Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the core competency and educational needs of paramedic students in disaster management. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 207 paramedic students between June 1 and October 29, 2017. The study instrument included disaster preparedness (15 items), disaster management core competency (26 items), disaster education needs (26 items). Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and Duncan's multiple range test using IBM SPSS 24.0. Results: The students reported that only 13% had experienced or witnessed disasters; however, 95.2% would be willing to help in the event of a disaster. Their disaster preparedness was 1.84 points on a 3-point scale. We did see differences in disaster preparedness by background: hospital practice (F=5.352, p=.001); fire-fighting practice (F=8.994, p=.000). The students had a core competency of disaster management at 3.25 points on a 5-point scale with differences depending on major satisfaction (F=3.760, p=.006). The level of student demands for disaster education was 4.29 points. Conclusion: If variety of educational environments are provided for disaster-related learning and training, the core competency of disaster management for paramedic students will improve. The students will be available as disaster management experts in various fields, even after graduation.