• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.69-85
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSSs) and their correlation with subjective health condition (SHC) among emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was disseminated to EMTs (N=257) at emergency medical institutions and fire stations. Results: The prevalence of MSSs was very high in the studied EMTs: 88.3% reported having MSSs. The most commonly affected site was the lower back (73.9%) followed by the neck (56.8%) and the shoulder (55.6%). MSSs were more common in women than in men, and its frequency increased with age. MSSs in the neck and shoulder were more increased in EMTs with < 1 year of service. MSSs in the hand / wrist / finger or leg / foot were significantly increased in EMTs of emergency medical institutions than those of fire stations. Job satisfaction was significantly lower in those with MSSs of the lower back. The subjective heath condition was decreased with age, marriage, or smoking. There was significant corelation between MSSs and SHC. Conclusion: This study suggests that MSSs are a reasonably common problem for EMTs, and that solutions need to be imposed such as some actual tasks or items related to work postures, work control, and work organization.

• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.63-78
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• 2015

Objectives : The aim of this study was to examine how emergency medical technicians(EMT) are affected by job stress, musculoskeletal symptoms(MSSs) and depression. Methods : Data were collected from EMTs at emergency medical institutions and fire stations (n=257). With a questionnaire, the association of job stress and MSSs and depression were examined in this study. Results : When examining job stress by place of work, the level of stress in field situations was significantly higher in EMTs at fire stations than in EMTs at emergency medical institutions. The MSSs of EMTs at emergency medical institutions were significantly higher compared to EMTs at fire stations, For depression, the score was 14.09 out of 60, and MSSs were significantly more common in women. Additionally, the level of job stress for 20-24 and over 35 year olds was significantly higher than that in the other age groups. Job stress had a positive correlation with MSSs and depression of EMTs, and MSSs were associated with depression. Conclusions : To improve the work environment of EMTs, attention should be paid to job stress, MSS, and depression and the presence of positive organizational support should be provided which can prevent negative effects.