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
Sterile Processing 101: When Things Go Wrong
Even the best systems have moments when things go wrong. What matters most is how we respond.
In the Season 19 finale of Sterile Processing 101, Jen Parrott returns to discuss what happens when things go wrong like wet packs, missing instruments, failed indicators, delays, and breakdowns in the process.
This episode is a powerful reminder that solving problems requires more than urgency. It requires communication, accountability, and a culture focused on improvement instead of blame. Because when the OR and SPD work together, setbacks become opportunities to build safer systems for every patient.
Don’t miss the final episode of Season 19!
#operatingroom #ornurse #sterileprocessing #scrubtech
Sterile Processing 101: Storage, Shelf Life, and Event-Related Sterility
How much thought do we really give to packaging… until something goes wrong?
In today’s interview, we explore the often-overlooked world of storage, shelf life, and event-related sterility with Malinda Elammari, CEO of Crown Point Consulting.
From blue wrap and rigid containers to peel packs and transport practices, this episode breaks down why packaging is far more than a wrapper. In reality, it’s a critical part of protecting sterility and patient safety. Listen now and discover why packaging matters!
#operatingroom #sterileprocessing #ornurse #scrubtech
Sterile Processing 101: Reading the Tray – Indicators, Tape, Filters, and What They Actually Mean
How do you know the tray you just opened is truly ready for your patient?
In Episode 6 of Sterile Processing 101, we sit down with Adam Okada to take a closer look at the indicators, tape, filters, and packaging features that communicate critical sterility information before instruments ever reach the field. Join us as we discuss what these indicators do, what they don’t tell us, and why the OR team is the final line of defense before those instruments are used on a patient.
#operatingroom #sterileprocessing #ornurse #scrubtech
Sterile Processing 101: Sterilization Methods Explained – Steam, Low-Temp, & IUSS
In this week’s episode, we take a practical look at the science behind sterilization with Bobby Parker from Beyond Clean. From steam cycles to low-temperature, this episode breaks down the different ways instruments are processed and discusses why each method matters.
You’re also going to gain a clearer understanding of indicators, sterility assurance, and why sterilization takes more time than many realize. But the more we understand the process, the better we can support patient safety and workflow efficiency.
#operatingroom #sterileprocessing #ornurse #scrubtech
Sterile Processing 101: Inspection & Assembly – The Art of Building a Reliable Tray
How reliable is the tray you open every day?
In today’s episode, we step into inspection and assembly where cleaned instruments are tested, examined, and built into the trays your OR depends on.
This conversation with Kevin Anderson highlights why tray assembly is about far more than checking off a count sheet. From instrument function testing and damaged equipment to borescopes, insulation testing, and missing items, this episode reveals the science behind building a dependable tray.
Listen now and gain a new appreciation for the work that happens before the tray reaches your back table.
#operatingroom #nurse #scrubtech #sterileprocessing
Sterile Processing 101: Decontam Deep Dive – What Happens After The Case Cart Leaves the Room
What really happens after your case cart leaves the OR?
To find out, we’re diving into decontam to discover the critical next step in the instrument reprocessing lifecycle. From point-of-use treatment to manual and mechanical cleaning, this episode unpacks what it actually takes to get instruments safe, clean, and ready for the next patient.
Joined by Julie Gorog, OR nurse and Clinical Education Consultant with Advanced Sterilization Products, we explore why cleaning is the most crucial step in reprocessing, how biofilm forms faster than you think, and what OR teams can do to set sterile processing up for success.
Because what happens after the case directly impacts the next one. So tune in to learn more!
#operatingroom #ornurse #scrubtech #sterileprocessing
Responses