scholarly journals Emergency Medical Services Challenges Regarding Resource Capacity and Competency during COVID-19 Pandemic

Author(s):  
Ghaydaa Filimban ◽  
Khaled Aljasser ◽  
Loui Alsulimani ◽  
Asma Altalhi ◽  
Abdulaziz Alshebili ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the availability of resources, personal protective equipment PPE) and beliefs amongst Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals in Makkah city. Also, we aimed to assess various aspects of how Emergency Medical Services are handling the COVID-19 pandemic via online self-administrated questionnaire. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of 276 EMS providers from the city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia during the period from July 2020 to June 2021. SPSS (version 21.0) was used for data entry and data analysis. We approximate a 95% confidence interval (±0.05). Results: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are representing most of the participants, 44% and 43%, respectively. EMS doctor, EMS registered nurse and others represent the remaining 13%. When the participants assessed their level of satisfaction on how their institutions have handled the pandemic, 34% expressed that they were satisfied, 14% were very satisfied, while 21% and 13% expressed that they were dissatisfied and very dissatisfied. On the availability of resources, 42% had access to N95 masks whenever they needed access to them while 33% did not have access. Conclusion: As the study demonstrates a relationship between the capability of emergency medical services personnel to handle a pandemic like COVID-19 and institutional preparedness, there are still significant gaps in EMS personnel's PPE training. EMS agencies should be supported in their efforts to effectively prepare their workers while the pandemic continues in our communities. Therefore, institutions should adopt guidelines that stipulate care for patients with COVID-19, provide training to emergency personnel, and properly distribute resources and PPE.

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-255
Author(s):  
Talal AlShammari ◽  
Paul Jennings ◽  
Brett Williams

PurposeEmergency medical services (EMS) educational standards in Saudi Arabia have developed at an unprecedented rate, and the rapid pace of development has resulted in a considerable disparity of educational approaches. Therefore, an empirically based core competency framework should be developed. The aim was to utilize exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in the reduction and generation of a theoretical Saudi competency model.Design/methodology/approachA purposive sample was utilized in a national quantitative cross-sectional study design of Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) healthcare workers. The instrument comprised 41 core competency items rated on a Likert scale. EFA alpha factoring with oblique promax rotation was applied to the 41 items.FindingsA total of 450 EMS healthcare providers participated in the study, of whom 422 (93.8 per cent) were male and 28 (6.2 per cent) female. Of the participants, 230 (60 per cent) were aged 29–39 years and 244 (54.2 per cent) had 5–9 years of experience. An EFA of instrument items generated five factors: professionalism, preparedness, communication, clinical and personal with an eigenvalue > 1, representing 67.5 per cent of total variance. Only variables that had a loading value >0.40 were utilized in the factor solution.Originality/valueThe EFA model Saudi ParamEdic Competency Scale (SPECS) has been identified, with 27 core competency items and five overarching factors. The model has considerable similarities to other medical competency frameworks. However, some aspects are specifically unique to the Saudi EMS context. The SPECS model provides an academic blueprint that can be used by paramedic educational programs to ensure empirical alignment with the needs of the industry and community.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (03) ◽  
pp. 288-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca E. Cash ◽  
Remle P. Crowe ◽  
Julie K. Bower ◽  
Randi E. Foraker ◽  
Ashish R. Panchal

AbstractBackground:Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals face high physical demands in high-stress settings; however, the prevalence of cardiovascular health (CVH) risk factors in this health care workforce has not been explored. The primary objective of this study was to compare the distribution of CVH and its individual components between a sample of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. The secondary objective was to identify associations between demographic and employment characteristics with ideal CVH in EMS professionals.Methods:A cross-sectional survey based on the American Heart Association’s (AHA; Dallas, Texas USA) Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) was administered to nationally-certified EMTs and paramedics. The LS7 components were scored according to previously described cut points (ideal = 2; intermediate = 1; poor = 0). A composite CVH score (0-10) was calculated from the component scores, excluding cholesterol and blood glucose due to missing data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR; 95% CI) for demographic and employment characteristics associated with optimal CVH (≥7 points).Results:There were 24,708 respondents that were currently practicing and included. More EMTs achieved optimal CVH (n = 4,889; 48.8%) compared to paramedics (n = 4,338; 40.6%). Factors associated with higher odds of optimal CVH included: higher education level (eg, college graduate or more: OR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.97-2.59); higher personal income (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.17-1.37); and working in an urban versus rural area (OR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.23-1.40). Paramedic certification level (OR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78-0.91), older age (eg, 50 years or older: OR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.58-0.73), male sex (OR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.50-0.56), working for a non-fire-based agency (eg, private service: OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.62-0.74), and providing medical transport service (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.94) were associated with lower odds of optimal CVH.Conclusions:Several EMS-related characteristics were associated with lower odds of optimal CVH. Future studies should focus on better understanding the CVH and metabolic risk profiles for EMS professionals and their association with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), major cardiac events, and occupational mortality.Cash RE, Crowe RP, Bower JK, Foraker RE, Panchal AR. Differences in cardiovascular health metrics in emergency medical technicians compared to paramedics: a crosssectional study of Emergency Medical Services professionals.Prehosp Disaster Med.2019;34(3):288–296.


