EMS Research with Professor Bram

Workplace violence is an escalating crisis in EMS, often dismissed as just "part of the job." But what if you could predict which patients were likely to become aggressive before an incident occurred? In this episode, we sit down with researchers Dr. Son Chae Kim and Kathie Dunn to discuss the ABRAT-EMS, a new, evidence-based screening tool designed to help crews spot risk early and stay...

Gastric lavage, a procedure for pumping the stomach after poisoning, was once a standard of care. Now, it's rarely used due to a lack of evidence and risk of complications. So why are we talking about it in 2026? A recent case report in Prehospital Emergency Care challenges us to reconsider if there’s a narrow, specific role for this intervention in the most critically ill overdose patients....

Domestic violence calls are among the most complex and high-risk situations paramedics encounter. Often, the signs are subtle-confusion, headaches, or a hesitant patient-and mask a much darker reality of non-fatal strangulation or traumatic brain injury. In this episode, we speak with researcher Dr. Rory Marshall about a groundbreaking study that asked survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV)...

When does a quality improvement project become human research? If you're reviewing patient charts or surveying new hires, you might be stepping into the world of research ethics without even realizing it. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Franc to demystify research ethics for EMS professionals. We break down why it's a crucial part of our professional responsibility, not jus...

For a pulseless trauma patient, starting CPR is an ingrained response. But in cases of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) from severe blood loss, could chest compressions do more harm than good? Host Bram Duffee, PhD, EMT-P, speaks with Dr. Patrick Greiffenstein, lead study author and Trauma ICU Director at LSU New Orleans, about new research that challenges a core tenet of resuscitation. Dr. Gre...

Can artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT help paramedics with differential diagnosis and transport decisions? A groundbreaking new study explores AI's accuracy in prehospital care, offering a glimpse into a future where technology acts as a clinical safety net. Host Bram Duffee, PhD, EMT-P, sits down with lead author Eric D. Miller to discuss his team's fascinating findings. This f...

This fast-paced video explores a long list of the latest research innovations shaping EMS with Bram Duffee, PhD, EMT-P including workplace culture, professional recognition, injury prevention, advancements in cardiac arrest care, and the transformative role of technology in the field. Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice...

The 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care introduce significant updates, including a focus on on-scene resuscitation, cautious use of mechanical CPR devices, and prioritizing IV over IO access. While these changes aim to improve outcomes, they’ve sparked debate among seasoned paramedics like Jimmy Apple, the “EMS Avenger,” who highlights the challenges of implementation. Ke...

Epinephrine is a cornerstone of medical cardiac arrest, but does it provide the same benefit in traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA)? Emerging research challenges long-held protocols, suggesting this go-to drug may not be the life-saver we assume it is—and could even cause harm. Host Bram Duffee, PhD, EMT-P, explores a groundbreaking study that could change how we manage these critical patients. This ep...

Severe hemorrhage is one of the toughest challenges faced in the pre-hospital environment, especially when every second counts and resources are limited. But a recent study on the use of 25% human serum albumin (HSA) in trauma care could change how responders approach these critical moments. The study was led by United States Army Scientist Alex Penn, Ph. D. The findings from his team suggest that...

Discover the crucial insights behind managing pain in pediatric patients during prehospital care. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Hoi See Tsao, a pediatric emergency medicine expert, to discuss findings from her groundbreaking study, "Barriers and Enablers in Prehospital Pediatric Analgesia." Dr. Tsao sheds light on the unique challenges EMS providers face, from limited experience with p...

Join us for an eye-opening interview with Tanner Smida, MD/PhD candidate at West Virginia University, as he dives into his groundbreaking research on the use of amiodarone and lidocaine in cardiac arrest emergencies. Discover how his study, employing the innovative "target trial emulation" methodology, sheds new light on lidocaine's effectiveness in the field. Learn why lidocaine sh...

Tegan Mansouri, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo and registered dietitian, led an eye-opening study titled Eating Patterns Among EMS Providers in the United States: A Qualitative Interview Study (published in Nutrients in 2022). Her research not only highlights the challenges faced by EMS professionals in maintaining healthy eating patterns but also underscores the need...

