A police officer is shot point-blank in the face during a routine traffic stop, the .38 caliber bullet severing his internal carotid artery at the base of his skull. Most wouldn't survive this catastrophic injury, but at Emanuel Hospital—a place Dr. Bryce Potter describes as "a hard place to die"—something remarkable happens.

Dr. Bill Long is joined by Dr. Bryce Potter, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, as they take us through the harrowing case, revealing how innovative thinking saved this officer's life. When trauma surgeon Dr. John Zelko found himself literally holding back torrential bleeding with his finger, he made the crucial decision to call for help—an act that Dr. Long emphasizes is vital but sometimes prevented by ego in medical settings.

The solution? Dr. Potter improvised with bone wax and a muscle flap to permanently seal an un-repairable artery. Meanwhile, the team implemented their groundbreaking massive transfusion protocol, replacing the officer's entire blood volume multiple times during surgery using four specialized trauma nurses simultaneously administering blood components.

What truly sets this team apart is their philosophy of immediate intervention. "The patient is never more healthy than when they first present," Dr. Potter explains, challenging the standard practice of delaying facial fracture repairs. Their approach of immediate tracheostomy and fracture reduction not only stopped bleeding but dramatically shortened hospital stays and improved outcomes.

The police officer not only survived but eventually returned to active duty, despite the inevitable stroke. He had a permanent left hemiplegia resulting from the right carotid artery transection, and he underwent months of intensive rehabilitation. He is now confined to a wheelchair but is able to communicate orally with his devoted wife and family. His wife has worked out the logistics of transporting him in a vehicle to wherever they need and want to go. This case exemplifies how medical innovation comes not just from technology but from the willingness to challenge established protocols based on observed outcomes.

Join us to discover how these pioneering trauma techniques continue to influence trauma care of critically injured patients and why, sometimes, the most important medical tool is simply refusing to give up on a patient others might consider beyond saving.

To learn more about these life saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

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Producer: Esther McDonald

Technical Director: Lindsey Kealey, of PAWsitive Choices

Editing and Post Production: Adam Scott of Atamu Media Productions

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025

In this compelling episode of Flatline to Lifeline, Dr. Bill Long welcomes his longtime colleague Dr. Bryce Potter, a remarkable specialist with dual MD and DMD degrees, to explore how specialized training and innovative systems change patient outcomes.

Dr. Potter represents a rare breed of medical professionals - at the time of his practice, he was one of only twelve people in the United States with his particular combination of training. This unique background allowed him to handle complex head and neck trauma cases that would typically require multiple specialists working in sequence. Together, Drs. Long and Potter revolutionized trauma care by breaking down the territorial barriers between medical specialties to create a truly patient-centered approach.

The heart of this episode examines a fascinating case study of a 70-year-old man who survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The bullet became lodged in his frontal sinus, creating a complex medical challenge that required innovative thinking and surgical expertise. The doctors discuss the critical decision-making process that took place, including the consideration of multiple surgical approaches and the necessity of having a "Plan B" when initial strategies prove impossible.

Most striking is their candid conversation about the psychological aspects of trauma medicine - how physicians respond differently to extreme stress, the dangers of perseveration and task fixation, and why some doctors struggle to adapt when faced with unexpected complications. This rare glimpse into the mindset of elite trauma specialists reveals why adaptability may be the most crucial skill in trauma care of critically injured patients and life-threatening emergency surgery.

Whether you're a medical professional seeking insights into trauma care or simply fascinated by remarkable human stories, this episode offers profound lessons about the systems and approaches that make unexpected survival outcomes possible.

Listen now to hear the full story of this amazing recovery. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to our show and leave us a review. To learn more about these life saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

Special Guest Bio:

Dr. Bryce Potter, MD, DMD, is a board-certified surgeon in both Oral Surgery and ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat). He earned his dental degree from the University of Oregon Dental School and also received his medical degree and completed his ENT residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He gained extensive trauma experience at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and co-founded Head and Neck Surgical Associates in Portland, Oregon.

