Abstract
Introduction Internationally, emergency medical services (EMS) are an essential access point to the healthcare system. Building an understanding of the professional, educational and demographic profiles of an EMS workforce is important. The aim of this study is to statistically test the professional profiles of EMS providers against the Saudi ParamEdic Competency Scale (SPECS) model factors. Methods Healthcare providers working for the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) were surveyed using a cross-sectional study design with purposive sampling technique. The independent variables were tested against the five SPECS model factors of ‘Professionalism’, ‘Preparedness’, ‘Communication’, ‘Clinical’ and ‘Personal’. Results Of the 1260 surveys distributed, 909 surveys were returned (72.14% response rate). A total of 927 EMS healthcare professionals contributed to the study of whom 866 (93.4%) were male and 61 (6.6%) female. Of the participants, 552 (59.5%) were aged 29–39 years and 508 (54.8%) had 5–9 years’ experience. Conclusion This is the first national study to explore and contextualise the diverse professional stakeholders in Saudi EMS. The study was able to employ the professional profiles of the participants in understanding the different perceptions of the SPECS model. We recommend that future research address the specific differences identified in the demographic, professional and educational aspects of this study.
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