• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.81-97
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• 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the awareness and direction of paramedics work and image in hospitals. Methods: From April 16 to May 5, 2015, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 45 paramedics and 81 nurses working in emergency medical institutions. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. Results: The work of paramedics is evaluated to be highly worthy at the in-hospital level rather than at the injury first-aid treatment level. It appears that paramedics are often forced to do what their hospitals tell them to do concerning matters related to conflicts with them and nurses. Paramedics stated that they experienced greater mental stress than those engaging in other professions, a finding similar to those of other studies. There was no statistically significant difference in opinions between the two groups about a desirable direction for the development of first-aid services at hospitals. More than two thirds of the respondents said that paramedics should be given the right to enter acting check for patients. Conclusion: Paramedics work is shown to differ in the opinions of paramedics themselves and nurses. Paramedics need for reform is associated with expanding the work of the law.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.4315-4328
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• 2019

The present study investigated the effects of work satisfaction on quality of life for 119 paramedics, the Korean equivalent of 911 paramedics. Data collection began in July 2017 and lasted for six months. Data was collected from 410 119 paramedics of the J province and the G metropolitan area who consented to study participation. The results showed that the higher the job satisfaction of the participants, the higher the quality of life (r = 0.508, p = 0.008). The factors affecting the quality of life were leisure activity, subjective health, and job satisfaction. For 119 paramedics to improve their quality of life, they need to relieve work stress and fatigue through leisure activities, and recover and maintain their health through sufficient rest. Moreover, returning to work in a healthy state likely leads to increased job satisfaction, and the quality of life will increase accordingly. Therefore, 119 paramedics should be permitted to have plenty of leisure time outside their work hours and should be able to maintain health through periodic health checks.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.77-90
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed to assess and improve the work scope of emergency medical technicians (EMT)-paramedics in emergency medical centers. Methods: Data were collected from February 1 to 14, 2018. The questionnaire comprised a total of 56 questions: eight general questions, six questions about the recognition of EMT-paramedics in emergency medical centers, and 42 questions about their work. Data were analyzed via frequency and correlation analysis using SPSS version 18.0. Results: Regarding the work of EMTs in emergency medical centers, positive opinions were found in 23 items, negative opinions in 4 items, and both positive and negative opinions in 9 items. Regarding the questions about the necessity, work importance, professionalism, and the need for an increase4 in EMR-paramedics, depending on respondents' career, there was no statistically significant difference between the group of beginners and the group comprising beginners and that of experienced workers (p>.200). Conclusion: The expert survey revealed that the work performance of EMT-paramedics in regional emergency medical centers was trusted and showed positive results of improvement and expansion.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.59-71
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the degree of paramedics' professional self-concept, empowerment, and burnout and to verify the effects of empowerment and burnout on their professional self-concept. Method: The study subjects were 116 in-hospital paramedics who completed a structured questionnaire. Data were collected between June 18 and 25, 2013. Results: The results were as follows. First, the paramedics' mean score for professional self-concept was 2.93 (range: 1-4), and the mean scores for empowerment and burnout were 2.87 (range: 1-4) and 2.48 (range: 1-5). Second, in terms of the general characteristics of the paramedics, professional self-concept showed significant differences based on sex, religion, work experience, and medical institution classification. Third, professional self-concept had a positive correlation with empowerment, and professional self-concept and empowerment had negative correlations with burnout. Fourth, the main variables affecting paramedics' professional self-concept were gender and total years of work experience. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop program to reduce paramedics' burnout and qualitatively improve paramedic services.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.47-63
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• 2011

Purpose : This research is to examine the work and job satisfaction of paramedics in the emergency room of university hospitals. This research is done to provide basic data needed for establishing work realms of paramedics in hospitals and to enhance their degree of satisfaction. Methods : Research questionnaire survey was conducted on 141 paramedics working in the emergency room of 32 university hospitals from August 24, 2010 to September 30, 2010 through direct visits and telephone interviews or email to explain the purpose of this research and assurance of confidentiality of responses on the questionnaires. As the tool for the degree of job satisfaction, 'The Index of Work Satisfaction' developed by Slavitt, et al(1978) and revised and supplemented by Soon-shim Kim and Hye-ran Kwon(2002) was used. The collected data were analyzed by evaluating frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA, Cronbach's $\alpha$ by using SPSS WIN 18.0 program. Results : 1. Investigating the work and role of paramedics in the emergency room of university hospitals, electrocardiogram(EKG) was found to be highest with $\alpha$ was widely used with the rate of patient evaluation and test area. In the medical treatment for patients area, cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) with 95%(134 persons) and ventilation assistance through ambu bagging(BVM) with 95%(134 persons) were found to be high. $\alpha$ were performed. In the role within the hospital and other areas, a member of CPR team in the hospital accounted for 78%(110 persons). 2. In the measurements of the job satisfaction of paramedics working at university hospitals, the total mean score was 2.91. The mean score in each question area indicated: section on job 3.48, autonomy 3.05, interaction 3.01, organizational demand 2.85, working conditions 2.67, salaries 2.40. This result obviously demonstrates the work of paramedics itself was most satisfied but the salaries were most dissatisfied. 3. In the measurements of the job satisfaction of paramedics working at university hospitals, job satisfaction based on the general characteristics showed significant difference in age (F=6.547, p=.002), gender (F=4.436, p=.000) marital status (F=-3.270, p= .001), religion (F=2.041, p= .043), motive for application (F=3.603, p= .015), and salary (F=6.658, p= .000). 대학병원 응급실 내 1급 응급구조사의 업무와 직무만족도 The Journal of the Korean Society of Emergency Medical Technology Vol. 15 (1) 63 4. In the measurements of the job satisfaction of paramedics working at university hospitals, job satisfaction based on the working environmental characteristics showed significant difference in total number of paramedics (F=3.779, p= .012), form of employment (F=5.601, p= .001), existence or non-existence of intention to change jobs (F=-4.037, p= .000). Conclusion : The work of paramedics in the emergency room of university hospitals consists of lots of treatment processes after specialized diagnosis and performance of professionally subdivided works. However, current legislation does not reflect such circumstances to which paramedics are exposed; thus, it should be considered for further revision and modification. The degree of job satisfaction of paramedics in the emergency room of university hospitals was high but low in salaries and working conditions were the weak points. The measures to enhance their degree of job satisfaction should be taken though improvement of labor conditions such as consideration of the rate of increase in salaries, compensation for overtime work, providing rest areas, improvement of current employment system, and conversion of temporary employees into regular employees.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.117-138
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was performed targeted to paramedic and doctors, to examine the frequency, importance, and admissibility of the tasks of paramedics, and to establish as a basis for expanding their business scope. Methods: The subjects were 282 paramedics and 58 doctors, and the study was performed from October 20 to November 19, 2014. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS/WIN 20.0. Results: The results showed the difference between the legal business scope of paramedics and the actually performed work. The frequently covered areas were trauma, cardiac arrest, and respiratory care; however, severity classifications were the most important. Concerning drug administration, epinephrine administration seemed to be the most necessary. Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used as basic data to broaden the capacity building and business scope of paramedics. Furthermore, to increase the resuscitation rate of emergency patients, the various tasks of paramedics must be incorporated, and these should be supported by laws and institutions.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.137-145
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• 2014

