EmErgEncy hEalthcarE providErs pErcEption of workplacE dangErs in thE polish EmErgEncy mEdical sErvicE: a multi-cEntrE survEy study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There are many risk factors that account for hazards in paramedics’ and ambulance nurses’ profession. Driving a vehicle, having contact with patients, making difficult medical decisions, doing night shifts and working in a stressful environment, all of those features negatively affect their health. The aim of the study was to evaluate paramedics’ and ambulance nurses attitude towards personal safety, to assess their subjective feeling of danger, as well as identify types of hazards they experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out via a diagnostic survey method, an anonymous questionnaire. Among 572 responders there were nurses and paramedics, who work in non-physician medical rescue teams in Poland. RESULTS: Most of the surveyed medics (40.5%) have rated the level of danger of their occupation to 4 on a scale from 1 to 5, with the greatest hazard being posed by patients under the influence of designer drugs. As many as 43% of medics have had back-related problems and 41% have suffered injuries at work. Notwithstanding, a majority of respondents have admitted that if they could plan their career again, they would choose the same profession. CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital healthcare providers have generally rated their work as dangerous. More attention should be paid to teach first responders how to deal with aggression and how to handle stress. Efforts should be made to increase paramedics’ and nurses’ awareness about health problems related to shift work.