P-SP002. Prevalence of daytime sleepiness among emergency medical service ambulance driver in kuala lumpur hospital

Abstract

Introduction . The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ambulance driver's prevalence of daytime sleepiness is the most important field of study because it concerns the health and well-being of a rescue team member, a survivor or patient and the public. Objective of the study was to measure the self-reported level of daytime sleepiness among EMS ambulance drivers at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Malaysia. Methods . Cross-section and descriptive analysis using a self-filled questionnaire for the target population sample of 31 EMS ambulance drivers was conducted in Asia's largest public hospital, HKL, Malaysia, using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results . Measures for the prevalence of daytime sleepiness among 31 respondents. The ESS shows that 20 (65%) respondents have excessive daytime sleepiness while 11 (35%) were free of daytime sleepiness. In comparison, the frequency of a near-miss crash was relatively high (74%) and also significant (52%) slept while driving. Conclusion . Ambulance driver at HKL working as an EMS is at risk symptoms of daytime sleepiness. This result highlights the importance of sleepiness screening, providing adequate instruction, support and providing the necessary facilities to prevent adverse health effects among EMS ambulance drivers from developing.