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Purpose: This study examined changes in the citation indices of the Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services (KJEMS) over the past decade (2015–2024), using data from the Korean Citation Index (KCI). The year 2015 marked the journal’s transition from a candidate to a fully indexed KCI jounal and served as a reference point for assessing its academic progression. Methods: Official KCI data from 2015 to 2024 were collected, covering ten key indices: KCI impact factors (2–5 years), centrality index, immediacy index, self-citation rate, number of papers, number of citations, and the KCI impact factor excluding self-citations. Descriptive statistics and correlation analyses were conducted to examine annual trends and interrelationships among the indices. Results: The findings revealed a consistent increase in KCI impact factors and centrality, reflecting enhanced academic influence and integration within the citation network. The average self-citation rate was approximately 30%, comparable to that of other health science journals. Strong positive correlations were observed between impact factors and citation counts, whereas negative correlations were identified between the self-citation rate and other citation-based indices. Conclusion: Over the past decade, KJEMS has demonstrated both quantitative and qualitative growth, establishing itself as a significant academic platform in emergency medical science. Continued bibliometric monitoring and international benchmarking are recommended to further enhance its research visibility and citation performance.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the levels of depression, anxiety, stress, organizational commitment, and turnover intention among emergency medical workers to promote their mental health and improve their working environment. Methods: Data were collected from August 19 to September 21, 2025, from emergency medical workers employed in emergency rooms using a structured questionnaire. Results: Turnover intention was significantly positively correlated with stress (r = .180, p = .023) and negatively correlated with organizational commitment (r = −.787, p < .001). Education level (β = −.151, p = .003) and organizational commitment (β = −.774, p < .001) together explained 63.3% of the variance in turnover intention. Conclusion: These findings indicate that organizational commitment plays a crucial role in reducing turnover intention. Therefore, strategies aimed at enhancing organizational commitment—such as mental health promotion programs and improved working conditions—are recommended.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of professor–student interaction on career decision-making self-efficacy among paramedic students and to verify the mediating role of major satisfaction. Methods: Participants were university students majoring in emergency medical services across the nation. With informed consent, data were collected both online and offline from May 22 to June 13, 2025. A total of 251 students participated. The survey instrument consisted of 57 items covering general characteristics, professor–student interaction, major satisfaction, and career decision-making self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. Results: The mean scores for professor–student interaction, major satisfaction, and career decision-making self-efficacy were 4.22 ± 0.66, 4.15 ± 0.61, and 3.83 ± 0.74, respectively. Professor –student interaction differed significantly by gender, academic achievement, reason for choosing the major, counseling experience with a professor, and field practice experience. Major satisfaction showed significant differences based on gender, academic achievement, reason for choosing the major, counseling experience with a professor, field practice experience, and career counseling. Career decision-making self-efficacy also differed significantly according to academic achievement, reason for choosing the major, counseling experience with a professor, and career counseling. Major satisfaction demonstrated a complete mediating effect in the relationship between professor–student interaction and career decision-making self-efficacy. Conclusion: Professor–student interaction indirectly influenced career decision-making self-efficacy through major satisfaction. These findings emphasize the importance of strengthening instructional support, academic mentoring, and career counseling in paramedic education. Enhancing professors’ engagement and providing structured career guidance may improve major satisfaction and, consequently, students’ career decision-making self-efficacy.

Purpose: This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of the subjective ventilation method and the two-handed lower ventilation method in providing adequate ventilation. Methods: A total of 44 paramedic students participated in the experiment. The manikin used was the “BT-CSIE Airway Management Simulator.” The procedures were conducted using both the subjective ventilation method and the two-handed lower ventilation method. Ventilations were administered once every 6 seconds, for a total of 20 ventilations over 2 minutes. The average tidal volume per breath, ventilation time, and success rate were measured. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0. Results: When comparing the effectiveness of the two methods, the average tidal volume was 408.53 ± 82.82 ml for the subjective ventilation method and 522.90 ± 30.32 ml for the two-handed lower ventilation method, showing a significant difference between the two (p < .001). The success rates were 16.36 ± 32.07 % and 73.75 ± 34.41 %, respectively, with the two-handed lower ventilation method demonstrating a significantly higher success rate than the subjective method (p < .001). Conclusion: Current guidelines do not specify a detailed method for delivering an adequate ventilation volume. This study confirmed that the two-handed lower ventilation technique can consistently provide an appropriate tidal volume.

