Research Ethics in EMS: Protecting Patients, Building Trust

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 just a bureaucratic hoop to jump through for publishing.Dr. Franc explains the fundamentals of human participant research, the role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), and clears up common misconceptions that can lead to ethical missteps. This conversation is essential for any medic, educator, or leader who wants to improve patient care responsibly and maintain public trust.Key Points Covered in This Episode:Why research ethics matter in the day-to-day practice of EMSUnderstanding what qualifies as "human participant research" and how it applies in EMSThe key role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and why independent oversight is requiredClearing up misconceptions: de-identified data, patient consent, and the ethics approval processThe importance of comprehensive ethical review for quality improvement projects and education-based researchPractical advice for EMS providers on starting research responsibly and ethicallyDr. Jeffrey Franc’s expert insights on protecting patients, communities, and professional integrityDisclaimer: 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-Commun... Resources Mentioned:Franc, J. M., & O’Mathúna, D. (2025). Navigating Research Ethics for Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 40(3), 125–128.Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your local protocols and medical direction.Stay Connected:Connect with Us: For more information, visit our website at www.ProfessorBram.comSubscribe: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to EMS Research on YouTube: /@4emsresearchMonthly 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...