Ellika Greaves

Trauma-informed care is increasingly recognized as essential in prehospital practice, especially in collegiate EMS where responders assist peers during moments of acute vulnerability. A patient encounter on McMaster University’s Emergency First Response Team revealed gaps in recognizing and responding to healthcare-related trauma, leading to the development of a formal trauma-informed care framework in 2024. The framework has since been adopted by multiple collegiate EMS agencies across North America.

Through theoretical insights and practical tools, this session explores how responders can implement trauma-informed practices that strengthen patient trust, improve outcomes, and support responder well-being during emotionally charged calls. An opening case illustrates how a responder’s approach can shape a patient’s sense of safety. The principles of safety, trust, empowerment, voice, and collaboration are introduced with attention to their relevance across the EMS community. The Trauma-Informed Teams framework is outlined through its core elements of recognition, reassurance, and resisting re-traumatization, offering a structured model that any agency can adapt.

Acknowledging the emotional demands placed on responders, the session presents strategies for building resilience within EMS programs. This presentation highlights how collegiate EMS programs are advancing trauma-informed practice and provides actionable insights for clinicians and leaders to integrate within their agencies.