Emergency Medical Technician Education in Saudi Arabia: History and Challenges

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this paper is to identify factors associated with compensation for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics and assess whether these associations have changed over the period 1999-2008.MethodsData obtained from the Longitudinal EMT Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) surveys, a mail survey of a random, stratified sample of nationally certified EMT-Basics and Paramedics, were analyzed. For the 1999-2003 period, analyses included all respondents providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS). With the addition of a survey in 2004 about volunteers, it was possible to exclude volunteers from these analyses.ResultsOver 60% of EMT-Basics reported being either compensated or noncompensated volunteers in the 2004-2008 period. This was substantially and significantly greater than the proportion of EMT-Paramedic volunteers (<25%). The EMT-Paramedics earned significantly more than EMT-Basics, with differentials of $11,000-$18,000 over the course of the study. The major source of earnings disparity was type of organization: respondents employed by fire-based EMS agencies reported significantly higher earnings than other respondents, at both the EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic levels. Males also earned significantly more than females, with annual earnings differentials ranging from $7,000 to $15,000.ConclusionsThere are a number of factors associated with compensation disparities within the EMS profession. These include type of service (ie, fire-based vs. other types of agencies) and gender. The reasons for these disparities warrant further investigation.StudnekJR. Compensation of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s87–s95.

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Why do Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Professionals Leave EMS?

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x16001114 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 31 (S1) ◽

pp. S105-S111 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Gary Blau ◽

Susan A. Chapman

Keyword(s):

Emergency Medical Services ◽

Further Education ◽

Emergency Medical Technician ◽

Medical Services ◽

Publication Type ◽

Exit Survey ◽

Emergency Medical ◽

Exit Decisions ◽

New Location ◽

Medical Technician

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to determine why Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics leave the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workforce.MethodsData were collected through annual surveys of nationally registered EMT-Basics and Paramedics from 1999 to 2008. Survey items dealing with satisfaction with the EMS profession, likelihood of leaving the profession, and likelihood of leaving their EMS job were assessed for both EMT-Basics and Paramedics, along with reasons for leaving the profession. Individuals whose responses indicated that they were not working in EMS were mailed a special exit survey to determine the reasons for leaving EMS.ResultsThe likelihood of leaving the profession in the next year was low for both EMT-Basics and Paramedics. Although overall satisfaction levels with the profession were high, EMT-Basics were significantly more satisfied than Paramedics. The most important reasons for leaving the profession were choosing to pursue further education and moving to a new location. A desire for better pay and benefits was a significantly more important reason for EMT-Paramedics’ exit decisions than for EMT-Basics.ConclusionsGiven the anticipated increased demand for EMS professionals in the next decade, continued study of issues associated with retention is strongly recommended. Some specific recommendations and suggestions for promoting retention are provided.BlauG, ChapmanSA. Why do Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals leave EMS?Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s105–s111.

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Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician Reflections on the Ongoing Impact of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x18001255 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 56-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Erin C. Smith ◽

Frederick M. Burkle

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Emergency Medical Technician ◽

Terrorist Attacks ◽

Publication Type ◽

Emergency Medical ◽

Eye Problems ◽

Long Term Impact ◽

Medical Technician

AbstractIntroductionIn the years following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City (New York USA), otherwise known as 9/11, first responders began experiencing a range of health and psychosocial impacts. Publications documenting these largely focus on firefighters. This research explores paramedic and emergency medical technician (EMT) reflections on the long-term impact of responding to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.MethodsQualitative methods were used to conduct interviews with 54 paramedics and EMTs on the 15-year anniversary of 9/11.ResultsResearch participants reported a range of long-term psychosocial issues including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, insomnia, relationship breakdowns and impact on family support systems, and addictive and risk-taking behaviors. Ongoing physical health issues included respiratory disorders, eye problems, and cancers.DiscussionThese findings will go some way to filling the current gap in the 9/11 evidence-base regarding the understanding of the long-term impact on paramedics and EMTs. The testimony of this qualitative research is to ensure that an important voice is not lost, and that the deeply personal and richly descriptive experiences of the 9/11 paramedics and EMTs are not forgotten.SmithEC,BurkleFMJr.Paramedic and emergency medical technician reflections on the ongoing impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.Prehosp Disaster Med.2019;34(1):56–61.

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The Effect of Ambulance Staffing Models in a Metropolitan, Fire-Based EMS System

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x16001539 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 175-179 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Eric J. Cortez ◽

Ashish R. Panchal ◽

James E. Davis ◽

David P. Keseg

Keyword(s):

