🎙️ VitalGo’s Tilt Talk — Episode: The Ramsey Protocol for Safe Ambulation of Femoral IABP Patients

Guest: Dr. Stephen Ramsey

In this powerful and highly practical episode of Tilt Talk, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Ramsey—the driving force behind what is now widely known as The Ramsey Protocol for the safe and progressive ambulation of patients supported by femoral Intra-aortic Balloon Pumps (IABPs).

Dr. Ramsey takes us on a journey from the early days of the protocol’s development to its current use across leading cardiovascular units. We explore the clinical questions that sparked the protocol, the evolution of key milestones, and the real-world data now validating its impact on patient mobility, safety, and outcomes.

Listeners will hear:

• The history of The Ramsey Protocol and why traditional mobility restrictions needed to be challenged

• The step-by-step progression, from first tilt to full ambulation, including essential safety considerations

• Practical modifications clinicians have adopted to tailor the approach to unique patient populations

• Up-to-date evidence demonstrating improved patient outcomes and reduced complications

• Humanizing mobility, with stories of patients who regained autonomy, confidence, and hope through structured early ambulation

• And of course, how the Total Lift® Bed plays an integral role—supporting gradual mobilization, standardizing practice, and making safe mobility possible even for the most fragile patients.

Whether you’re new to IABP mobilization or looking to refine your current practice, this episode delivers everything from “how-to” protocol specifics to high-level insights on culture change and patient-centered care.

Join us as Dr. Ramsey shares the wisdom, data, and heart behind a protocol that is reshaping what’s possible in critical care mobility.