From Ranger Battalion to the OR | Dr. Mike Simpson | Ep. 448

"Crike him." That's the call a tactical medic makes when a guy can't breathe and the clock is at zero. Mike Simpson is the doctor on the other end of that radio. He's a former 1st Ranger Battalion anti-tank section leader, a Special Forces engineer turned 18 Delta medic with 7th Group, and a board-certified ER physician who spent his last six years on active duty attached to JMAU providing trauma support to tier one units. He retired in 2016 after 32 years and now runs medical direction for Central Texas Regional SWAT while practicing urgent care. We got into the real mechanics of trauma care — what actually happens between the front door of an ER and the OR, why a hundred tourniquets on paper cuts beats one missed arterial bleed, and the brutal physics of wounds incompatible with life. He walked through his own prostate cancer diagnosis and what every man over 40 needs to know about PSA screening. We also got into his path from corrections officer to medical school, why he's writing fantasy novels now, and the conversation every operator avoids until it's too late — documenting injuries before you're out the door. Enjoy. Today's Sponsors: Montana Knife Company: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com Better Help: Sign up and get 10% off at https://wwww.BetterHelp.com/clearedhot Timestamps: [00:00:00] SWAT medical support role [00:07:19] In-flight death and EMS authority [00:18:59] Tactical medicine in civilian settings [00:25:16] Age, trauma, and survivability [00:28:05] Trauma bay versus TV myths [00:39:25] Surgery mindset and medical training [00:48:19] Wanting SF and joining Rangers [00:59:39] Ranger culture and gear realities [01:10:39] From Rangers to Special Forces [01:22:51] SF qualification and active duty [01:30:44] Language school and becoming 18D [01:44:15] Med school, residency, and doubt [01:50:43] Back to SOF medicine [02:02:03] Preparing to leave service [02:19:11] Prostate cancer and PSA screening [02:36:18] Writing books and leaving podcasting [02:56:48] Writing, medicine, and what’s next [03:13:08] Where to find Mike