First Case
Clock in, scrub up, and join us behind the red line. We are First Case – an operating room podcast bringing you exciting interviews, engaging discussions, and innovative solutions that are changing the way patients receive surgical care. Each episode we talk to frontline staff, perioperative leadership, and nursing entrepreneurs from across the country as they share their stories, experience and expertise on an industry we love.
From the back table to the board room, from wheels in to wheels out. — we tackle the real-life issues affecting the OR. Whether you’re tuning in for surgical service education or inspiration, we’re glad you’re here. And now, it’s time to roll back, and start the First Case…
Episodes
Silo-Free Surgery: Say It, Don’t Delay It: Speaking Up to Prevent Surgical Site Infections
When something doesn’t look right in the OR, do you have the confidence to speak up? In this episode of “Silo-Free Surgery,” Garrett Hollembeak sits down with certified surgical technologist, educator, and infection preventionist Julia Jackson to talk about the role surgical conscience plays in protecting patients and preventing surgical site infections. From protecting the sterile field to slowing down for a meaningful timeout and questioning something that doesn’t look right, Julia shares why doing the right thing in the moment matters, even when it isn’t always easy. If you’ve ever hesitated to speak up in the OR, this episode is a powerful reminder of why your voice matters.
Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PatientSafety #Timeout #SpeakingUp #SurgicalConscience
Silo-Free Surgery: PATOS Without the Panic: Understanding “Present at Time of Surgery” in SSI Surveillance
The OR sees one thing. Infection Prevention reports another. So who’s right? In this episode of “Silo-Free Surgery,” hosts Garrett Hollembeak and Trey Morrow are joined by infection prevention expert Emily Barnard to tackle one of the trickier parts of SSI surveillance: PATOS, or “present at time of surgery.” Emily breaks down the difference between clinical and surveillance definitions, why the right documentation matters, and how seemingly small details in the operative note can make all the difference in accurate SSI reporting. From wound classification to the very specific language behind PATOS criteria, this conversation shows why OR and IP teams need a shared understanding of what they’re seeing and documenting. If PATOS has ever caused confusion in your facility, this conversation is for you!
Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SSI #PATOS #SurgicalSafety #Documentation #Reporting
The Right Fit: Protection That Goes Beyond the Glove
Every surgical procedure depends on a reliable barrier between clinicians and patients, but is every glove designed to deliver the same level of protection? On this week’s First Case Vendor Spotlight™, Rachel Dalton, MSN, RN, CPPS, Global Manager of Medical Affairs at Cardinal Health™, discusses how the Protexis™ Surgical Glove Portfolio is helping OR teams stay ahead of evolving best practices around glove changing, double-gloving, and latex-free surgical environments. With features like Neu-Thera™ coating, independent thumb design, and interlocking beaded cuffs, the Protexis™ Portfolio helps support comfort, dexterity, and reliable protection throughout every procedure. From product innovation to hands-on clinical support, discover how Cardinal Health™ is helping OR teams build confidence in every layer of protection.
Interested in bringing the Protexis™ Surgical Gloves Portfolio to your facility? Connect with your Cardinal Health™ sales representative or visit their website to request free samples, access CE courses, white papers, additional resources, and more. Plus, be sure to check out their previous Vendor Spotlight™ episodes featuring the Protexis™ Portfolio for even more insights. Tune in today!
Tune in to previous Vendor Spotlight™ episodes here:
Fits Like a Glove: The Performance & Protection of Latex-Free Gloves – Listen Here!
Caring for the Hands that Heal: Identifying the Impact of High-Quality Surgical Gloves – Listen Here!
Silo-Free Surgery: Why Are We Talking About IFUs?
Every day, healthcare teams rely on IFUs to get the job done. But how often do we stop to think about how they actually come together? In this week’s special season co-release episode, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Alpa Patel to take a closer look at why manufacturers’ instructions for use play such an important role in preventing surgical site infections. Drawing on decades of experience in reprocessing validation, Alpa explains how IFUs are developed, why they don’t always fit real clinical workflows, and what manufacturers can learn from the frontline teams using them every day. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why does the IFU say that?” or “Who writes these things?” this episode has the answers!
Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #IFU #SSI #Prevention #Validation #InstrumentReprocessing #Workflows
Silo-Free Surgery: Are ASC’s Really the Wild West?
The pace may be different, but the goal is exactly the same: delivering safe surgical care. In this week’s special season co-release episode, we talk with Carlene Smith about what surgical site infection prevention looks like in ambulatory surgery centers. As someone who’s worked in Sterile Processing, Infection Prevention, and the OR, Carlene shares her unique perspective on the challenges ASC teams face every day. From balancing limited resources and shared responsibilities to identifying small gaps before they become bigger problems, she discusses how ASC teams can stay proactive while keeping patient safety at the center of every workflow. No matter where surgical care happens, this conversation is a reminder that infection prevention starts with strong teamwork.
Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SterileProcessing #Collaboration #AmbulatorySurgeryCenter #ASC
Silo-Free Surgery: Have We Gone Nose Blind?
Could the biggest opportunities to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) be the ones you’ve stopped noticing? In this week’s special season co-release episode, Garrett Hollembeak sits down with Crystal Heishman for a conversation about seeing SSI prevention through a different lens. With experience spanning Infection Prevention, Sterile Processing, and the Operating Room, Crystal shares how stronger collaboration can help teams identify risks before they affect patient safety. She explains why spending time in the OR, asking thoughtful questions, and understanding workflows builds trust, uncovers hidden opportunities for improvement, and helps teams focus on process deviations — not “gotcha” moments. If stronger collaboration starts with stronger conversations, this episode offers practical ideas you can take back to your next huddle.
Make sure to follow First Case and Transmission Control on your favorite podcast app, LinkedIn, and Facebook so you never miss an episode!
#FirstCase #TransmissionControl #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #SiloFreeSurgery #SterileProcessing #Collaboration #Trust #ProcessImprovement #Podcast
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