|
International Journal of Emergency Services
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.201  Citation Impact (citeScore): 1 Number of Followers: 20  Hybrid journal * Containing 2  Open Access article(s) in this issue *ISSN (Print) 2047-0894 - ISSN (Online) 2047-0908 Published by Emerald  [362 journals]
|
- Economic evaluation of a psychological surveillance and support programme
in the UK police force-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Paul McCrone, Noreen Tehrani, Romin Tehrani, Alex Horsley, Ian Hesketh
Abstract: Police officers in the UK frequently experience traumatic events and work pressures, and these can have a detrimental impact on mental health. A psychological surveillance programme has been implemented and clinically evaluated. This paper reports an economic evaluation of the programme. A decision analytic model was developed to explore programme costs, outcomes and return on investment for a notional cohort of 1,000 police personnel (officers and staff). The model parameters were obtained from a large data set of sequential psychological surveillance results. Changes in individual work productivity were derived from a workability measure included in the survey. The modelled expected total cost incurred to screen 1,000 participants was £84,287 ($106,971). The expected net increase in work productivity for those receiving interventions was valued at £241,672 ($306,713). This result represents a return on investment of 187%. Sensitivity analyses showed that the model was robust to changes in key parameters. Police personnel experiencing traumatic events may need specialist support from occupational health services or psychological therapy. Screening or surveillance can detect mental health problems, but its cost-effectiveness has been previously unknown. The value for money of providing surveillance within the police force to detect mental health problems is assessed in this research. The gains in terms of increased work are evident. In similar environmental working conditions, this could extend to emergency services globally. The police are often called upon to deal with the lowest points in people’s lives. The findings have implications for police forces wishing to support officers to be able to provide the best of themselves in these situations. There have been no previous studies in policing that have concluded that running a psychological surveillance programme in policing is financially viable. Although this requires initial investment, this paper models that the extra costs incurred are more than offset by improved work productivity.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2024-08-06
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-03-2024-0020
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
-
- Fire hazard management in dining properties: a case study
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Mohammad A. Hassanain, Haitham Sawalha, Mohammad B. Hamida, Adel Alshibani, Mohammad Sharif Zami
Abstract: This paper explores the relevant fire code requirements and outlines the development of an evaluation tool based on these codes to evaluate fire safety measures in dining properties. Existing literature was examined to identify the combustible materials, fire causes and factors making these properties prone to fire incidents. An evaluation method, based on code regulations, for ensuring fire safety in dining properties was then developed and tested on a specific dining facility to validate its practicality. Forty requirements, grouped into seven categories, were identified for ensuring fire safety in dining properties. The case study exposed multiple violations of fire safety, leading to corrective measures for enhancing the fire safety status of the building. This study introduced a methodical approach for raising awareness, among property managers of dining properties, about fire incidences and their consequences. It presents an evaluation tool for assessing the compliance level with fire codes and standards. Dining properties are facilities that offer both dine-in and take-out food services. Given the increasing number of fire incidents in dining properties worldwide, there is a substantial demand for a process to audit the adherence to fire safety codes in these properties. This study presents a systematic approach to increase public knowledge of fire events and their effects in dining properties.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2024-08-05
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-05-2024-0032
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
-
- Time savings associated with lights and siren use by ambulances:
a scoping review-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Aditya Shekhar, Jeffrey Clement
Abstract: Many studies have suggested the use of lights and siren by ambulances has the potential to save time, which can be clinically beneficial for certain patients. However, other studies suggest lights and siren use increases an emergency vehicle’s crash risk. In the absence of a comprehensive multi-center trial, a meta-analysis of prior studies can offer insight into this topic. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the extent to which the use of lights and siren decreases response and transport times nationally. We searched PUBMED, EBSCO Academic Search Ultimate, Google Scholar and the premier EMS journals for potential articles identifying time savings associated with lights and siren use and augmented the search results with other relevant studies. Studies were included if they compared time involved with driving a given route using lights and siren with the time required to drive the same route without lights and siren. Nine studies were included. Across these studies, lights and siren use was associated with a weighted average time savings of 159 s or 2.7 min (95% CI: 100–219 s, p
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2024-07-11
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-01-2022-0003
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
-
- The relationship between professional moral courage and individual
characteristics among emergency medical services providers
Open Access Article-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Mohammad Reza Shokouhi, Mohammad Torabi, Rasoul Salimi, Parisa Hajiloo
Abstract: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers are often faced with a range of ethical dilemmas in their line of work that require moral courage to make a quick and ethical decision. The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of professional moral courage (PMC) in EMS providers and its relationship with their demographic characteristics. In 2022, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 175 EMS providers at the Hamadan Emergency Medical Center. The study utilized an available sampling method. Data was collected using a demographic information form and Sekerka's moral courage questionnaire, which was distributed electronically. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 26 software with descriptive and analytic tests. According to the findings, the average age of the participants was 34.57 ± 3.46 years. The majority of participants were married (50.3%), had work experience ranging from 8 to 14 years (49.7%), and held a degree in emergency medicine (52.6%). The participants displayed a high level of PMC, with an average score of 62.5 ± 8.14. Notably, age, work experience, educational level, and employment status were all found to have a significant relationship with moral courage (p
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2024-06-21
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-08-2023-0039
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
-
- The perceived competence of paramedics to operate in different
CBRNE incidents