Navigating the complexities of transporting children in ambulances is no small feat for EMS workers. From safely securing young patients to performing critical interventions like CPR, these tasks become even more challenging due to a lack of universal guidelines. Addressing this pressing issue, Dr. Nick Cochran-Caggiano, an emergency physician and researcher, has illuminated the obstacles faced in...

Hennepin EMS in Minnesota took a significant step forward in early 2023 by introducing a dedicated clinical pharmacist consulting role to its operations. This groundbreaking initiative formalizes the integration of clinical pharmacy expertise into prehospital care to address widespread challenges such as drug shortages, innovative medication usage, and stronger collaboration between paramedics and...

When every second counts in a medical emergency like a stroke, deciding on the right course of treatment can be life-changing. Strokes come in two main types—ischemic and hemorrhagic—each requiring very different treatment approaches. But what if a critical intervention, like lowering blood pressure, could be started right there in the ambulance? Could it improve outcomes for stroke patients befor...

After 6 doses of Epinephrine it may be too late for the CPR patient. Emergency physicians Dr. Zachary Boivin and Dr. Trent She, both from Connecticut, discussed their recent study entitled "Epinephrine in Cardiac Arrest: Identifying a Potential Limit for Resuscitation." This research sought to determine if there is a ceiling to the effective use of Epinephrine during resuscitation.  Pete...

Dr. Nigel Barr is a paramedic researcher from Australia and Dr. Bram Duffee is a paramedic researcher from the United States. Together they talk about their individual studies that used qualitative research to better understand the paramedic perspective on COVID-19.  Book announcement: Bram Duffee is a co-author of the latest book about how hypnosis has the potential to revolutionize medical care...

Dr. Zachary Tillett is a paramedic who works as an ER Physician in Maryland and talks about his new article “Breaking Bad News in the Prehospital Setting: A Guide for EMS Clinicians.” Book announcement: Bram Duffee is a co-author of the latest book about how hypnosis has the potential to revolutionize medical care for those struggling with emergency / acute distress. Hypnotic Communication in Emer...

Dr Casey Patrick, an ER and EMS physician from Texas talks about a recent study he helped publish that looked at how successfully surgical cricothyrotomy can be performed by paramedics.  Book announcement: Bram Duffee is a co-author of the latest book about how hypnosis has the potential to revolutionize medical care for those struggling with emergency / acute distress. Hypnotic Communication in E...

In this season finale episode, we talk about mental health in emergency medical services and interview Researcher and Psychologist Jacqueline O'Hagan along with mental health counselor and host of the Enroute podcast Joseph Brigandi. Book announcement: Bram Duffee is a co-author of the latest book about how hypnosis has the potential to revolutionize medical care for those struggling with eme...

 In this episode, we interview Paramedic Jessica Thompson to talk about ambulance services closing in rural areas. The financial struggles faced by EMS providers, coupled with outdated reimbursement rates, have led many to economic collapse, forcing them to reduce staff or halt services altogether. This reduction in services not only impacts the immediate area but also places additional strain on...

 In this episode we interview Sarah E. Fabiano, MD who is the new EMS Medical Director for the Journal of Emergency Medical Services who talks about the current EMS landscape in research and practice. Book announcement: Bram Duffee is a co-author of the latest book about how hypnosis has the potential to revolutionize medical care for those struggling with emergency / acute distress. Hypnotic Comm...

In this episode we interview JohnRey Hassan, JD, EMT-P who is an EMS attorney that describes the legal and medical frameworks involved with patient death cases involving restraint and sedation. Book announcement: Bram Duffee is a co-author of the latest book about how hypnosis has the potential to revolutionize medical care for those struggling with emergency / acute distress. Hypnotic Communicati...

 In this episode we interview Will Chapleau, RN, EMT-P from the International PreHospital Medicine Institute about research related to falls. Book announcement: Bram Duffee is a co-author of the latest book about how hypnosis has the potential to revolutionize medical care for those struggling with emergency / acute distress. Hypnotic Communication in Emergency Medical Settings: For Life-Saving an...