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) what they really needed from EMS.

Dr. Marshall discusses the disconnect between standard paramedic assessments and the lived reality of survivors. We explore the seven key challenges survivors face, from perceived bias to dangerous perpetrator dynamics on scene. Most importantly, we discuss three practical, actionable steps every medic can take to build trust, create safety, and identify hidden injuries.
In this episode, we cover:

•Why domestic violence calls are high-stakes moments for both patients and providers
•Key insights from survivor interviews about their EMS experiences
•The seven main challenges survivors face during EMS encounters, including bias, inadequate support, and system limitations
•The dangers and recognition of non-fatal strangulation and traumatic brain injury in IPV situations
•Practical steps for paramedics to build trust, foster safety, and communicate effectively on scene
•How to safely create opportunities for private conversation with survivors

Resources Mentioned:
Marshall, R. A., Merritt, N., Stranges, T. N., Bartlett, S., Sawyer, S., & van Donkelaar, P. (2025). “The questions made me realize how many times I could have been saved and removed from that situation”: The experiences of patients attended to by paramedics for intimate partner violence, and actionable implementations for paramedicine. BMC Women's Health, 25(1), 254.

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://www.routledge.com/Hypnotic-Communication-in-Emergency-Medical-Settings-For-Life-Saving-and-Therapeutic-Outcomes/JacobsFourArrows-Duffee/p/book/9781032360027

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