Purpose: This study examined the impact of the 2024 residents’ strike on the working hours and shift patterns of Level-1 Emergency Medical Technicians–Paramedics (EMT-Ps) employed at teaching hospitals in Korea. It aimed to provide empirical evidence of workforce changes in emergency medical centers during periods of physician shortages. Methods: A descriptive pre–post survey design was employed. Data were collected from 161 EMT-Ps working in regional and local emergency medical centers. Working hours were categorized (<8 h, 8-12 h, >12 h) and converted into representative values (7 h, 10 h, 13 h) for analysis. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Bowker’s test of symmetry were applied to assess changes in average working hours and shift distributions before and after the strike. Results: Participants’ mean age was 30.8 years; 63% were female, and 63.2% were full-time employees. After the strike, average daily working hours increased significantly (t = −2.894, p = 0.004; z = −2.761, p = 0.006). The proportion of EMT-Ps working ≥12 hours rose slightly, whereas those working <8 hours decreased. Shift patterns also changed: day shifts and two-shift rotations declined, while three-shift rotations increased significantly (χ2 = 199.235, df = 4, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The absence of residents led to measurable increases in EMT-P working hours and a restructuring of duty shifts toward more frequent three-shift rotations. These findings highlight the vulnerability of emergency workforce allocation during physician shortages and underscore the need for flexible scheduling and supportive policies to ensure workforce stability and patient safety.

Purpose: This study examined the effect of work–life balance on presenteeism among EMT-Paramedics working in hospitals and verified the moderating effect of resilience. Methods: Convenience sampling was used to collect data from 252 EMT-Paramedics employed in medical institutions in South Korea between August 8 and 26, 2024, through an online questionnaire. The survey included standardized measures of work–life balance, resilience, and presenteeism. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression with IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. Results: Work-life balance showed a significant positive correlation with resilience (r = .289, p < .001) and a negative correlation with presenteeism (r = −.595, p < .001). Resilience was also significantly negatively correlated with presenteeism (r = −.478, p < .001). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that resilience moderated the relationship between work–life balance and presenteeism (ΔR² = .010, p = .019), indicating that higher resilience buffers the negative impact of poor work– life balance on presenteeism. Conclusion: Work-life balance significantly influences presenteeism among EMT-Paramedics, and resilience mitigates this relationship. Institutional and educational initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience and improving work–life balance are essential to reduce presenteeism and enhance organizational efficiency.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the awareness and performance levels of 119 EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) regarding the standard on-scene emergency care guidelines, to develop a differentiated training program reflecting paramedic characteristics, and to provide foundational data for improving the quality of prehospital emergency medical services. Methods: Data were collected from 307 responses of 119 EMTs (EMT-Paramedics and nurses) between March 15 and July 25, 2024. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 30.0 for frequency, mean, and standard deviation, as well as independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc analysis. The relationship between awareness and performance of the standard guidelines was examined through an Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA). Results: The participants’ mean awareness (3.71 ± 0.47) and performance (3.50 ± 0.50) scores for the overall standard guidelines were relatively low, whereas the importance (4.26 ± 0.50) and educational needs (4.21 ± 0.52) scores were high. In the subdomain analysis, special-situation emergency care showed the lowest awareness (3.40 ± 0.66) and performance (3.29 ± 0.62) scores, whereas pediatric emergency care recorded the highest importance (4.47 ± 0.63) and educational needs (4.38 ± 0.60) scores. Conclusion: Items categorized as “Concentrate Here” in the IPA matrix—based on awareness, performance, importance, and educational needs—require targeted and systematic training. These items should be prioritized in the development of educational programs aimed at improving the quality of prehospital emergency medical services.

