• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.170-179
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• 2017

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the occupational radiation exposures of emergency medical technicians(EMTs) in emergency medical centers in Korea. The results will provide a basis for developing prevention programs to minimize adverse health effects relating to radiation exposure among emergency medical technicians working in this area. Methods: Radiation exposure doses were measured for twenty-two EMTs working in six emergency medical centers. Thermo Luminescent Dosimeters(TLD) were placed on three representative body parts, including chest, neck, and a finger. Measurements were conducted over the entire working hours of the participants for foor weeks. Dosimeters were analyzed according to a standard method by a KFDA-designated lab. Detection rate, annual radiation exposure dose, and relative levels to dose limit were derived based on the measured doses from the dosimeters. SPSS/Win 18.0 software(IBM, US) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Detection rates were 45.5%, 36.4%, and 45.5% for the dosimeters sampled from chest, neck, and a finger, respectively. The average annual doses were $2.39{\pm}3.44mSv/year$(range 0.38-10.0 mSv/year) for the chest, $2.72{\pm}3.05mSv/year$(2.00-11.34) for the neck, and $20.98{\pm}17.57mSv/year$(1.25-53.50) for the hand dose. The average annual eye dose was estimated to $3.61{\pm}2.37mSv/year$(1.50-8.34). The exposure dose levels of EMTs were comparable to those of radiologists, who showed relatively higher radiation dose among health care workers, as reported in another study. Conclusions: EMTs working in emergency medical centers are considered to be at risk of radiation exposure. Although the radiation exposure dose of EMTs does not exceed the dose limit, it is not negligible comparing to other professionals in health care sectors.

• 한국직업건강간호학회지
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• 제26권4호
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• pp.227-235
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• 2017

Purpose: This descriptive correlational study investigated the effects of violent experience and resilience on burnout in emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: The participants were 160 EMTs working in fire stations (safety center and local center) located in U, B, and D city. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, $Scheff{\acute{e}}$ test post-hoc analysis, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. Results: The number of EMTs getting into ambulances was significantly associated with violent experience, resilience, and burnout. Position of EMTs was significantly associated with both resilience and burnout. In the multiple regression analysis, the subscales of durability and optimism in resilience were significantly associated with burnout after controlling for confounding variables. Conclusion: This study indicated that improving durability and optimism in resilience was important to cope with experience of violence and to prevent burnout in EMTs.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.57-70
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• 2016

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the current state of emergency care for patients with anaphylaxis and to identify problems and areas for improvement in prehospital care. Methods: This study was conducted using 119 emergency running sheets and medical records of 109 patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis. Questionnaires were also given to emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and emergency physicians. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Results: Prehospital emergency care included oxygen administration in 64.2%, an intravenous line in 15.6%, and medication injection in 11.0%. The most commonly administered medications were antihistamines in 66.7% and epinephrine in 8.3%. Of EMTs surveyed, 47.0% suggested an epinephrine injection and using direct medical control, while 53.8% of the emergency physicians suggested an epinephrine injection and using indirect medical control. Most emergency physicians 88.8% responded that epinephrine could be administered by EMTs. Conclusion: The data support epinephrine injection of patients with anaphylaxis by EMTs, but a larger sample size of EMTs is required. Education about the treatment of anaphylaxis should be improved for EMTs. The scope of paramedic responsibilities should also be redefined.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.71-77
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the research trends on the image of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in studies published in Korean journals. Methods: Electronic databases were searched, including RISS, KMbase, and KCI. Eight studies from 21 references screened were included in the analysis. Results: The number of studies related to the image of EMTs is severely lacking. The research methods and participants are limited to questionnaire surveys and EMT students, respectively. In addition, most of the studies used modified tools developed for image measurement of other occupations. Conclusion: Image research for EMTs should include various methods and participants. Standardized measurement tool development and image-related research should be steadily conducted.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.35-48
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the rationality for and countermeasures against the use of prehospital patient restraint (PPR) techniques in efforts to limit violent behavior toward 119 emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: Previous countermeasures to limit violent behavior toward 119 EMTs and medical personnel were focused on strict reactive and passive proactive responses. However, those in support of the countermeasures do not believe that violent and criminal behavior can be limited or extinguished by strengthening the punishment unconditionally. Results: When it comes to the far-reaching effects of stigmatization on people who engage in violent and criminal behavior, it is possible that unconditional punishment leads to more crime, increases the costs of imprisonment, and consequently, adds to the financial burden of the government. Conclusion: Thus, we are faced with an urgent need to prepare legal grounds for the use of PPR techniques by 119 EMTs for agitated or combative patients only, with direct medical oversight. Moreover, the legal foundation for the use of PPR techniques also needs to be established for emergency medical personnel. The use of PPR techniques not only ensures the safety of emergency medical services personnel, but also protects patients from injuring themselves and others.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.99-115
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to provide basic data for clinical training program development by analyzing the operating conditions and satisfaction in a clinical training program for 119 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in South Korea. Methods: Data from 84 EMTs were collected on June 19, 2014. We administered a 64-item questionnaire about operating conditions and satisfaction in the clinical training program, and analyzed data (SPSS v 21.0). Results: The degree of performance in the field, importance of the item in the field, and level of difficulty were 3.36, 4.23, and 3.21, respectively. In the number of times that an item was directly performed according to the subjects' general characteristics a statistically difference in sex (p = .000), duty (p =.021), and total working time of trainees (p = .002). The subjects' total satisfaction score was 3.77. The difference in satisfaction according to the subjects' characteristics was a statistically significant in terms of sex (p = .016) and clinical training area (p = .005). Conclusion: A more efficient training system for hospital clinical training courses should be developed. The operation condition analyzed in this research may contribute to the improvement of the performance of EMTs.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.29-43
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• 2012