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Producer: Esther McDonald

Technical Director: Lindsey Kealey, of PAWsitive Choices

Editing and Post Production: Adam Scott of Atamu Media Productions

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025

Every second counts when a young boxing champion collapses unconscious in the ring. With his brain hemorrhaging and pressure building inside his skull, his life hangs by a thread. This is the story of a race against time, innovative medical thinking, and the power of teamwork in trauma care.

Dr. Long takes us deep inside the intricate architecture of the human brain and its protective systems. We learn how the scalp, skull, dura, and meninges form layers of protection, but also create confined spaces where even small amounts of bleeding—as little as a shot glass worth—can trigger catastrophic pressure increases. When this happens, the brain has nowhere to go except through the small opening at its base, a life-threatening condition called brain stem herniation.

The young boxer's journey from ringside collapse to complete recovery showcases revolutionary approaches to trauma care. Rather than following conventional protocols, the trauma team performed resuscitation measures directly in the CAT scanner—saving precious minutes. Most dramatically, surgeons kept the patient's skull open for five days, allowing his swollen brain room to expand while they monitored intracranial pressure with exquisite precision.

Beyond the medical details, this episode reveals the challenging human dynamics of trauma care. Dr. Long shares how he learned to bring together specialists with different training backgrounds to function as a cohesive team. He explains why doctors respond differently under extreme pressure and the most adaptive approach to navigating trauma care.

The boxer's story ends with a complete recovery—college graduation, marriage, children—though wisely, he never returned to the ring. This remarkable outcome demonstrates why Dr. Long's guiding principle remains: when the need is greatest for the patient, saving time saves lives.

Listen now to hear the full story of this remarkable recovery. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to our show and leave us a review.

To learn more about these life saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

Follow us on X @DrLongPodcast

Producer: Esther McDonald

Technical Director: Lindsey Kealey, of PAWsitive Choices

Editing and Post Production: Adam Scott of Atamu Media Productions

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025

In this poignant and insightful episode, Dr. Bill Long and host Will welcome special guests, producer Lindsey Kealey and organizational guru Esther McDonald, for a candid roundtable discussion as Season Four of Flatline to Lifeline begins. Moving beyond immediate shock trauma, this conversation delves into the vital role of patient advocacy when facing life-threatening medical scenarios.

Lindsey shares her deeply personal and current journey navigating her husband's rare and aggressive leukemia, revealing how the knowledge gained from producing the podcast has unexpectedly equipped her to understand complex medical terminology and advocate effectively with oncologists. Esther recounts her own experience with her husband's stage four pancreatic cancer diagnosis, highlighting the emotional impact and the critical need to seek second opinions and fight for necessary treatment.

Dr. Long emphasizes the profound importance of human connection and bedside manner, drawing on Hippocratic principles to illustrate how a doctor's empathetic presence and clear communication can build trust and positively impact patient outcomes. The team explores practical strategies for patients and their advocates, from the power of simply asking questions and taking notes (even recording conversations with permission) to the often-overlooked value of expressing gratitude to medical staff. This episode underscores that while the medical journey can be isolating and overwhelming, an informed and empathetic advocate can make all the difference.

To learn more about these life-saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

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Producer: Esther McDonald

Technical Director: Lindsey Kealey, of PAWsitive Choices

Editing and Post Production: Adam Scott of Atamu Media Productions

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025

We're thrilled to announce that Flatline to Lifeline is officially returning for Season 4! Thank you for your patience, loyal listeners. We haven't forgotten you! Get ready for more compelling case studies and insights into the revolutionary trauma care pioneered by Dr. Long. We'll be diving deeper into the extraordinary impact of his 50-year career, exploring the very real potential for survival in the face of near-death experiences. Stay tuned for release details as we continue this incredible journey.

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025

Ever wondered how trauma care can reach the most remote corners of our country? Joining us today is Dr. John Hill, the brilliant mind alongside Dr. Bill Long, who pioneered the Mobile Surgical Transport Team (MSTT) in Oregon. Discover how their innovative approach has revolutionized trauma care by bringing critical surgical interventions directly to rural hospitals, drastically improving survival rates. You'll hear about the origins and impact of the MSTT and how this life-saving initiative has reshaped emergency medical response since its inception in 1983.

