PURPOSE: This study explored the factors influencing disaster response competency, that is, demographic and disaster-related characteristics, personal disaster (household and workplace) preparedness, disaster risk perception, and self-efficacy in handling disasters among emergency medical technicians in South Korea.METHODS: The study follows a descriptive, cross-sectional design and uses a self-reported questionnaire. Emergency medical technicians, amounting to 1,020 in all, currently working in firefighting organizations from four South Korean cities (Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Ulsan) participated in the study.RESULTS: Disaster risk perception, self-efficacy for disaster, participation experience in disaster education/training, and personal disaster (household and workplace) preparedness predicted the disaster response competency of emergency medical technicians in South Korea.CONCLUSION: There is a need for an antidisaster program to enhance the disaster risk perception, self-efficacy, personal disaster (household and workplace) preparedness, and the disaster education/training participation rate toward enhancing disaster response competency of emergency medical technicians in South Korea.
Daegu ; Disasters ; Emergencies ; Emergency Medical Technicians ; Humans ; Korea ; Self Efficacy

BACKGROUND: Team-based learning is known for its effective and satisfying education methods in the study of various medical schools. This study was prepared to confirm the satisfaction of applying this team-based learning to the training course of emergency medical technician.METHODS: A total of 165 new members of the course of second grade National Emergency medical technician at 2019 were finally enrolled in the study. Data were collected with a self-administered questionnaire. The team-based learning method was organized with eight students per group to conduct pre-learning and then proceed to open book to encourage active discussion among individuals. The questionnaire consisted of questions about the satisfaction of the discussion process, such as whether the knowledge gained from the discussion was appropriate, and whether collaboration between colleagues was successful during the discussion, and about the benefits of team-based learning, how well knowledge transfer compared to existing lectures, and the replacement of existing lectures. The questionnaire used a Likert 5 point scale, and the data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS version 22.0.RESULTS: The overall rating of team-based learning was 7.8 ± 1.5 out of 10. Many students answered positively (88.5%) for benefits, while 87.9% responded positively to whether the knowledge transfer effect was better compared to existing lectures. In addition, the satisfaction of team-based learning was generally high, with more than 90 percent of education students giving positive answers to the replacement of other lectures with team-based learning.CONCLUSION: The learners gave positive answers to the satisfaction, usefulness and learning effects of team-based learning. Team-based learning is a discussion-based study, so it is a good way to improve communication skills. Since communication and teamwork are important in first aid activities, the characteristics of team-based learning could lead to improvements in first aid services, leading to high-quality emergency medical services.
Cooperative Behavior ; Education ; Emergencies ; Emergency Medical Services ; Emergency Medical Technicians ; First Aid ; Humans ; Learning ; Lectures ; Methods ; Schools, Medical

PURPOSE: Smart device-based testing (SBT) is being introduced into the Republic of Korea’s high-stakes examination system, starting with the Korean Emergency Medicine Technician Licensing Examination (KEMTLE) in December 2017. In order to minimize the effects of variation in examinees’ environment on test scores, this study aimed to identify any associations of variables related to examinees’ individual characteristics and their perceived acceptability of SBT with their SBT practice test scores. METHODS: Of the 569 candidate students who took the KEMTLE on September 12, 2015, 560 responded to a survey questionnaire on the acceptability of SBT after the examination. The questionnaire addressed 8 individual characteristics and contained 2 satisfaction, 9 convenience, and 9 preference items. A comparative analysis according to individual variables was performed. Furthermore, a generalized linear model (GLM) analysis was conducted to identify the effects of individual characteristics and perceived acceptability of SBT on test scores. RESULTS: Among those who preferred SBT over paper-and-pencil testing, test scores were higher for male participants (mean± standard deviation [SD], 4.36± 0.72) than for female participants (mean± SD, 4.21± 0.73). According to the GLM, no variables evaluated— including gender and experience with computer-based testing, SBT, or using a tablet PC—showed a statistically significant relationship with the total score, scores on multimedia items, or scores on text items. CONCLUSION: Individual characteristics and perceived acceptability of SBT did not affect the SBT practice test scores of emergency medicine technician students in Korea. It should be possible to adopt SBT for the KEMTLE without interference from the variables examined in this study.
Emergencies ; Emergency Medical Technicians ; Emergency Medicine ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Licensure ; Linear Models ; Male ; Multimedia ; Personal Satisfaction ; Republic of Korea

