EMS Research with Professor Bram
Join Bram Duffee, a paramedic and researcher with over 20 years of experience in critical care and 911, as he explores the latest research in emergency medicine and paramedicine. Each episode of "EMS Research with Professor Bram" features an in-depth discussion, as well as an analysis of new studies and their implications for paramedics. As a PhD researcher and paramedic, Bram brings a unique perspective to the podcast. His expertise and experience allow him to break down complex concepts and make them accessible to listeners. Whether you're an experienced paramedic looking to stay up-to-date on the latest research or someone interested in learning more about emergency medicine, "EMS Research with Professor Bram" is the perfect podcast for you.
Host biography: Bram Duffee has authored 2 books on communication. With over two decades of experience as a paramedic (since 1998), his roles have included 911 and critical care, along with operations management for both 911 and private companies. He has taught over 60 university-level courses in Interpersonal Communication, Leadership, Organizational Behavior, and more. He currently serves as a full-time paramedic in Houston and is an Advisory Board Member for the National Association of Medical Emergency Technicians of Portugal. He also holds a research appointment as an Institute for Social Innovation Fellow with Fielding Graduate University.
Refer to links:
http://www.ProfessorBram.com
http://www.youtube.com/@4EMSresearch
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087933902422&mibextid=ZbWKwL
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bramduffee
EMS Research with Professor Bram
Epinephrine in Traumatic Cardiac Arrest: Life-Saving or False Hope?
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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 episode unpacks a February 2025 study in Prehospital Emergency Care that analyzed over 1,600 out-of-hospital trauma arrests. The findings were stark: epinephrine was linked to lower survival in blunt trauma and showed no clear benefit for penetrating injuries.
Lead researcher Dr. Cordelie Witt shares critical insights on why epinephrine may be counterproductive in TCA:
• Physiological Ceiling: Exogenous epinephrine may offer little benefit beyond the body's own sympathetic response to blood loss.
• Myocardial Oxygen Debt: It can increase the heart's oxygen demand when coronary blood flow is already minimal, potentially worsening cardiac function.
• Arrhythmia Risk: Epinephrine may induce arrhythmias in a heart already struggling.
• Worsening Hemorrhage: Raising blood pressure before controlling the source of bleeding may be counterproductive.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Witt to understand the science behind these findings. Don't forget to subscribe for more evidence-based discussions.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your local protocols and medical direction.
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 and Therapeutic Outcomes demonstrates how hypnotic communication has the potential to improve patient outcomes in emergency care, integrating insights on the connection between mind and body for paramedics and other first responders. https://routledge.pub/Hypnotic-Communication-in-Emergency-Medical-Settings
Stay up to date: Review the most recent research in EMS through the monthly article reviews put out by the International PreHospital Medicine Institute https://iphmi.com/ems-articles-of-the-month
Connections: If you want to connect with the EMS Research Podcast staff check out our website at www.ProfessorBram.com If you enjoyed this episode please consider subscribing to EMS Research on YouTube: / @4emsresearch
Reference: Witt, C. E., Shatz, D. V., Robinson, B. R. H., Campion, E. M., Shapiro, M. L., Bui, E. H., Meizoso, J. P., & Dorlac, W. C. (2025). Epinephrine in prehospital traumatic cardiac arrest—Life saving or false hope? Prehospital Emergency Care, 1(1), 1–9.