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Purpose: There are few studies on the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by a single rescuer using a bag-valve-mask device. The aim of this study is to compare CPR quality outcomes according to the rescuer’s position or mask fixation grip method and to determine the optimal means of achieving therapeutic goals. Methods: The three CPR methods were defined as over-the-head, lateral-superior, and lateral-inferior, depending on the rescuer’s position or mask fixation hand placement. CPR quality was estimated for 83 paramedic students who performed 5 minutes of CPR in a randomized sequence on a manikin using each of the three methods. Results: The over-the-head method showed no advantage for cardiac compression and ventilation quality, but minimized the rescuer’s fatigue score. Conclusion: In contrast to previous studies or prevailing beliefs, the lateral–superior position is optimal for achieving therapeutic goals with moderate or minimal rescuer fatigue.

Purpose: This study investigated factors related to empowerment of paramedic students. Methods: A total of 208 students in the department of emergency medical services who experienced clinical practice at 5 universities were selected by convenience sampling methods. Differences in empowerment by general and major-related characteristics were evaluated using a t-test and analysis of variance. The association between satisfaction with clinical practice and empowerment was tested using correlation coefficients. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors associated with empowerment. Results: The levels of overall satisfaction with clinical practice and empowerment were 107.48 and 99.46, respectively. In simple analysis, empowerment level was associated with general characteristics, major-related characteristics, characteristics of clinical practice, and satisfaction with clinical practice. Empowerment level was significantly higher in older subjects (β= 5.282, p = .023), subjects with very good (β= 8.487, p = .002) or fair (β= 4.879, p = .010) subjective health status, and high subjective school record (β= 5.837, p = .008) in multiple linear regression analysis. Satisfaction with clinical practice was positively associated with empowerment (β= 0.250, p＜ .001). Conclusion: Empowerment was associated with major-related factors and satisfaction with clinical practice. Increased satisfaction with clinical practice could positively influence empowerment for paramedic students.

Purpose: This study proposed an improved method of teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Methods: A teaching method for CPR using a song was evaluated. To validate the effect of this teaching method, we performed a comparative reference test against a traditional CPR lecture-oriented education method. A total of 202 study participants were enrolled in this project. Half were taught by the traditional CPR education method, and the other half were taught by the alternative educational method using a song. Results: The results for those educated by the traditional lecture-oriented method showed scores of 4.84 / 6.00 (Mean of knowledge) and 70.22 / 100 (Mean of practice ability for CPR). The results for those educated by the alternative method showed scores of 5.26 / 6.00 (Mean of knowledge) and 74.13 / 100 (Mean of practice ability for CPR). The alternative educational method utilizing a song improved the results on written and practical examinations. This improvement could be attributed to the effect of music on memory circuits in the brain. Conclusion: We believe that the results of this study will help to improve the success rates of CPR.

Emergency statistics for cities and provinces are currently derived using simple results of comparative numerical data, but there is a limit to the ability to analyze and compare deviations relevant to a specific city and province. This study aims to derive various correlations through statistical analysis of emergency and rescue data for Gwangju Metropolitan City and to develop an analytical model that can be applied nationwide. With the new statistical model, further detailed analysis is possible beyond simple evaluation of rescue data, through links to other institutions and analyses using keywords from Internet portal sites and social networks. Second, a system which that can analyze data that are not shared is required. Through this system, a large amount of data can be automatically analysed in real time. Third, the results should flow back for application in various policies. A real-time monitoring and management system should be created for abnormal patterns of disease. In addition, the results should be available to tailor services for individuals, communities, or specific organizations.

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.

Purpose: This research aimed to provide baseline data for undergraduate safety education by evaluating paramedic student risk perception and safety practice behavior regarding transport and disaster-related accidents. Methods: A total of 367 paramedic students at three different universities were surveyed using questionnaires. Risk perception questions about hazard, feeling of dread, and uncontrollable factors regarding seven items in transport and disasters were asked on a 7-point scale. Safety practice behavior consisted of 14 transport-related questions and 12 disaster-related questions in 4-point scale. All data were analyzed using SPSS Window 21.0. Results: Of 367 surveyed, 54.8% (201) were females, and 28.9% (106) were freshmen. In risk perception, ‘drunk driving’ in transport was the highest on average obtaining 6.49 points for hazard and 5.12 points for the feeling of dread. In disasters, ‘war’ recorded the highest average with 6.61 points for hazard and 5.71 points for the feeling of dread. In safety practice behavior regarding transport and disasters, a higher awareness of the need for safety education correlated with a significantly higher the rate of safety practice behavior (p＜.001 respectively). Conclusion: The results indicate that undergraduates have inadequate perception of risk in emergencies. Safety education programs are needed to raise awareness of risks and to increase the safety practice rate.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess defibrillator pad positioning by the general public and healthcare providers during basic life support (BLS) renewal education (RE). Methods: A total 130 subjects performed defibrillation using an automated external defibrillator (AED) equipped with electrode pads developed by the researchers and male resuscitation manikins, in order to assess electrode pad placement (EPP) before BLS RE. Subjects included 54 Healthcare providers (HP) and 76 members of the general public (GP). Results: The apex EPP was positioned in the risk area (RA), more than 5 cm distant from the area recommended, by 63.2% of the GP (n = 48). The apex EPP was positioned in the RA by 44.4% of the HP (n = 23). The distance from the apex (GP 5.27±2.21 cm, HP 4.18±1.71 cm) was statistically significant, using Student’s t-test. Conclusion: For both GP and HP, apex EPP was significantly in error. Thus, to prevent defibrillation failures, EPP education and practice for GP and HP in all BLS education programs should be improved, and incorrect Korean cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines and related literature should be revised and corrected.