Earticle

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the interrupted chest compression time during the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) depending on different AED practice training methods, and to report differences in self-efficacy before and after training. Methods: We enrolled university freshmen who have had cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training but have not or have had AED training but over 6 months. We examined differences between the group that practiced only shockable rhythms during training and the group that practiced both shockable and non-shockable rhythms. Results: A total of 72 individuals participated in this study, with 36 individuals each in the control and experimental groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the proficiency of AED usage between the two groups. In non-shockable cases, the experimental group showed shorter chest compression interruption time than the control group (2.30±1.21sec vs. 3.16±1.73 sec; p<0.01). In terms of self-efficacy before and after training, both groups showed higher self-efficacy after than before training. Conclusion: Individuals who underwent training that provided practice on both shockable and non-shockable rhythms had a shorter interrupted chest compression time when using the AED.

Purpose: This descriptive research study aimed to investigate the knowledge and perception of the natural disaster medical system by relevant disaster medical response teams in Jeonnam region, and provide baseline data for a disaster education program based on analysis of priorities of educational demand. Methods: Online questionnaires were distributed to 200 research participants including paramedics from five fire stations in J province, 22 public health centers, two disaster base hospitals, ERU (Emergency Response Units), and DMAT (Disaster Medical Assistance Team). The questionnaires elicited basic information about respondents, their knowledge and perception on disaster preparation and response, cooperation system, and educational and training needs. Results: The top priority items selected were: other disasters for paramedics, first aid for the rapid response team, and command system for DMAT. Conclusion: Customized education and training programs must be developed to suit each organizational need. Detailed operational guidelines must be established and with them a unified educational curriculum should be put into practice.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify and present suitable recognition types of policy alternative for before and after response, according to the recognition types of problems in response to violence. Methods: This study investigated 36 EMT’s of 17 cities and provinces nationwide. The study was approved by the Kongju National University Institute Review Board (KNU_IRB_2021-17). Data were collected from May 1, 2021 to August 30, 2021 and analyzed by Q factor analysis using the PC-QUNAL program. Results: Recognition types of the problem in 119 EMT’s response to violence were described as “Ⅰ type; lack of professional manpower,” “Ⅱ type; inadequate policy on violence,” and “Ⅲ type; lack of awareness on the emergency field.” Recognition types of policy alternative on response to violence by 119 EMT’s were described as “Ⅰtype; training and public relations oriented,” “Ⅱ type; work environment improvement,” “Ⅲ type; violence handling specialization demand,” and “Ⅳ type; recovery support seeker.” Conclusion: This study provides the foundation required to develop and implement the policies regarding the response to violence; therefore, contributing to EMT’s provision.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) knowledge, anxiety, and psychosocial well-being on the infection prevention behavior of college students in health care. Methods: This study is a descriptive survey research. A total of 301 college students at four health care departments in three regions were surveyed using a structured questionnaire from February 10 to February 16, 2022. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses were done using SPSS ver. 18.0. Results: Knowledge on COVID-19 was significantly dependent on a family history of chronic disease(p=.049). Anxiety was significantly dependent on test of COVID-19 (p=.040). Gender (p=.049), perceived physical and mental health status (p=.000), and chronic disease (p=.000) had significant effects on infection prevention behavior. When the level of anxiety was higher, the infection prevention behavior was also higher (p=.000) and the psychosocial well-being was improved (p=.017). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that anxiety significantly improved the infection prevention behavior (β=.396, p<.001) and psychosocial well-being (β=-.139, p=.008), which accounts for 18.5% (F=22.444, p<.001) of the variance. Conclusion: In order to prevent infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and its spread, measures to prevent infection and improve the psychosocial well-being should also be sought.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the current status of non-face-to-face education at universities for paramedicine and measure students’ education satisfaction after the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for paramedic students at the Chungcheong and Honam areas using Google Forms. Convenience sampling was used. A structured questionnaire was created and modified according to Park and Choi’s test tool developed to review online lectures and practical courses. Results: A total of 202 students responded to the survey. The satisfaction level of online lectures was 3.06±1.12 (n=202) out of 5. Students experiencing online lectures responded that it was difficult to focus on the class, and the overall quality and lecture delivery should be improved. They also experienced technical difficulties. The satisfaction level of practical course lectures was 3.24±1.04 (n=133) out of 5. It was higher than those of other types of classes because it was conducted by the more familiar face-to-face lecture. Conclusion: This study has shown that the universities and instructors have examined a variety of methods in paramedic education after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further research and consideration are required to improve paramedic education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: This study aimed to provide basic data for the improvement of the standards related to the performance improvement of the firefighting equipment standards for special ambulances. Methods: Among the domestic firefighting equipment standards, the special ambulance standard was compared with the NFPA 1917 standard for the United States automobile ambulance 2019 and European Union European standard EN 1789 medical vehicle and its equipment, a road ambulance. Results: Anti-skid performance based on indoor noise standards, performance standards for interior lights, seat belt warning device, child car seat fixing device, safety handle, auxiliary footrest, and flooring materials should be supplemented. Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen the production and performance standards for improvement to a level corresponding to the national standards, such as the United States and European Union.