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of i-gel blind intubation (IGI) as a rescue device for definitive airway management in ground intubation for pre-hospital trauma patients. METHODS: A prospective randomized crossover study was conducted with 18 paramedics to examine intubation performance of two blind intubation techniques through a supraglottic airway devices (IGI and laryngeal mask airway Fastrach), compared with use of a Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL). Each intubation was conducted at two levels of patient positions (ground- and stretcher-level). Primary outcomes were the intubation time and the success rate for intubation. RESULTS: The intubation time (sec) of each intubation technique was not significantly different between the two positions. In both patient positions, the intubation time of IGI was shortest among the three intubation techniques (17.9±5.2 at the ground-level and 16.9±3.8 at the stretcher-level). In the analysis of cumulative success rate and intubation time, IGI was the fastest to reach 100% success among the three intubation techniques regardless of patient position (all P < 0.017). The success of intubation was only affected by the intubation technique, and IGI achieved more success than MCL (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 11.6; P=0.03). CONCLUSION: The patient position did not affect intubation performance. Additionally, the intubation time with blind intubation through supraglottic airway devices, especially with IGI, was significantly shorter than that with MCL.
Airway Management ; Allied Health Personnel ; Cross-Over Studies ; Emergency Medical Technicians ; Humans ; Intubation* ; Laryngeal Masks ; Laryngoscopes ; Prospective Studies ; Simulation Training

OBJECTIVE: Various educational programs have been implemented to achieve skill, willingness and self-confidence in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Paramedic students usually participate in clinical practice in emergency department as one of their educational courses. We investigated the effects of hospital based clinical practice and participation in real cardiac arrest situation on paramedic students' CPR performance and recognition. METHODS: Eighty-one paramedic students from 10 different universities who received hospital based clinical practice for 3 or 4 weeks in a regional emergency medical center from December 2016 to August 2017 were enrolled in our study. Subjects were asked, using a questionnaire, about their confidence and willingness to perform CPR before and after clinical practice. We also objectively measured two minute-CPR performance using the Laerdal skill reporter before and after clinical practice. During clinical practice, students participated in real CPR situations and took several theoretical examinations; however, additional CPR practical training was not included. RESULTS: This study included 48.1% male volunteers and 70.4% respondents who had Basic Life Support provider certification. The average number of real CPR situations participated in was 8.35 times. Scores in confidence of CPR increased significantly (3.80 vs. 4.36, P < 0.001) after clinical practice; however, scores in willingness to conduct CPR were high in both groups (4.46 vs. 4.48, P=0.787). Average chest compression depth also increased significantly (51.3 mm vs. 55.5 mm, P < 0.001) after clinical practice, but average compression rate showed no difference (111 vs. 111, P=0.694). Correct hand positioning and chest recoil also showed no difference between groups. CONCLUSION: Hospital based clinical practice of paramedic students could provide extra confidence in student's ability to perform CPR and lead to adequate chest compression depth.
Allied Health Personnel* ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation* ; Certification ; Education ; Emergencies ; Emergency Medical Services ; Emergency Medical Technicians ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Hand ; Heart Arrest ; Humans ; Male ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Thorax ; Volunteers

A report of a 79 year old male patient suffering from acute myocardial infarction with Mallory-Weiss tear after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) by emergency medical technician in the swimming pool is presented. Successful percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) was done after appropriate transfusion. The patient survived and discharged without major complications after admitting 11days in the hospital. Importance of CPR in AMI patient is reiterated as complication such as Mallory-Weiss tear may arise.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation* ; Emergency Medical Technicians ; Humans ; Male ; Mallory-Weiss Syndrome* ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Swimming Pools

