Earticle

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to introduce an oath and ethics code for emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: The proposed oath and ethics code for the EMTs was evaluated using a modified Delphi technique. This oath and ethics code was presented at Korean association of emergency medical technician conference and was revised by experts in emergency medical services. Results: We examined the ethics codes for other allied healthcare professionals regarding the topics of human rights, health promotion, acting as an advocate, ethics, cooperation, observance, human rights, right to know, self-determination, confidentiality, and professionalism. These elements are reflected in our proposed oath and ethics code for EMTs. Conclusion: The proposed oath and ethics code would raise the professional status of EMTs.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training using a meta-analysis by effect size. Methods: The effect sizes for each variable and the overall effect size for the collected data were identified. The homogeneity verification of the effect size and the difference among the average effect sizes for each mediation variable were determined. Results: The overall average effect size for CPR training was 1.747. Homogeneity verification of the overall effect size was a Q-value of 3716.962, which was statistically significant (p=.000) when α=.05. CPR training showed statistically significant differences depending on age (p=.002), sex (p=.006), number of trainees (p=.000), research design (p=.000), training method (p=.027), and practical training tools (p=.000). Conclusion: CPR training can effectively improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes about CPR. The results of this meta-analysis contribute to the development of more effective educational guidelines for future CPR training and the advancement of the CPR education field.

Purpose: This study investigated the health status and health management program of 119 emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 794 EMTs in two cities from November 15 to December 20, 2016. The questionnaire collected the general characteristics of the subjects (10 items) and health-related information from 119 EMTs (14 items). Data were analyzed by using SPSS 23.0. Results: The mean value for the general health status of the 119 EMTs was 2.68. The general health status was lower for female 119 EMTs, older 119 EMTs, and married 119 EMTs; it was higher for 119 EMTs with more than 5 years of experience and for 119 EMTs with diseases. The mean value for work-related fatigue of the 119 EMTs was 3.26. This value was higher for female 119 EMTs (p<.05). 119 EMTs with more than 2 years of experience, and 119 EMTs with diseases (p<.01). The correlation between health program participation and general health status was significantly positive (r=.271), whereas the correlation between health program participation and work-related fatigue was significantly negative (r=-.375). The correlation between health program participation and program satisfaction was significantly positive (r=-.770). Conclusion: It is important to develop health management program for 119 EMTs and to offer them at all times. Moreover, the health status of 119 EMTs can be increased through improvements to working environments.

Purpose: This study aimed to enhance the efficiency of clinical training education by understanding paramedic students󰡑perceptions of their hospital clinical training experiences. Methods: The subjects were 31 third paramedic students who participated in a population survey from June 25 to August 13, 2016. A Q card and Q sample distribution chart were created, and the P sample was selected by Q classification. The collected data were analyzed by factorial analysis using PC QUANL. Results: Four different perceptions were identified from the survey, which explained 44.1% of the variables. The four types were classified as Self-improvement-oriented (Type 1), Training-site avoidant (Type 2), Confidence acquiring (Type 3), and Over-willed (Type 4). Conclusion: Paramedic instructors and clinical training managers may want to consider these four perception types when planning clinical training and education programs to improve job performance.

Purpose: This study evaluated the effects of knowledge and attitude on confidence about patient safety management among emergency medical technician (EMT) students. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 174 EMT students in two cities from May to June 2016. Data were analyzed using PASW WIN 20.0 for descriptive statistics, t-test, one way analysis of variance, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The students’ confidence about patient safety management was 3.33 (on a 5-point scale). Confidence varied according to average academic grade (p=.015), experience in patient safety education, and experience in writing medical error reports. After adjusting for sex, average academic grade, and experience in patient safety education, knowledge and attitudes about patient safety increased a student’s confidence in patient safety management by 19%. Conclusion: Patient safety education should be included in programs on health promotion and be provided as basic information in intervention programs for EMTs.

Purpose: This study investigated the use of infection management and the frequency of emergency equipment sterilization by emergency rescue crews to provide basic guidelines and suggestions for infection control. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 160 emergency medical technician rescue crews in J area from May 7 to May 22 in 2015. The questionnaire consisted of 95 items, including the general characteristics of the subjects (8 items), the use of emergency equipment (33 items), the frequency of facility sterilization (33 items), infection control (12 items), vaccination (4 items), and the use of personal protective equipment (5 items). Results: In all, 97.3% of respondents were aware of the “Guidelines of Infection management for Rescue Operators’ and 90.9% received training on infection control. A total of 72.7% and 47.3% of rescue centers were equipped with disinfection facilities and laundry rooms, respectively. The average frequency of sterilization was 3.17 ± 0.75, which significantly differed for teams with more clinical experience (p=.050) and teams with three members (p=.030). The average score for individual protective equipment supplies was 1.95 ± 0.66. Conclusion: For proper infection management of emergency equipment, our results suggest that the number of crew members should be increased for each ambulance, protective equipment and rescue products should be supplied, and the number of facilities for sterilization and laundry at rescue centers should be doubled.

Purpose: There is no recommended bag-squeezing technique for emergency medical providers to maintain correct tidal volume during mechanical ventilation. This study compared the tidal volume of two different bag-squeezing techniques during mechanical ventilation. Methods: The subjects were 38 paramedic students who were trained in airway management techniques. Two different bag-squeezing techniques were used with a bag valve mask on an intubated manikin: a conventional technique and a finger-marked, in which the bag is squeezed until the thumb and the middle finger come into contact. Hand size and grip strength were measured and analyzed statistically. Results: The mean tidal volumes for the finger-marked were significantly higher than those for the conventional technique (542.6±35.92 mL versus 338.0±111.15 mL, p<.001). There was a correlation between the two techniques (Pearson χ2 =1.160, p<.001). The subject’s characteristics, including sex, hand size, and grip strength, showed no correlation with tidal volume. Conclusion: A finger-marked bag-squeezing technique provides adequate and correct tidal volumes during mechanical ventilation.