Open Access Article-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Inka Malinen, Timo Jama, Antti Tanninen, Hilla Nordquist
Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify the perceived competence of Finnish paramedics to operate in different chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) incidents. This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey study. The material was collected using a previously developed questionnaire, which was modified in accordance with the study aim. The target group was paramedics of the Päijät-Häme region of Finland (N = 166), whose role entailed active operational duties during the survey. Descriptive statistical methods were used. Paramedics reported low levels of training related to CBRNE incidents, and most felt that more training was needed. Chemical and explosive-related incidents were regarded as more likely to occur than others. Additionally, paramedics with more work experience perceived themselves as having higher competence only in chemical and explosive-related incidents. Overall, paramedics perceived their CBRNE competence as low. The perceived CBRNE competence of paramedics has not been studied sufficiently. Paramedics felt chemical and explosive related incidents were more likely to occur than others, and competence related to those two was also better perceived. This study showed that paramedics could benefit from more training to respond to CBRNE incidents to improve perceptions of their competence. However, the desired competence, actual competence, and appropriate training to respond to CBRNE incidents require further research.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2024-06-12
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-06-2023-0025
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
-
- 999 telephone triage: a comparison of UK ambulance nurse and paramedic
case mix, outcomes and audit compliance-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Mike Brady, Mark Conrad Fivaz, Peter Noblett, Greg Scott, Chris Olola
Abstract: Most UK ambulance services undertake remote assessments of 999 calls with nurses and paramedics to manage demand and reduce inappropriate hospital admissions. However, little is known about the differences in the types of cases managed by the two professions comparatively, their clinical outcomes, and the quality and safety they offer. The retrospective descriptive study analysed data collected at Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust (WAST) from prioritisation, triage, and audit tools between the 17th May 2022 to 8th November 2022. A total of 21,076 cases and 728 audits were included for review. There was little difference in the type and frequency of the presenting complaints assessed, and clinical outcomes reached in percentage terms. Whilst paramedics had more highly compliant call audits and fewer non-compliant call audits, there was, again, little difference in percentage terms between the two, indicating positive levels of safety across the two professional groups. There continues to be a substantial difference between UK paramedics to those in the Middle East, the United States, and some African nations, which may limit the applicability of findings. This study also looked at a six-month window from only one UK service using one type of prioritisation and triage tool. Future research could explore longer periods from multiple services using various tools. It is important to note that this study did not link outcome data with primary, secondary or tertiary care settings. Thus, it is impossible to determine if the level of care aligned closely with the final diagnosis. The practical implications of this work include better workforce planning for agencies who have perhaps only employed one type of clinician or a reaffirmation to those who have employed both. The authors suggest that the training and education of both sets of clinicians could remain general in nature, with no overt requirement for specificity based on professional registration alone. Commissioners and stakeholders in the wider health economy should consider ensuring equitable access to alternative pathways for patients assessed by both nurses and paramedics. It has been posited that UK nurses and paramedics are, by virtue of their consistency in education, skill set, licensure, and general experience, both able to achieve safe and effective remote outcomes in 999 settings. This study provides evidence to support that hypothesis. These results say more about the two professions' ability to work together rather than just the professions themselves. The multidisciplinary team approach is well-established in acute care settings, and is broadly considered to improve communication, coordination decision making, adherence to up-to-date treatment recommendations, and be positive for shared learning and development for younger colleagues. Most UK services use a mix of nurses and paramedics; however, little is known about the differences in the types of cases managed by the two professions comparatively, their clinical outcomes, and the quality and safety they each offer. The most recent studies of this nature were published in 2003 and 2004 and looked only at low-acuity 999 calls when remote assessment was not even an established role for UK paramedics. This study updates the literature, identifies areas for future research, and applies to the international setting for the most part.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2024-05-14
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-08-2023-0033
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
-
- A catastrophe theory view of accidental dwelling fire injuries
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Mark Taylor, Hulya Francis, John Fielding, Emma Dean
Abstract: The study aims to apply catastrophe theory to the analysis of accidental dwelling fire injuries in terms of age band, gender and contributory factors in order to inform fire prevention activities. The study employed a case study in a UK Fire and Rescue service concerning analysis of the circumstances of accidental dwelling fire injuries, and the characteristics and behaviours associated with utilising frequency analysis, percentages, ratios and catastrophe theory modelling. Overall, males were more likely to be injured in an accidental dwelling fire compared to females by a ratio of 1.68 to 1, and those in the age band 50–64 appeared to be at maximum risk. A total of 15.4% of the accidental dwelling fire injuries involved consumption of alcohol or drugs, and 5.9% involved falling asleep. The circumstances of accidental dwelling fire injury can be analysed to identify patterns concerning when a catastrophic change relating to ordinary use of domestic objects results in an accidental dwelling fire injury. A catastrophe theory view can aid the understanding of how ordinary use of domestic objects results in an accidental dwelling fire injury. Since fire injuries have both a social and economic cost, understanding how such fire injuries occur can aid fire prevention through appropriately targeted fire prevention activities. The study made use of a catastrophe theory view to analyse the circumstances under which accidental dwelling fire injuries occurred using fire injury data from a UK fire and rescue service.
Citation: International Journal of Emergency Services
PubDate: 2024-05-13
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-09-2022-0049
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
-
- Editorial: International Journal of Emergency Services, volume 13, issue 2
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...Editorial: International Journal of Emergency Services, volume 13, issue 2
Paresh Wankhade
International Journal of Emergency Services, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp.125-127International Journal of Emergency Services2024-08-27
DOI: 10.1108/IJES-08-2024-092
Issue No: Vol. 13, No. 2 (2024)
-
