Back to all episodes

MMM Origins: Jason Kells, MS II

From SWAT Medics to Stethoscopes: Jason Kells’s Journey into Medicine

Paramedic. SWAT Medic. Medical Student. One wild leap into the world of medicine.

What drives an EMS provider to swap rapid-response calls for a white coat? In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Jason Kells—former SWAT medic, paramedic, and now medical student.

Jason shares his rollercoaster experiences in prehospital medicine—from high-stakes rescues as a SWAT medic to long nights as a paramedic navigating the streets. He discusses the critical moments that pushed him toward medical school, the challenges of rural EMS, and the unique perspective former medics bring to the physician role.

Whether you’re a first responder, a medical professional, or someone fascinated by the grit and adrenaline of emergency care, this episode is packed with insight, reflection, and inspiration.

Episode Breakdown:

Hosts and Guests:

  • Phil Aguet (Medic, Firefighter, Law Enforcement, Nursing Grad)
  • Jason Kells, MS II
  • David J.T. Collins, MD, FACEP

What’s Inside:

  • Rural vs. Urban EMS – The challenges of providing care in vastly different environments.
  • Making the Leap to Med School – What drove Jason to trade the ambulance for a stethoscope.
  • Future of Healthcare – Insights on physician-led care, rural health access, and where medicine is headed.
  • Advice for EMS Providers – Lessons learned, the importance of mentorship, and words for the next generation of medics.

Get Involved!

💬 Join the Conversation: medicsmusingsandmayhem@gmail.com

📲 Follow & Subscribe:

    more episodes

    Episode 08 – Eye Injuries

    A chaotic trauma case, rural EMS trauma care, and a deep dive into managing gruesome eye injuries.

    View Page

    Episode 07 – Hypothermia

    An ice fisherman’s hut crashes into freezing waters—what happens next? In this episode of Medics Musings and Mayhem, Doc Dave, Phil Aguet, and Dr. Regan Washist break down real-world hypothermia rescues, rapid assessments, and the life-saving interventions that matter most.

    View Page

    The Kleinschmidt Series, Episode 01

    Behind every EMS call is a story of resilience, adrenaline, and emotional exhaustion. In this episode, Doc Dave, Dr. Regan Washist, and Jason Kells dive into the mental toll of saving lives, sharing raw experiences from the field and discussing how first responders navigate recovery.

    View Page

    Teaching and Saving

    How do we learn medicine, and how do we teach it best? In this episode, Dr. David Collins and Phil Aguet explore the essentials of medical education, from prehospital emergency medicine to hospital-based expertise.

    View Page

    EMS Across the Pond, Episode 03 – The Heart of POCUS

    Spotting STEMI before it’s too late—how early detection saves lives. In this episode, Regan and Livia break down the crucial signs of STEMI in prehospital care, explore the role of first responders in rapid assessment, and dive into POCUS as a game-changing diagnostic tool for cardiac chest pain.

    View Page

    Fireside Musings with Dave and Phil, Episode 1

    Rapid-fire EMS insights—from handoffs to whole blood. In this episode, Phil throws a mix of EMS topics at Dr. Dave, covering patient handoffs, lifelong learning, the resurgence of whole blood, and more quick hits.

    View Page

    Discover more from Medics, Musings, and Mayhem

    Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

    Continue reading