Purpose: The emergency medical service (EMS) system in Japan is similar to that in Korea. This study reviewed the development of paramedics who are major personnel in the respective EMS system of their country. Methods: We searched law for paramedics and publications in J-stage, MEDLINE and the webpage of Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Results: Paramedic training had started in Japan in 1991, and most paramedics were employed in fire departments. In Japan, ambulances belonging to fire department are staffed by a three-person unit, including at least one paramedic. Medical control advisory boards were established in all Japanese prefectures in 2003 with the purpose of upgrading the activities of ambulance personnel, including paramedics. The scope of paramedics' work has been widened owing to the continued efforts of medical control advisory boards. This allows them to perform invasive procedures including tracheal intubation, intravenous line placement, and epinephrine administration under medical control of a physician. Conclusion: As paramedics' responsibilities expand, further development of the paramedic role and an effective medical control advisory board system are imperative both Korea and Japan.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.5-14
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• 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify the legal concept of a license and a qualification for health care personnel. We analyze the appropriateness of the qualification for the first-class paramedics and the sufficiency of 3-year job experience in substitution for college level academic major. Method: We reviewed Laws on Healthcare which stipulate academic and career qualifications for healthcare personnel for whom college-level academic training and job experience to get a license. Results: There is no legal consideration which permits major and educational background substituted by job experience. Only third-class hygienist who graduated from a high school or the equivalent with 3 year job experience can apply for first-class hygienist' national license examination without educational requirements. However, it is nothing to compare with first-class paramedics because the work of hygienist is not directly related to patients care and there is no need of doctor's supervision for hygienist' job. Paramedics have a major role in saving emergency patients in making prompt decision, applying appropriate emergency treatment, securing intravenous route, managing intubation, applying defibrillator, and etc. Conclusion: Ministry of Health & Welfare should grant license to paramedics and annul replacement of academic major background. In addition, it is imperative to broaden the scope of paramedics' job so that they can guarantee patient's life saving in emergency situation with quality major curriculum of college level.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.9-20
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• 2013

Purpose: This research project addressed the need to designing more safe and efficient interior of the future ambulance in Korea. Methods: The study sample contained 760 paramedics in 4 districts. Data was collected by using a revised and complemented questionnaire based on literature review. Results: In relation to the efficacy and safety of work, answers related to storage closet showed to be the highest, and the most difficult part of paramedic work in an ambulance was lurching. CPR is the most frequently used emergency care inside an ambulance, but 66% of the paramedics responded that accurate CPR is not possible during vehicle transfer. Safety belts are not worn for 82.8% of the time, because of discomfort (51.3%). 13.8% of the paramedics responded that stretchers are unstable, 29.5% had an experience of having patients fall off the stretcher inside an ambulance. There were comments on installing equipments to prevent noise, and assist communication. Conclusion: The suggested practical layout contains five main modifications 1. Developing specially designed belt is needed for paramedic safety & efficient work. 2. The seats are molded to be ergonomically friendly. 3. Equipments to secure the body and safety devices for CPR are needed. 4. System improvement for communication between the driver seat and paramedics is needed. 5. The stretchers are molded to be maximize efficiency and minimize injury.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.159-168
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• 2020

This study was designed to ask experienced nurses at local and regional emergency medical centers for their awareness of paramedics and for their opinions on a paramedic's proper duties in emergency medical centers. The questionnaire consisted of 61 questions in total, including general questions, questions about awareness of paramedics, and questions about the duties of paramedics in emergency medical centers. For data analysis, SPSS 21.0 was applied to conduct frequency and correlation analyses. Regarding the duties of paramedics in emergency medical centers, there were positive answers in 33 questions of the questionnaire. The need for paramedics who work for emergency medical centers and the importance of their duties in emergency medical centers were high in the questionnaire. In addition, there were positive answers to the questions about the need for the professionalism of paramedics and the nees for increasing the number of paramedics in emergency medical centers. There was no difference between the groups.