• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.153-162
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of job stress, self-efficacy and empowerment of 119 Emergency medical technicians in Jeollanam-do. Methods: This study used the data collected from 346 respondents working for first aid in a fire station. To answer research questions, this study employed frequency analysis, reliability test, F (t)-test, ANOVA, Scheffe' post-hoc test, and multiple-regression analysis. Results: In terms of demographic characteristics, marital status and age had significant impact on job stress, but sex and education did not. In terms of job characteristics, first placement, rank, and tenure made significant difference on job stress, whereas certificate, department, and area did not. These results address that general characteristics, self-efficacy and job stress are critical variables on empowerment. Conclusion: From the research findings, it is concluded that fire fighters' job stress can be reduced if professional development programs are given to them, which is likely to provide better public services such as first aids and welfare, as well as to increase job satisfaction.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.39-50
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• 2020

This study examined the effect of 119 emergency medical technicians' education over one year on the stroke knowledge and subjective perception of stroke care. A survey was conducted from February 17 through July 31, 2018, on 196 men and women who worked as 119 emergency medical technicians in G-do, C-do, and the provinces. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS 20.0 version for Windows. The findings of the study were as follows. First, the general characteristics of the 119 emergency medical technicians were found to have affected their stroke education and their need for professional education, awareness levels of knowledge concerning stroke and their subjective awareness levels of stroke patient care. Second, one-year education for the 119 emergency medical technicians was found to have impacted on their stroke knowledge and subjective awareness levels concerning care for stroke patients. Third, the knowledge of the 119 emergency medical technicians on stroke was found to have influenced their subjective awareness levels of stroke patient care. Therefore, the results suggested that regular education and proper management to improve their knowledge on stroke and subjective awareness.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.27 no.3
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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.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.7-16
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• 2019

Purpose: The present study was conducted to identify the factors influencing the perfromance of the emergency medical technicians (EMTs) utilizing smart advance life support (SALS) and to provide appropriate feedback to improve SALS performance. Methods: The study subjects were recruited from 119 EMT members working in G city participating in SALS project. A total of 155 data were used in the analysis. Results: Of the three areas, the mean score of importance was the highest (4.53±0.48). followed by educational needs (4.24±0.66), and SALS performance (4.08±0.55). Importance was identified as a significant factor influencing SALS performance (β=.187, p<.047).The length of education. work scope. amd role of level 1 EMTs vary significantly depending on the type of qualifications they have as emergency medical professionals, while the supply of level 1 EMTs has already reached a point of saturation. Accordingly, the current regulation on allowing level 2 EMTs with at least three years of experience to take the level 1 EMT test presents serious inequity for students just graduating from their emergency medical services program. It is also a factor that degrades the professionalism of level 1 EMTs. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it was found that mediation and education programs need to be implemented to highlight the importance of the tasks performed in SALS situations in order to improve performance.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.35-47
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of self-esteem or social support on job-related stress and depression among emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: Data were collected from EMTs at emergency medical institutions and fire stations (n=257). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression with SPSS WIN 21.0. Results: Self-esteem and social support of EMTs were found to be at moderate levels (Self-esteem: M=3.04, SD=0.43; Social support: M=3.65, SD=0.43) Job-related stress was positively correlated with depression: the higher the job-related stress score, the higher the depression score. Moreover, self-esteem score or social support score was negatively associated with job-related stress and depression: the higher the self-esteem score or the higher the social support score, the lower the job related stress score and the depression score. Conclusions: Future research should address how social support and networks interact and together affect self-esteem for job-related stress and depression.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.73-94
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aims to provide suggestions for improving the liberal arts curriculum for the 3-year emergency medical technology course by conducting a comparative research on the liberal arts curricula across 10 colleges. Methods: Various aspects of liberal arts subjects, such as basic directions set out by the curriculum, credit scores, and distribution, were studied. Results: Of the 10 colleges, 9 did not stated purpose of liberal arts education. All 10 offered courses including foreign language, computer, and self-management, however each subjects did not have reflections of course visions. Findings revealed the credit score ratio of liberal arts subjects to be relatively lower than the major subjects. Students had limited opportunity to choose liberal arts subjects, with only a small proportion of the course available for elective subjects. Most liberal arts subjects were completed in the first year. Subjects' experience was not expanded and deepened gradually. Subject choices often overlapped, with limited variety of available subjects. Conclusion: For competent emergency medical technicians, the 3-year emergency medical technology course should improve the quality of its liberal arts offerings. The study of liberal arts provides the opportunity to develop broad perspectives and mature attitudes.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.23 no.1
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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.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.55-66
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the disaster response competencies of 119 emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: The subjects of this study were 226 119 EMT's at the fire station located in G province. The questionnaire consisted of 5 sub-factors and 29 items for measuring disaster response competencies and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS program. Results: Disaster response competency comprising immediate response, patient triage, patient treatment, patient transport, and collaboration support were 3.48, 3.64, 3.52, 3.64, and 3.16, respectively. Advanced EMTs scored significantly higher in patient triage (p<.001), treatment (p<.001), and transport (p=.022) competency than basic EMTs. Conclusion: In order to improve disaster response competency, it is necessary not only to enhance individual ability but also to continue disaster management training with related organizations.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.155-162
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• 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to suggest the qualification criteria for the instructors of first aid education for teachers in the School Health Act. Methods: We compared and analyzed the approval provisions for qualifying as first aid educators under the School Health Act, the Emergency Medical Services Act, and prior studies of first aid education. Results: The comparison of the studies demonstrated some key points. First, the first aid education of teachers could be improved through the knowledge of professional instructors. Second, the doctors, emergency nurse practitioners, and emergency medical technicians (EMT) were suitable as specialized first aid instructors. Third, for qualifying as first aid instructor, only the EMTs required more than five years of career. Conclusion: We suggest that all emergency medical service providers qualify to become first aid educators. Additionally, the requirement of EMTs to have more than 5 years of career to qualify as an instructor should be eliminated.

• 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.