Musculoskeletal Disorders in Emergency Medical Services Staff: Predictors and Relationship With Occupational Stress

Occupational stress and its relationship with spiritual coping among emergency department nurses and emergency medical services staff

ObjectiveTo explore the Welsh public’s views of violence and aggression (V&A) directed at EMS (emergency medical services) staff, awareness of policy changes and the reach of media campaigns.Design/setting/participantsSurvey involving non-probabilistic purposive sampling of 1010 Wales adults (aged 18+) from a matched panel, representative of the population, derived from a UK YouGov panel of >360 000 adults registered.ResultsMost (62.5%) participants had heard of V&A directed towards EMS staff; 81.1% had heard about it through the media. 21.0% of participants had witnessed V&A towards EMS staff; younger participants were more likely to have witnessed an incident 18.7% via a social setting and 81.1% through the media. 90.4% disagreed with the statement that V&A towards EMS staff can be acceptable in some cases, and 53.3% were not aware of related media campaigns. Participants thought intoxication with alcohol (92.4%), drugs (90.5%) and altered mental status following illness and/or injury (84.3%) would likely contribute to V&A towards EMS staff. 22.0% of participants were aware of the Assaults on Emergency Workers Act. Although I thought the act was unlikely to deter perpetrators who were intoxicated with drugs (75.2%), alcohol (75.2%), with altered mental status following illness and/or injury (75.6%) or other member of the public (42.4%). Younger participants were more likely to think the act would deter those intoxicated with drugs, alcohol, with altered mental status following illness and/or injury and other members of the public. Those with social grades of C2/D/E thought the act was likely to deter those intoxicated with drugs.ConclusionThere is good public awareness of V&A directed towards EMS staff in Wales who find it unacceptable. Our survey found limited awareness and perceived effectiveness of related legislation and media campaigns in the last 2 years. Participants thought legislation would not deter those intoxicated with drugs, alcohol or altered mental status. Therefore, we recommend further research to understand and develop evidence-based interventions for these groups of people. We also recommend amplifying messages targeted towards young people and through social settings where V&A may be encountered.

BackgroundResults of various studies indicate that emergency medical service (EMS) staff suffer from occupational stress that adversely affects their quality of life and their care quality.PurposeThis study aimed at determining the effect of massage on occupational stress experienced by emergency medical service staff.SettingPrehospital emergency medical services stations of a city in the southwest of Iran.ParticipantsA total of 58 members of staff of the emergency medical services, working in prehospital emergency medical services stations.Research DesignIn this randomized controlled trial, a total of 58 EMS staff were selected from prehospital EMS stations, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then assigned in two groups (29 in massage and 29 in control group) randomly by the minimization method. The intervention group received Swedish massage, twice a week for four weeks in the morning after the end of the work shift. Each massage session lasted 20–25 minutes. Subjects in the control group received no intervention. The level of occupational stress of the two groups was measured under the same conditions before and after the intervention by using the expanded nurses’ occupational stress scale (ENSS). Data were analyzed with the SPSS16 software by using the chi-squared test, paired and independent-sample t tests, one-way ANCOVA. P value < .05 was considered as the level of significance.ResultsThe mean and SD of total occupational stress scores in the control group was 114.41±30.11 in pretest and reach to 112.58± 30.62 in posttest stage. Also the mean and SD of total occupational stress scores in the intervention group was 130.20±26.45 in pretest and reach to 110.41±21.75 in posttest stage. A one-way ANCOVA showed that there is a significant effect of massage on EMS staff’s occupational stress level after controlling for pretest score (p = .001).ConclusionsThe training and the application of massage therapy can serve as an effective method in reducing occupational stress in emergency medical centers.

Background:Emergency medical service (EMS) staff in the UK routinely transport all emergency responses to the nearest emergency department (ED). Proposed reforms in the ambulance service mean that EMS staff will...

BackgroundThrombolysis can significantly reduce the burden of stroke but the time window for safe and effective treatment is short. In patients travelling to hospital via ambulance, the sending of a...