Purpose: Korea’s Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) system, currently operating under a certification framework for EMT-Paramedic and EMT-Basic levels, has faced ongoing calls for transition to a licensure model to meet societal expectations and strengthen professional accountability. This study aimed to explore perceptions surrounding this transition, analyze key challenges, and provide foundational data for policy development. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study explored perceptions regarding the transition from certification to licensure for EMT-Paramedics and EMT-Basics. Data were collected through Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) and analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Two major categories emerged. The first involved conflicts related to implementation methods, including debates over simultaneous versus separate implementation, equity concerns among job groups and occupational domains, and fears of professional bifurcation. The second addressed measures for improving existing laws and educational systems, such as clarifying the scope of practice for both EMT levels, ensuring educational quality management, and establishing strategies for the EMT-Basic transition period. Conclusion: Transitioning to an EMT licensure system represents not merely a structural shift but a crucial step toward enhancing the quality and professionalism of emergency medical services. Achieving this goal requires comprehensive legal and institutional reforms, explicit redefinition of EMT roles in legislation, and strengthened quality assurance through standardized education and training programs.

Purpose: This study aimed to provide foundational data to improve the quality of emergency medical services for patients with mental illness treated by 119 paramedics. It sought to identify their perceived burden of emergency care and response competency, as well as to examine challenges and areas for improvement. Methods: The study included 300 EMT-Paramedics and nurses working as 119 emergency medical service (EMS) providers at city and provincial headquarters B and D. All participants understood the study’s purpose and voluntarily consented to participate. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The correlation analysis between response competency and burden of emergency care revealed a statistically significant negative relationship (r = −.218, p < .001), indicating that the higher the participants’ response competency in caring for patients with mental illness, the lower their perceived burden of emergency care. Additionally, the burden of treating patients with mental illness differed significantly according to gender and qualification/license, with female EMT-Paramedics reporting the highest burden of emergency care (M = 3.51 ± 0.46). Conclusion: As the ability of 119 paramedics to respond effectively to patients with mental illness increases, their burden of emergency care decreases. Therefore, systematic training programs that consider various prehospital scenarios should be developed. These programs should incorporate simulation-based education focusing on effective communication, recognition of risk factors and warning signs, and utilization of external resources.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of alcohol-intoxicated individuals who perpetrate violence against 119 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at emergency scenes, using nationwide emergency service log data. Methods: Using nationwide emergency service log data spanning five years (January 1, 2020-December 31, 2024), a total of 474,721 cases classified as “simple intoxication” or “severe intoxication” were initially identified. After excluding records with missing values, 305,690 valid cases remained and were divided into two groups: 23,782 cases involving violence and 281,908 cases without violence. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi-square (χ²) tests. Results: Several key characteristics were significantly associated with violence perpetration. Violent incidents were more likely to involve male patients aged 50 years or older, longer on-scene activity times compared to non-violent incidents, and a higher frequency among non-transported patients. Additional risk factors included alert levels of consciousness, non-disease (trauma-related) conditions, and cases where EMTs were unable to measure vital signs. Conclusion: During the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, 23,782 incidents of verbal and physical violence by alcohol-intoxicated individuals were recorded, demonstrating that 119 EMTs face considerable occupational risk from such patients. Continuous governmental attention, legal reinforcement, and institutional policy support are essential to ensure the safety and protection of emergency medical technicians in prehospital settings.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze changes in the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by lifeguards before and after high-intensity rescue swimming and to identify associated physiological and subjective fatigue responses. The findings provide evidence to enhance practical, field-oriented lifeguard training and education. Methods: A single-group pretest–posttest design was conducted with 19 certified lifeguards between June 15 and July 25, 2025. Participants performed CPR for five minutes both before and after a standardized rescue swimming task. CPR quality indicators and physiological responses were compared using paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: After rescue swimming, the total number of chest compressions increased significantly (p = .024), while the number of correct compressions (p < .01), compression accuracy ratio (p < .05), and full chest recoil ratio (p < .001) decreased. The overall compression score also declined (p < .05). Although ventilation quality did not significantly change, correct ventilations decreased from 61.1% to 48.7%. Mean tidal volume exceeded the American Heart Association guideline (500-600 ㎖) both before and after swimming, indicating hyperventilation. Physiological indicators showed significant increases in heart rate, end-tidal CO₂, and systolic blood pressure, whereas oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and diastolic blood pressure decreased. Subjective fatigue scores were significantly higher immediately after the rescue swimming compared to those recorded after performing CPR following the rescue swimming (p < .001). Conclusion: Rescue swimming induced acute physiological stress and fatigue, leading to a decline in CPR quality, particularly in compression accuracy and chest recoil. The presence of hyperventilation suggests the need for enhanced ventilation control training. Integrating high-intensity, field-simulated practice into lifeguard education is essential to sustain optimal CPR performance in real-life rescue scenarios.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess paramedic students’ knowledge and perception of radiation protection, as well as their anxiety related to radiation exposure during clinical practice. It also sought to examine the current status and educational needs regarding radiation safety training, providing foundational data for establishing a safer clinical learning environment. Methods: Data were collected through online and offline surveys from paramedic students with clinical practice experience who voluntarily agreed to participate. The survey was conducted between May 3 and May 26, 2025, and a total of 136 valid responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0. Results: Among participants, 92.6% reported radiation exposure during clinical practice, whereas only 11.8% had received education on radiation protection. However, 94.1% recognized the need for such training. The mean scores were 7.76 (out of 14) for knowledge, 4.31 (out of 5) for perception, and 3.40 for anxiety. Knowledge was significantly higher among students who had experienced radiation exposure (p < .05) and those aware of specific protective actions (p < .01). Perception was higher among those who had received radiation safety education (p < .05). Anxiety related to radiation exposure was greater among students who recognized the need for education (p < .05) and those willing to participate in future training (p < .001). Conclusion: Despite frequent exposure to radiation, paramedic students demonstrated limited knowledge and training regarding radiation protection. Developing and implementing radiation safety education programs tailored specifically for paramedic students is crucial to reduce anxiety and enhance safety awareness during clinical practice.

Purpose: This study systematically reviewed domestic research on firefighters’ sleep to examine study characteristics, measurement tools, and sleep-related factors, thereby providing a foundation for developing effective interventions. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, four major databases (RISS, KCI, DBpia, and KISS) were searched. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight studies published between 2017 and 2025 were selected for analysis. Data on study design, participants, measurement tools, and key outcomes were extracted and synthesized. Results: All studies employed quantitative research designs, with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index being the most frequently used measurement tool. Sleep quality was associated with organizational commitment, mental health, quality of life, and fatigue, and was influenced by factors such as post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol consumption, work experience, job position, physical workload, and participation in meditation programs. Conclusion: Research on firefighters’ sleep in Korea remains limited. Future studies should adopt longitudinal and experimental designs incorporating objective sleep measures. Comprehensive interventions—such as sleep hygiene education and resilience enhancement programs—are recommended to improve firefighters’ sleep quality and job performance.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of job image, positive psychological capital, and nunchi on clinical practice stress among paramedic students who had completed clinical practice. Methods: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 210 paramedic students between September 1 and September 15, 2025. Results: Clinical practice stress demonstrated a significant negative correlation with job image (r = –.362, p ≤ .001). The factors influencing clinical practice stress were satisfaction with clinical practice (β = -.189, p = .006), job image (β = -.371, p ≤ .001), and positive psychological capital (β = .265, p = .002). Conclusion: Enhancing satisfaction with clinical practice and maintaining a positive job image are important strategies to reduce clinical practice stress among paramedic students. Developing systematic educational programs that strengthen clinical satisfaction and promote a constructive job image is recommended. However, since positive psychological capital showed a positive association with clinical practice stress, it should be addressed carefully in educational interventions, considering the high-tension and emotionally demanding nature of emergency clinical settings.