Purpose: This is a descriptive research study that aims to identify factors affecting fatigue by examining the degree of emotional labor, job stress, and fatigue of 119 emergency medical technicians (119 EMTs). The correlation between emotional labor, job stress, and fatigue was also confirmed. Methods: A total of 139 EMTs working in the Daejeon area participated in this study. Data were collected from July 6-15, 2021. Results: When the number of dispatches was high and the job was dissatisfying, the degree of emotional labor was high. In addition, the shorter the work experience and the lower the job satisfaction are, the higher the job stress is. The degree of fatigue was significantly higher in female than male 119 EMTs, and when they had short work experience and were dissatisfied with their job, the degree of fatigue was higher. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between emotional labor, job stress, and fatigue of the 119 EMTs. Conclusion: To reduce emotional labor, job stress, and fatigue of 119 EMTs, appropriate interventions for each factor and institutional improvements are required.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the necessity of administrative compensation insurance and claims cases during the emergency medical service process among administrative compensation insurance cases and suggests problems and improvement measures. Methods: We compared the details of administrative compensation insurance claims of 15 cities and provinces, excluding Seoul and Kwangju, from 2017 to 2020 by requesting details disclosure of the comprehensive deduction for administrative compensation in 17 cities and provinces across the country. Results: A total of 69 cases were compensated through the administrative comprehensive compensation deductions. There were 53 cases of damage that occurred at the field stage, 14 cases at the transfer and hospital stage, and two other cases. Conclusion: The 119 paramedics, which are the perpetrators, should be active in field activities and free from the psychological pressure caused by increased workload and litigation. Active compensation administration is required for damage cases occurring in the firefighting activities context.

Purpose: To analyze the frequency of emergency room visits according to socioeconomic factors of emergency room visitors. Methods: In this study, frequency analysis, percentage analysis, and x2 test were performed using the SPSS 23.0 program based on the 2018 data from the Korea Health Panel. Results: Among 1,648 participants included in this study, 1,279 visited the emergency room only once in the past year, while 369 visited the emergency room more than once. The relationship between frequency of emergency room visits and socioeconomic factors was analyzed using x2 test, and no statistically significant relationship was noted between emergency room visits and education, economic activity, insurance type, and individual quartile income. However, a significant relationship was noted between emergency room visits and being handicap and living in households with quintile income. Conclusion: The study determined the relationship between frequency of emergency room visits and socioeconomic factors. A follow-up study analyzing socioeconomic factors of outpatient departments, 119 ambulance transport services, and frequency of emergency room visits among chronically ill patients is needed to provide basic data for establishing health policies among different socioeconomic strata.

Purpose: This protocol aims to improve the simplicity of the existing two-person cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by focusing on chest compressions and artificial respiration, and classifying the roles within the scope that can be observed. Methods: In this study, the protocol was developed by forming an expert group consisting of a professor from the emergency and rescue department, a professor from the nursing department, and a first aid officer from the fire department. In addition, if the number of panels is 15 and the derived content validity ratio (CVR) value exceeds 0.49, a reference point that satisfies content validity at 95% reliability is presented. Results: All 11 performance items exceeded the CVR value of 0.49 to meet the reference point, and the CVR range of this protocol is 0.625 to 1.000. Conclusion: In order to improve the quality of three-person CPR, verification of simulation models and continuous protocol revision should be conducted by individuals specializing in various fields.

Purpose: The severity classification in association with the time of visit to and the appropriateness of using a public ambulance for visiting the emergency department (ED) have not been thoroughly evaluated, and we aimed to evaluate these aspects. Methods: In this descriptive research, we retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the medical records of patients who visited the ED of the B General Hospital, Seoul from January to December 2019. Results: Of the 54,297 patients who were included in the analysis, 34,629 (63.8%) and 14,065 (25.9%) visited the ED directly and through public ambulances, respectively; 10,328 (73.4%) patients who used public ambulances were discharged home. In the daytime and nighttime, 24,891 (45.8%) and 29,406 (54.2%), respectively, visited the ED. The mean length of ED stay (LoS) of emergency and non-emergency patients was 326 and 159 minutes, respectively, and of patients classified as Korean Triage and Acuity Scale levels 1 and 2 was 427 and 430 minutes, respectively, which was longer than the total of 236 minutes. Conclusion: Patients who visited the ED using public ambulances constituted nearly 25% of all ED visits, and more than 70% of these patients were discharged home. Patients with high severity had a longer mean LoS, and daytime ED visits were characterized by higher numbers and severity of patients than nighttime ED visits.