Prevalence of selected diseases among pre-hospital emergency services personnel in Germany – results of the EMS Health Study 2023 Objective: The health of pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) staff is crucial for the provision of high-quality medical care. However, currently only limited data on the health monitoring of German EMS staff is available. The aim of the study was therefore to analyse the 12-month prevalence of selected diseases and symptoms among German EMS staff. Methods: A nationwide survey study was conducted. Questions from the GEDA2019/2020 study were used to collect information on the health status of EMS staff. Subsequently, 12-month prevalences were calculated with the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). Results: In the end, 1,171 active German EMS staff (67.9 % male/31.9 % female) with a median age of 32.0 years were included in the analysis. The results indicate that excess weight and obesity are common health problems among EMS staff, with men (68.4 % [95 % CI: 64.8 %; 71.4 %]) being more affected than women (45.0 % [95 % CI: 39.9 %; 50.2 %]). The highest 12-month prevalence was calculated for lower back pain (51.8 % [95 % CI: 48.9 %; 54.7 %]), followed by pain in the cervical spine (41.9 % [95 % CI: 39.1 %; 44.8 %]), allergies (34.1 % [95 % CI: 31.4 %; 36.9 %]), hypertension (19.1 % [95 % CI: 16.9 %; 21.5 %]) and depression (16.2 % [95 % CI: 14.2 %; 18.5 %]). Compared to the German general population, the 12-month prevalence of obesity, asthma, COPD, hypertension, elevated blood lipid levels, arthritis, depression and obesity was higher for certain gender and age groups of emergency workers. Conclusion: The result of this study indicate a poor health state among German pre-hospital EMS staff and the need for preventive measures. Keywords: 12-month prevalence – emergency medical services – health – obesity – epidemiology

BackgroundPre-hospital spinal immobilisation by emergency medical services (EMS) staff is currently the standard of care in cases of suspected spinal column injuries. There is, however, a lack of data on the characteristics of patients who received spinal immobilisation during the pre-hospital phase and on the adverse effects of immobilisation. The objectives of this study were threefold. First, we determined the pre-hospital characteristics of blunt trauma patients with suspected spinal column injuries who were immobilised by EMS staff. Second, we assessed the choices made by EMS staff regarding spinal immobilisation techniques and reasons for immobilisation. Third, we researched the possible adverse effects of immobilisation.DesignA retrospective observational study in a cohort of blunt trauma patients.Study methodData of blunt trauma patients with suspected spinal column injuries were collected from one EMS organisation between January 2008 and January 2013. Coded data and free text notes were analysed.ResultsA total of 1082 patients were included in this study. Spinal immobilisation was applied in 96.3 % of the patients based on valid pre-hospital criteria. In 2.1 % of the patients immobilisation was not based on valid criteria. Data of 1.6 % patients were missing. Main reasons for spinal immobilisation were posterior midline spinal tenderness (37.2 % of patients) and painful distracting injuries (13.5 % of patients). Spinal cord injury (SCI) was suspected in 5.7 % of the patients with posterior midline spinal tenderness. A total of 15.8 % patients were immobilised using non-standard methods. The reason for departure from the standard method was explained for 3 % of these patients. Reported adverse effects included pain (n = 10, 0.9 %,); shortness of breath (n = 3, 0.3 %); combativeness or anxiety (n = 6, 0.6 %); and worsening of pain when supine (n = 1, 0.1 %).Conclusion/recommendationSpinal immobilisation was applied in 96.3 % of all included patients based on pre-hospital criteria. We found that consensus among EMS staff on how to interpret the criterion ‘distracting injury’ was lacking. Furthermore, the adverse effects of spinal immobilisation were incompletely documented in pre-hospital care reports. To provide validated information on potential symptoms of SCI, a uniform EMS scoring system for motoric assessment should be developed.