Purpose : The goal of the present study is to provide the basic information to medical control which is the most important improving factor of pre-hospital medical treatment. Method : A total of 749 records of direct medical control were collected from 119 EMTs in emergency medical information center of Daejeon, Chungcheongnam-do and Chungcheongbuk-do from March 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011. Results : The 119 EMTs should record the level of qualification of EMT and general patient history taking precisely when they receive direct medical controls. The doctors should take medical controls within the task range of qualification of EMTs. Conclusion : It is necessary to establish the guideline of medical direction and protocol of prehospital emergency care. The quality improvement of pre-hospital emergency services will be possible by the guideline and protocol.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.131-148
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the associations of job stress and burnout with the quality of life (QOL) among 119 emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: Using a descriptive correlational design, 260 EMTs working in D City or S City completed the questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of QOL among 119 EMTs. Results: Overall, there was relatively low job stress among 119 EMTs. There were significant differences in job stress and burnout by general characteristics, especially regarding those of gender, service career, job rank, and self-reported health. In a hierarchical multiple regression, general characteristics explained 29% of QOL (Model I, F=16.369, p<.001). The explanatory power for QOL increased to 49% upon adding job stress (Model II, F=18.737, p<.001), and 59% upon adding burnout (Model III, F=22.621, p<.001). In the last model, self-reported health (${\beta}=.316$, p<.001), job demand (${\beta}=-.130$, p=.009), job insecurity (${\beta}=-.136$, p=.010), lack of reward (${\beta}=-.189$, p=.001), emotional exhaustion (${\beta}=-.196$, p=.004) and lack of personal accomplishment (${\beta}=-.334$, p<.001) were significant predictors of QOL among 119 EMTs. Conclusion: Based on the results, it is necessary to assess and manage job stress and burnout systematically among EMTs, and to develop health improvement programs for better QOL.

• 한국응급구조학회지
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.63-78
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• 2013

Purpose : This study aimed to improve quality of prehospital emergency care for the insect bite patients by figuring out its current situations and problems. Methods : This study was conducted to 219 insect bite patients who were transferred to the hospital by 119 ambulance in D-City from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011. This study was a descriptive study by 119 run sheets. A total of 171 emergency medical technicians(EMTs) working in D-city and C-province completed the questionnaire. All of data were analyzed by SPSS 18.0. Results : Among the 219 patients, bee sting accounted for 62.6% and wasp sting accounted for 20.1%. Some patients complained of dizziness, headache, dyspnea, and disturbance of consciousness. The 119 EMTs initially treated the patients with oxygen supply to 57 patients (31.1%). Knowledge toward insect bite was statistically significant (p=.000) between advanced EMTs and basic EMTs. The obstacle to the prehospital care, many EMTs answered that the obstacle was due to the lack of 119 EMTs. Conclusion : It is necessary to differentiate the patients' symptoms and provide the better prehospital emergency care to verify the exact symptoms and signs.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.31-39
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• 2024

This study was conducted to determine whether level-1 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can adequately recognize ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the emergency department (ED) and whether their ability to do so differs from that of emergency medicine physicians (EMP). From December 2022 to November 2023, patients aged 20 years or older visiting the ED with chief complaints suggesting acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were enrolled. As soon as the patient arrived at the ED, a level-1 EMT conducted a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess STEMI; an EMP subsequently assessed whether to activate the percutaneous coronary intervention team. Demographic characteristics, test results, and final diagnoses were collected from the medical records. Among the 723 patients with case report forms, 720 were included in the analysis. These were categorized as follows: 117 (16.3%) with STEMI, 159 (22.1%) with non-ST-segment elevation ACS, and 444 (61.7%) with other conditions. STEMI was correctly recognized in 100 patients (91.7%) by level-1 EMTs and in 104 patients (95.4%) by EMPs (kappa=0.646). EMTs with less than 1 year of ED work experience correctly recognized 60 out of 67 STEMI patients (89.6%), which was comparable with the EMPs who recognized 65 out of 67 STEMI patients (97.0%, kappa=0.614). EMTs with more than 1 year of ED work correctly recognized 40 out of 42 STEMI patients (95.2%), and therefore performed better than EMPs, who recognized 39 out of 42 STEMI patients (92.9%, kappa=0.727). The level-1 EMTs adequately recognized STEMI using a 12-lead ECG and were in substantial agreement with the evaluations of the EMPs.