1997 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 37-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley E. Chartoff ◽  
Joann M. Gren

AbstractIntroduction:From June through August 1993, extensive flooding in the Mississippi and Missouri River basins resulted in 50 deaths and 12 billion dollars [U.S.] in damages in nine Midwestern states. In Iowa (1990 population 2,777,000), the government declared all 99 counties Federal Disaster Areas. This study examines how this event impacted local emergency medical services (EMS).Methods:All 797 registered prehospital ambulance, rescue, and first-response companies in Iowa received survey questionnaires. Two follow-up mailings were provided for non-responders.Results:A total of 468 EMS companies (59%) returned completed questionnaires. The geographic distribution ofresponders and non-responders was similar. Of the companies responding, 132 (28%) reported an impact on their operations from the flood disaster. The most frequently reported operational changes included the use of non-traditional vehicles, providing aid to regions outside usual service areas, and involvement in non-medical rescue operations.Conclusion:A major flood provides unique challenges for emergency medical services. Cross-sectional surveys can identify areas of improvement for prehospital systems located in flood-prone areas. Results from this study provide a basis for constructing a more refined instrument to study future flood disasters.


2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-80
Author(s):  
Riyadh A. Alhazmi ◽  
R. David Parker ◽  
Sijin Wen

Backround: Emergency medical services (EMS) workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and frequently exposed to blood and bodily fluids through percutaneous injuries. This study aimed to assess the consistency with which standard precautions (SPs) among rural and urban EMS providers were used. Methods: This study consisted of a cross-sectional survey conducted with a sample of certified EMS providers in West Virginia in which we ascertained details about sociodemographic characteristics, and the frequency of consistent SP. An email invitation was sent to a comprehensive list of agencies obtained from the Office of West Virginia EMS. Findings: A total of 248 out of 522 (47%) EMS providers completed the survey. The majority of the EMS providers (76%) consistently complied with SPs; however, more than one third (38%) of urban EMS providers indicated inconsistent use compared with 19% of rural EMS providers ( p = .002). Most EMS providers reported low prevention practices to exposure of blood and body fluids in both areas. Conclusion/Application to Practice: The results emphasize the need to enhanced safe work practices among EMS providers in both rural and urban areas through education and increasing self-awareness. Occupational health professional in municipalities that serve these workers are instrumental in ensuring these workers are trained and evaluated for their compliance with SPs while in the field.


1996 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn E. Kampen ◽  
Jon R. Krohmer ◽  
Jeffrey S. Jones ◽  
J.M. Dougherty ◽  
Robert K. Bonness

AbstractObjective:To determine current experience, attitudes, and training concerning the performance of in-field extremity amputations in North America.Design:Cross-sectional, epidemiological survey.Participants:Emergency medical services (EMS) directors from the 200 largest metropolitan areas in North America and attendees at the 1992 Mid-Year National Association of EMS Physicians Meeting.Interventions:The survey consisted of five questions focusing on demographic and operational data, the frequency of occurrence of the performance of in-field amputations, personnel responsible for performing the procedure, existing written protocols for the procedure, and the scope of training provided.Results:A total of 143 surveys was completed. Eighteen respondents (13%) reported a total of 26 in-field extremity amputations in the past five years. The most common cause for the injuries requiring amputations was motor-vehicle accidents. In the majority of cases (53.2%), trauma surgeons were responsible for performing the amputation, followed by emergency physicians (36.4%). Of respondents, 96% stated that there was no training available through their EMS agencies related to the performance of in-field extremity amputations. Only two EMS systems had an existing protocol regarding in-field amputations.Conclusions:The results suggest a need for established protocols to make the procedure easily accessible when needed, especially in large metropolitan EMS systems. This information should be emphasized during EMS training and reinforced through continuing education.


