Aaron B. Klassen, M.D., M.A.

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SUMMARY

The primary research foci of Aaron B. Klassen, M.D., M.A., are related to emergency medical service (EMS) and prehospital care. These interests include prehospital use of ultrasound, analgesia, palliative care and behavioral health transports and crew member safety.

Focus areas

• Prehospital ultrasound. Dr. Klassen is working to identify patient populations that could benefit from patient-centered use of ultrasound diagnostics or ultrasound-guided procedures.
• Prehospital analgesia. Dr. Klassen is collaborating with other researchers to identify alternatives to opioid analgesia in the prehospital environment.
• Prehospital palliative care. Dr. Klassen is seeking to understand the current state of palliative medicine in EMS and identify opportunities for improvements.
• Prehospital behavioral health transports. Dr. Klassen is working with a multidisciplinary team to identify predictors of elopement or violence associated with the prehospital care of patients with suspected behavioral health emergencies.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Klassen's research is built around looking toward the future of EMS and prehospital medicine. The EMS system of the future is likely to satisfy patient needs in the space of unscheduled care before arriving at the hospital or clinic, after leaving the facility, or in an arrangement other than a physical location. Dr. Klassen is seeking to expand the skills and knowledge of prehospital providers to meet their changing roles in EMS care.