Managing logistics and legal considerations for a mobile surgical team is no small feat. In this episode, Dr. Long and Dr. Hill break down the complexities of rapid coordination and the critical importance of obtaining emergency privileges from rural hospitals. Learn how a 15-minute window can make all the difference in assembling and transporting essential surgical instruments, monitoring equipment, and blood supplies. They also highlight the collaborative spirit required to operate across diverse regions, ensuring seamless and lawful operations.

Effective collaboration between urban and rural medical professionals is crucial for success. Dr. Long and Dr. Hill emphasize the value of respectful communication and teamwork, outlining the roles of various medical specialists from OR to trauma nurse supervisors. The episode also delves into specialized skills needed for urgent situations, the role of perfusionists, and the logistical challenges of medical transport. Through heartening stories and practical insights, we celebrate the relentless dedication and specialized skills of medical teams committed to saving lives and transforming trauma care in rural settings.

To learn more about these life saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

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Producer: Esther McDonald
Director & Technical Support: Lindsey Kealey, Host of The PAWsitive Choices Podcast

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025

Join us for a gripping recap of the 1986 Mount Hood disaster on Flatline to Lifeline. Listen as Dr. Bill Long takes us through the bone-chilling events, describing the blizzard that ensnared a group of high school students and faculty, turning an annual expedition into a catastrophe. Dr. Long recounts his experience from the initial awareness at the hospital to the moment the urgency of the situation shattered the calm, drawing in the media and escalating public expectations.

Discover the unique physiological challenges presented by accidental hypothermia, like hypovolemic shock, and the critical need to maintain circulation in these dire circumstances. You'll hear about the innovative and heroic methods employed by Dr. Long and his team, including the groundbreaking use of cardiopulmonary bypass equipment under extreme conditions, and how these techniques turned what seemed like a hopeless situation into multiple saves.

As the narrative progresses, you'll grasp the full scope of the rescue efforts and the collaborative spirit that defined the Portland medical community's response. Through harrowing accounts of specific rescues and the strategic decisions made under immense pressure, you'll understand the profound impact of these actions on patient survival. Dr. Long's storytelling not only highlights the logistical and medical hurdles faced but also emphasizes the ethical considerations and the unwavering dedication required in trauma care. Tune in for a powerful exploration of life-saving strategies and medical advancements that continue to inspire and educate.

Read more about the Mount Hood climbing disaster here. You can learn about the book that one student's mother wrote entitled, The Mountain Never Cries, and check out another recount of the event in the book, Code 1244.

To learn more about these life saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

Follow us on Twitter @DrLongPodcast
Producer: Esther McDonald
Director & Technical Support: Lindsey Kealey, Host of The PAWsitive Choices Podcast

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025

Balancing on the tightrope of life and death, we delve into the ethical quandaries of critical care. Listen to Dr. Long's and Dr. Hill’s insights into the moral complexities medical professionals face, especially when personal beliefs intersect with broader ethical standards. Through a case involving severe brain damage to a 19-year-old woman in a car accident, we explore the intricate decisions around using ECMO for life support and organ preservation, emphasizing the profound importance of clear communication between medical teams and families. This segment is a deep dive into what it means to make life-or-death decisions in the face of uncertain outcomes.

Finally, be moved by the heartwarming story of a 28-year-old postpartum woman whose life was saved by an expertly coordinated medical team following a catastrophic heart event. Learn about the life-saving significance of teamwork in emergency medical procedures and the advanced care that turned a potential tragedy into a tale of survival and hope. Through these gripping narratives, we highlight the essential balance of medical innovation and ethical reflection, showcasing stories of resilience and the life-changing impact of modern trauma care.

To learn more about these life saving strategies and techniques, look for Dr. Long’s upcoming book, Flatline to Lifeline.

Follow us on Twitter @DrLongPodcast
Producer: Esther McDonald
Director & Technical Support: Lindsey Kealey, Host of The PAWsitive Choices Podcast

© Flatline to Lifeline 2025