The Lancet ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 386 ◽  
pp. S45
Author(s):  
Yalan Liu ◽  
Yi Jiang ◽  
Shenglan Tang ◽  
Qian Long ◽  
Jingfu Qiu ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 997
Author(s):  
Alexandre Lins Werneck ◽  
Carla Fernanda Batista Paula ◽  
Rita de Cássia Helu Mendonça Ribeiro

RESUMOObjetivo: estabelecer relações entre a humanização da assistência e o acolhimento e a triagem na classificação de risco pela enfermagem nos serviços médicos de emergência. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, analítico, transversal. Utilizou-se um questionário e entrevistaram-se 80 pacientes que estavam em consulta de enfermagem. Utilizaram-se a análise descritiva, médias, desvio padrão, mediana, mínimo e máximo, frequência e percentual. Apresentaram-se os resultados em forma de tabelas. Resultados: verificou-se que, dos 64 pacientes, a maioria era do sexo feminino, na faixa etária entre 21 a 40 anos e casada, e cinco pacientes esperaram mais que o tempo preconizado, sendo que a Ortopedia/Traumatologia foi a especialidade com maior número de pacientes atendidos. Conclusão: chegou-se à conclusão de que os usuários estão satisfeitos com a atuação da Enfermagem na humanização da assistência, no acolhimento e na triagem com classificação de risco, nos serviços médicos de emergência. Infere-se que as considerações sobre as implicações teóricas ou práticas dos resultados e a contribuição do estudo para o avanço do conhecimento científico são estabelecer relações entre a humanização da assistência e o acolhimento e a triagem com classificação de risco nos serviços médicos de emergência. Espera-se encontrar situações em que há falta de humanização e colocá-las em evidência, propondo mudanças. Descritores: Humanização da Assistência; Acolhimento; Triagem; Classificação; Risco; Enfermagem de Emergência.ABSTRACT Objective: to establish relations between the humanization of care and the reception and screening in risk classification by nursing in emergency medical services. Method: this is a quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used and 80 patients who were in nursing consultation were interviewed. Descriptive analysis, means, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum, frequency and percentage were used. Results were presented in the form of tables. Results: it was verified that, of the 64 patients, the majority were female, between the ages of 21 and 40 years and married, and five patients waited longer than the recommended time, and Orthopedics/Traumatology was the specialty with greater number of patients attended. Conclusion: it was concluded that the users are satisfied with the Nursing performance in the humanization of care, in the reception and in the classification with risk classification, in emergency medical services. It is inferred that considerations about the theoretical or practical implications of the results and the contribution of the study to the advancement of scientific knowledge are to establish relations between the humanization of care and the reception and sorting with risk classification in emergency medical services. It is hoped to find situations in which there is a lack of humanization and to put them in evidence, proposing changes. Descriptors: Humanization of Care; Reception; Screening; Ranking; Risk; Emergency Nursing. RESUMEN Objetivo: establecer relaciones entre la humanización de la asistencia y la acogida y el tamizaje en la clasificación de riesgo por la enfermería en los servicios médicos de emergencia. Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, analítico, transversal. Se utilizó un cuestionario y se entrevistaron a 80 pacientes que estaban en consulta de enfermería. Se utilizó el análisis descriptivo, promedios, desviación estándar, mediana, mínimo y máximo, frecuencia y porcentual. Se presentaron los resultados en forma de tablas. Resultados: se verificó que, de los 64 pacientes, la mayoría era del sexo femenino, en el grupo de edad entre 21 a 40 años y casada, y cinco pacientes esperaron más que el tiempo preconizado, siendo que la Ortopedia / Traumatología fue la especialidad con mayor el número de pacientes atendidos. Conclusión: se llegó a la conclusión de que los usuarios están satisfechos con la actuación de la Enfermería en la humanización de la asistencia, en la acogida y en el tamizaje con clasificación de riesgo, en los servicios médicos de emergencia. Se espera encontrar situaciones en que hay falta de humanización y ponerlas en evidencia, proponiendo cambios. Descriptores: Humanización de la Atención; Acogimiento; Triagem; Classificación; Risco; Enfermería de Urgencia.


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