Perceived stress and coping strategies among emergency department nurses and emergency medical services staff during the fifth wave of COVID-19 in Iran: A cross-sectional correlational study

Background and aimsPre-hospital emergency technicians face many problems in the workplace daily, so the ability to solve or overcome them in the workplace is essential. This article aimed to assess the predictors of problem-solving skills among emergency medical services staff in Iran.MethodsThis study was cross-sectional correlational research. Using convenience sampling methods, 140 emergency medical services (EMS) staff were enrolled in the study. Response time was assessed using ASAYAR software, problem-solving skills (PSS) were measured using the Hepner Petersen Problem Solving Questionnaire (PSI), and cognitive emotion regulation strategies were assessed using the Garnfsky Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's r correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied using SPSS 14.0.ResultsThe results of our study showed that the total mean score for problem-solving skills was 136.84 (14.65) (range, 175–107 points). Multiple linear regression indicated that refocusing on planning, positive evaluation, stress management courses, delays and their causes, positive refocusing, catastrophizing, and acceptance were effective predictors of problem-solving skills in emergency personnel, accounting for 54% of the total variances.ConclusionThis study is one of the first studies in this field. Based on our findings, individuals who consider their emotions and feelings when solving problems are better able to use the process of thinking and problem-solving skills. Therefore, by training people in the field of emotional regulation skills, the skills to solve problems technicians can be increased.

Emergency department (ED) nurses and emergency medical services (EMS) staff have been recently exposed to high levels of stress due to the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This increased stress level may influence the physical and mental health of ED nurses and EMS staff and the quality of caregiving to the patients. A spiritual coping approach is one of the most commonly used strategies to help healthcare workers manage stressful events or situations. This study explores the spiritual coping (positive or negative) among ED nurses and EMS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 494 ED/EMS nurses in Ardabil Province in the northwest of Iran, using a convenience sampling method. The spiritual coping questionnaire (SCQ) was used to assess spiritual coping in the subjects. The results of this study showed that ED nurses and EMS staff generally used positive spiritual coping methods to reduce stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple linear regression indicated that workplace (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), service location (β = 0.16, p < 0.001), and type of employment (β = − 0.13, p = 0.012) were significant predictors of positive spiritual coping, and older age (β = 0.13, p = 0.045), overtime work (β = 0.12, p = 0.01), and marital status (β = − 0.12, p = 0.021) were predictors of negative spiritual coping. Our findings indicated that positive religious behavior was the main spiritual coping strategy used by healthcare workers. The findings could help emergency nurse managers to propose future strategies to minimize stress based on the use of spiritual coping strategies and provide time and facilities to pray.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10943-022-01523-7.

Despite the efforts of emerging technologies in the healthcare system, there is still a slower rate of acceleration in prehospital settings compared with the hospitals in digital transformation adaptation. The acknowledgment that digital transformation is significant to healthcare is reflected in planning for the future of digital healthcare. Thus, this study aimed to measure the usability of the electronic patient care report (ePCR) system among emergency medical services (EMS) staff who work in prehospital settings. A descriptive cross-sectional correlation study was used. Two hundred fifty EMS staff who are working in the prehospital setting at Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were surveyed, and the response rate was 79.2% (198). An adapted tool of the Computer System Usability Questionnaire survey was used to collect data. The data were coded numerically and subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis including Pearson’s correlation coefficient using the statistical software (SPSS 21). The majority of the participants rate their ePCR system as “useable” at a high level with a score of 3.41 (SD = 1.021). The overall mean of the ePCR system’s three subscales: system usefulness, information quality, interface quality, and overall satisfaction were 3.39 (SD = 1.152), 3.30 (SD = 1.052), 3.57 (SD = 1.064), and 3.37 (SD = 1.239), respectively. The least liked aspect of ePCR system software was information quality 81 (40.9%). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the age of EMS staff and the usability of the ePCR system (r = −0.150 ∗ , P = 0.035 ). The results suggest that healthcare institutions’ policy and decision-makers pay close attention to performing standardized training for the staff on their ePCR system before going to the field to increase efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, the users in this study identified other system features that, if included, could have enhanced usability, and improved functions and capabilities of the design to meet the EMS staff’s expectations.

