and relevant fields without regard to political bias. If you're looking for an echo chamber, this isn't it! In each episode, Marty dives deep into high-impact topics with guests who have been there, done that, offering nuanced insights and practical takeaways, while highlighting their unique stories, knowledge, and experiences. Subscribe & Follow Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert on YouTube Subscribe to Subject Matter Expert Clips on YouTube Follow Subject Matter Expert on Instagram Follow Marty on Instagram Buy Marty's Books Send Me: The True Story of a Mother at War Violence of Action: The True Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror