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
Stopping Violence Before It Starts: A new EMS tool
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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 safe.
We break down how this simple three-item checklist works, the science behind its development from over 9,000 patient encounters, and how you can implement it on your next shift. This is a must-listen for any provider who wants to move from reactive defense to proactive prevention.
In this episode, we cover:
• The rising reality of workplace violence against EMS clinicians
• Why "gut feeling" isn't enough when assessing safety risks
• How the ABRAT-EMS tool was developed using real-world data
• The three specific behaviors that predict violence: agitation, confusion, and aggression
• How to score patients and determine their risk level (Low, Medium, High)
• Practical steps for using the score to make decisions about de-escalation and law enforcement
• Addressing special populations like patients with dementia or intoxication
Resources Mentioned:
Kim, S.C., Dunn, K., Youells, C., Whitmore, G., McComack, A., Dievendorf, E., Bell, C., Burnett, S.J., Kim, S. and Clemency, B., 2025. Aggressive Behavior Risk Assessment Tool for Emergency Medical Services. JACEP Open, 6(3), p.100095.
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
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Monthly Research Review: Stay up to date with the latest research in EMS through the International PreHospital Medicine Institute's monthly article reviews: https://iphmi.com/ems-articles-of-the-month