OBJECTIVE: The increasing number of people living in high-rise apartments may result in a delayed response from emergency medical technicians called out for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, making the role of apartment managers as the first responders extremely important. This study investigated whether automated external defibrillator (AED) placement influences the willingness of apartment managers to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an AED. METHODS: A cross-sectional target population-based survey was conducted in Daegu, July 2016. Questionnaires were sent to apartment managers working in apartments with more than 500 households. The general characteristics of the respondents, status of CPR education, and knowledge about and willingness to perform CPR and use an AED were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 1,445 respondents, 758 (52.5%) worked in apartments with AEDs, of which 77.8% and 70.8% were willing to perform CPR and use an AED, respectively, compared with 68.1% and 60.0% of respondents who worked in apartments without AEDs. After adjusting for potential confounders, AED placement was associated with the willingness to perform CPR (odds ratio [OR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.71) and use an AED (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.10–1.75). Prior CPR training and accurate knowledge of CPR skills were also associated with the willingness to perform CPR and use an AED. CONCLUSION: Placing AEDs in high-rise apartment buildings and providing refresher CPR education for maintaining CPR skills will be necessary to support apartment managers in their role as first responders.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation* ; Daegu ; Defibrillators* ; Education ; Emergency Medical Technicians ; Emergency Responders ; Family Characteristics ; Humans ; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: Health forecasting has been used in an attempt to provide timely and tailored meteorological information to patients and healthcare providers so that they might take appropriate actions to mitigate health risks and manage healthcare-related needs. This study examined the in-depth perceptions of healthcare providers and the general public regarding the utilization of meteorological information in the healthcare system in Korea. METHODS: The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist was applied to this study. We conducted three focus group discussions in accordance with semi-structured guidelines developed to deal with various aspects of the utilization of meteorological information in healthcare settings. The verbatim transcriptions and field notes were analyzed according to content analysis. RESULTS: Six physicians, four nurses, three emergency medical technicians, and seven members of the general public participated in the focus group discussions. There were some individual discrepancies among most participants regarding the health effects of climate change. Although several physician participants felt that meteorological information utilization is not a prime concern during patient care, most of the general public participants believed that it should be used in the patient care process. The provision of meteorological information to patients undergoing care is expected to not only improve the effective management of climate-sensitive diseases, but also boost rapport between healthcare providers and patients. CONCLUSIONS: More attempts should be made to provide meteorological information to groups vulnerable to climate change, and the effects of this information should be evaluated in terms of effectiveness and inequality. The findings of this study will be helpful in countries and institutions trying to introduce health forecasting services. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40557-018-0214-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Checklist ; Climate Change ; Delivery of Health Care ; Emergency Medical Technicians ; Focus Groups ; Forecasting ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Korea ; Meteorological Concepts ; Patient Care ; Republic of Korea ; Socioeconomic Factors

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, Scheffé 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.
Ambulances ; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Medical Technicians* ; Fires ; Humans ; Optimism ; Violence

PURPOSE: This study was performed to suggest a realistic measure of charging for 119 emergency medical services (EMS) in Korea using Delphi study targeting emergency medical specialists. METHODS: The Delphi study was conducted four times targeting 24 emergency medical specialists. The first Delphi survey contained five categories as follows: Subjects of charging for 119 EMS, method of charging, strategy of implementation, utilization of fund, measure of quality improvement. In the second and third Delphi surveys, respondents were asked to indicate the level of importance with the questionnaire statements on a Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 5. The final consultation survey collected opinions on the system of charging for 119 EMS. RESULTS: The results from the first three Delphi surveys showed subjects of charging, method of charging, strategy of implementation, utilization of fund, and measure of quality improvement for 119 EMS. The fourth Delphi survey resulted in step 1 (classification of severity), step 2 (scene of accident), and step 3 (classification of severity at hospital). The classification of severity in steps 1 and 2 should be evaluated by first grade emergency medical technicians, and the classification of severity in step 3 should be evaluated by a person notified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Non-emergent patients should pay for the charge of 119 EMS to the hospital. CONCLUSION: Delphi study proposed charging for 119 EMS based on three levels of severity. This study suggests that charging for EMS can reduce unnecessary emergency calls and offer proper medical services to emergency patients.
Classification ; Delphi Technique* ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Medical Services* ; Emergency Medical Technicians ; Fees and Charges ; Financial Management ; Humans ; Korea ; Methods ; Quality Improvement ; Specialization ; Surveys and Questionnaires