The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services (한국응급구조학회지)

The Korea Society of Emergency Medical Services (한국응급구조학회)
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Assessing the forensic knowledge of 119 emergency medical technicians

119 구급대원의 법의학 지식에 대한 연구

  • Received : 2019.07.20
  • Accepted : 2019.08.18
  • Published : 2019.08.31
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Abstract

Purpose: It is crucial that 119 emergency medical technician (EMT) have adequate knowledge regarding forensic science. This study aimed to assess the forensic knowledge of EMTs in the Republic of Korea. Methods: This study was conducted on EMTs of five fire stations in D metropolitan city between August 6 and August 13, 2018. A questionnaire consisting of items on crime-related incident recognition (i.e., mechanical asphyxiation, trauma, sex crimes, and child abuse), forensic evidence management (i.e., evidence collection, preservation, and recording) was administered to the participants. Finally, 119 questionnaires were analyzed. Results: The ratio of correct answers for crime-related incidents recognition was 55.82%, which was lower than that for forensic evidence management(84.5%). In particular, the scores for the type of neck compression(16.5%) and wound assessment(44.0%) were low. The percentage of correct answers for forensic evidence management was 78.4% for evidence collection, 84.4% for evidence preservation, and 90.6% for evidence recording. Previous forensic education experience was not a significant variable. Conclusion: Specific and practical forensic science education on perception of crime-related incident, including asphyxia and wound identification, and forensic evidence collection is needed.

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References

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