Success Rate ◽

Life Support ◽

Advanced Life Support ◽

Emergency Medical Technician ◽

Publication Type ◽

Protocol Violation ◽

Difficult Decision ◽

Emergency Medical ◽

Different Levels ◽

Medical Technician

AbstractIntroductionThe staffing of ambulances with different levels of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers is a difficult decision with evidence being mixed on the benefit of each model.Hypothesis/ProblemThe objective of this study was to describe a pilot program evaluating alternative staffing on two ambulances utilizing the paramedic-basic (PB) model (staffed with one paramedic and one emergency medical technician[EMT]).MethodsThis was a retrospective study conducted from September 17, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The PB ambulances were compared to geographically matched ambulances staffed with paramedic-paramedic (PP ambulances). One PP and one PB ambulance were based at Station A; one PP and one PB ambulance were based at Station B. The primary outcome was total on-scene time. Secondary outcomes included time-to-electrocardiogram (EKG), time-to-intravenous (IV) line insertion, IV-line success rate, and percentage of protocol violations. Inclusion criteria were all patients requesting prehospital services that were attended to by these teams. Patients were excluded if they were not attended to by the study ambulance vehicles. Descriptive statistics were reported as medians and interquartile ranges (IQR). Proportions were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Mann-Whitley U test was used for significance testing (P<.05).ResultsMedian on-scene times at Station A for the PP ambulance were shorter than the PB ambulance team (PP: 10.1 minutes, IQR 6.0-15; PB: 13.0 minutes, IQR 8.1-18; P=.01). This finding also was noted at Station B (PP: 13.5 minutes, IQR 8.5-19; PB: 14.3 minutes, IQR 9.9-20; P=.01). There were no differences between PP and PB ambulance teams at Station A or Station B in time-to-EKG, time-to-IV insertion, IV success rate, and protocol violation rates.ConclusionIn the setting of a well-developed EMS system utilizing an all-Advanced Life Support (ALS) response, this study suggests that PB ambulance teams may function well when compared to PP ambulances. Though longer scene times were observed, differences in time to ALS interventions and protocol violation rates were not different. Hybrid ambulance teams may be an effective staffing alternative, but decisions to use this model must address clinical and operational concerns.CortezEJ, PanchalAR, DavisJE, KesegDP. The effect of ambulance staffing models in a metropolitan, fire-based EMS system. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(2):175–179.

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The Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Attributes and Demographics Study (LEADS): The First 10 Years and a Look at Public Perception of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x16001047 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 31 (S1) ◽

pp. S1-S6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Remle P. Crowe ◽

Melissa A. Bentley ◽

Roger Levine

Keyword(s):

Emergency Medical Services ◽

Public Perception ◽

Emergency Medical Technician ◽

Medical Services ◽

Publication Type ◽

Emergency Medical ◽

Medical Technician

CroweRP, BentleyMA, LevineR. The Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Attributes and Demographics Study (LEADS): the first 10 years and a look at public perception of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s1–s6.

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Recruitment and Retention of New Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x16001084 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 31 (S1) ◽

pp. S70-S86 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Susan A. Chapman ◽

Remle P. Crowe ◽

Melissa A. Bentley

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Small Towns ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Emergency Medical Technician ◽

Publication Type ◽

Recruitment And Retention ◽

Emergency Medical ◽

Demographic Study ◽

Insight Into ◽

Medical Technician

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this paper is to describe factors important for the recruitment and retention of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and EMT-Paramedics new to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field (defined as two years or less of EMS employment) through an analysis of 10 years of Longitudinal EMT Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) data.MethodsData were obtained from 10 years of LEADS surveys (1999-2008). Individuals new to the profession were identified through responses to a survey item. Their responses were analyzed using weights reflecting each individual’s probability of selection. Means, proportions, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined and used to identify statistically significant differences.ResultsThere were few changes in the demographic characteristics of new EMT-Basics and Paramedics across survey years. New EMT-Basics tended to be older and less likely to have a college degree than new EMT-Paramedics. More new EMT-Basics than EMT-Paramedics worked in rural areas and small towns and reported that they were working as a volunteer. There were differences between new EMT-Basics and EMT-Paramedics in several of the reasons for entering the profession and in facets of job satisfaction.ConclusionsThe findings provide guidance for recruiters, educators, employers, and governmental EMS policy organizations and will provide better insight into how to attract and retain new entrants to the field.ChapmanSA, CroweRP, BentleyMA. Recruitment and retention of new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basics and Paramedics. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s70–s86.

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Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) Design and Methodology

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x16001059 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 31 (S1) ◽

pp. S7-S17 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Roger Levine

Keyword(s):

The United States ◽

Emergency Medical Technician ◽

Publication Type ◽

Workplace Issues ◽

Annual Survey ◽

Emergency Medical ◽

Demographic Study ◽

State And Local ◽

Sampling Procedures ◽

Medical Technician

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study is to describe the Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) design, instrument development, pilot testing, sampling procedures, and data collection methodology. Response rates are provided, along with results of follow-up surveys of non-responders (NRs) and a special survey of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals who were not nationally certified.MethodsAnnual surveys from 1999 to 2008 were mailed out to a random, stratified sample of nationally registered EMT-Basics and Paramedics. Survey weights were developed to reflect each respondent’s probability of selection. A special survey of NRs was mailed out to individuals who did not respond to the annual survey to estimate the probable extent and direction of response bias. Individuals who indicated they were no longer in the profession were mailed a special exit survey to determine their reasons for leaving EMS.ResultsGiven the large number of comparisons between NR and regular (annual) survey respondents, it is not surprising that some statistically significant differences were found. In general, there were few differences. However, NRs tended to report higher annual EMS incomes, were younger, healthier, more physically fit, and were more likely to report that they were not practicing EMS. Comparisons of the nationally certified EMS professionals with EMS professionals who were not nationally certified indicated that nationally certified EMS providers were younger, had less EMS experiences, earned less, were more likely to be female and work for private EMS services, and less likely to work for fire-based services. These differences may reflect state and local policy and practice, since many states and local agencies do not require maintenance of national certification as a requirement to practice. When these differences were controlled for statistically, there were few systematic differences between non-nationally certified and nationally certified EMS professionals.ConclusionsThe LEADS study is the only national, randomized, and longitudinal data source for studying EMS professionals in the United States. Although not without flaws, this study remains an excellent source of information about EMS provider demographics, attributes, attitudes, workplace issues and concerns, and how the profession has changed from 1999 to 2008.LevineR. Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician Attributes and Demographic Study (LEADS) design and methodology. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(Suppl. 1):s7–s17.

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