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Today’s guest is a true EMS icon. With over four decades of experience across ground and air medicine, Merritt Riner has not only witnessed the evolution of prehospital care—he’s helped shape it. A seasoned paramedic, former flight medic, and currently the Clinical Operations Manager in Metropolitan Atlanta, Merritt has influenced everything from protocols to paramedic education.

You may recognize him from Trauma: Life in the ER, but his lasting legacy lies in the medics he’s mentored, the systems he’s improved, and the standards of care he continues to raise.

In this episode, Merritt shares stories from the field, leadership lessons learned through trial and error, and a deep dive into the clinical investigation process and CMQP (Clinical Management and Quality Practices). We unpack the real-world impact of data on clinical performance—digging into metrics like glucose monitoring, airway management, and trauma indicators—and examine how these insights are driving better care. Plus, we discuss emerging tools and treatments like TXA, ANCEF, and the potential for blood product deployment in the field.

Whether you’re a frontline provider, EMS educator, or administrator, this episode is packed with insights on accountability, data-driven improvement, and the future of EMS in Metro Atlanta and beyond.

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