BackgroundThere is mounting global evidence that Emergency Medical Service (EMS) staff are at significant risk of poor health outcomes due to the complex interaction between occupational risk factors and unhealthy...

Objective: Evaluating the abilities of emergency medical services (EMS) staff who are in the frontline of the diseases could be an excellent reflection of the accuracy of curriculum both before and after graduation. This study was done to determine the clinical competencies of Guilan EMS staff in responding to emergency conditions using Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Methods: In this descriptive study, 70 EMS staff from selected Emergency Centres in Guilan were recruited. Data were collected using a questionnaire and a checklist which included 9 different skills. Validity of the checklist was assessed by obtaining the opinions of 10 experts. The content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) of the checklist were 0.7 and 0.8, respectively. The reliability of the checklist was obtained using the test-retest method (r=0.89). In order to collect data, observations were done using the designated checklist. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 22 and descriptive statistical tests. Results: Findings showed that 56.3% of the paramedics got good scores for trauma competency but the mean scores for two competencies of spinal cord immobilization and vehicle extrication were low, indicating major skills problem. There was a statistically significant relationship between education (P=0.02) and work experience (P=0.03) as well as clinical skills in confronting trauma. Conclusion: Although the EMS staff had an acceptable range of performance in most of the skills, it seems that there is a need for training of performance-based competencies in which paramedics had a poor performance.

مقدمه: از آنجا كه پرسنل اورژانس پیش بیمارستانی اولین ارایه دهندگان خدمات بهداشتي و درماني در مواقع بحران هستند، اين پژوهش با هدف تعيين ميزان آگاهي پرسنل اورژانس پیش بیمارستانی از مديريت بحران و عوامل مرتبط با آن در کلیه پایگاه های اورژانس سطح استان چهار محال و بختیاری انجام گرديد. روش کار: اين مطالعه به صورت توصيفي مقطعي انجام شد. نمونه گيري به صورت تمام شماري انجام گرديد. ابزار جمع آوري اطلاعات يك پرسشنامه محقق ساخته بود كه حاوي سؤالاتي در مورد ويژگي هاي دموگرافيك و ميزان آگاهي پرسنل اورژانس پیش بیمارستانی از مديريت بحران بود كه ميزان آگاهي را در چهار حيطه آموزشي، مديريتي، حرفه اي و امنيتي بررسي مي نمود. در هر حيطه چهار سؤال در نظر گرفته شد كه با مقياس ليكرت و توسط پنج گزينه اصلاً، كم، متوسط، زياد و خيلي زياد ميزان آگاهي پرسنل پیش بیمارستانی را مي سنجيد. اعتبار پرسشنامه به روش اعتبار محتوا و پايايي آن از طريق آلفاي كرونباخ برابر 88% ارزیابی شد. جهت تجزيه و تحليل داده ها از نرم افزار SPSS-13 و روش هاي آمار توصيفي استفاده شد. يافته ها: تحليل داده ها نشان داد 100 درصد شركت كنندگان در اين پژوهش مذکر و ميانگين سني آن ها، 47/6 ± 52/27 سال بود. سطح آگاهی 2/2 درصد پرسنل اورژانس پیش بیمارستانی نسبت به مدیریت بحران در حد خیلی زیاد؛ 2/10 درصد در حد زیاد؛ 4/48 درصد در حد متوسط؛ و 2/39 درصد در حد کم بود. در بررسي ارتباطات آماري مشخص گرديد كه بين سطح تحصيلات، شركت در مانورهاي وقوع بحران و عضويت در كميته بحران با آگاهي افراد از مديريت بحران رابطه مستقیم وجود داشت (05/0 &gt; p). نتيجه گيری: نتایج مطالعه حاضر حاکی از آگاهی نسبتا پایین پرسنل پیش بیمارستانی از مدیریت بحران و عوامل مربوطه می باشد که نیاز به آموزش و انجام مانورهای جهت ارتقا سطح آگاهی به منظور آمادگی و رویارویی با خطرات را داشته باشند.

A Comparison of the Quality of Blood Specimens Drawn in the Field by EMS Versus Specimens Obtained in the Emergency Department