• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.83-93
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine potential differences in pre-hospital cases of cardiac arrest and drug Intoxication between elderly group and non-elderly group on local emergency activity sites of rescue 119 team for those cases, so that it can provide useful reference materials for a system of corresponding emergency medical services. Methods: Patients with cardiac arrest and drug intoxication in the elderly and the non-elderly group were analyzed by analyzing the Ambulance Run Report for 3 years from January 2007 to December 2009. Results: According to analysis on potential differences between elderly and the non-elderly group, it was found that there was no significant difference between elderly cases (evacuated to hospital due to cardiac arrest and drug poisoning) and non-elderly cases in year of onset (p = .247), quarter of onset (p = .813), sex (p = .235), consciousness state (p = .126), place of onset (p = .215) and number of first aid services (applied to emergency cases) respectively, but there were significant differences between elderly cases and non-elderly cases in guardian availability (p = .042), time zone of onset (p = .050), distance from the site of onset (p = .278), type of onset (p = .000), number of first aid services depending on distance of evacuation (p = .008) and effectiveness of emergency care (p = .003) on statistical basis. Conclusion: It is important to establish a system of early emergency case reports for rational emergency case management with lower mortality; shorten distance from the site of onset at each time zone of onset in emergency cases; employ more emergency team members; facilitate firsthand / secondhand medical instructions for emergency teams in specialized emergency care depending on distance of evacuation for each kind of onset (elderly group vs. non-elderly group); and improve rate of resuscitated emergency cases by extending the scope of works for emergency medical technicians into wider applications, so that it will be possible to take timely and appropriate measures for emergency settings of ever-increasing aged population in near future.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.97-112
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• 2024

Purpose: This study compared the relative importance of educational content, teaching methods, and evaluation methods in the patient assessment curricula of 119 emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: First, we identified the educational content, training hours, and teaching and evaluation methods of the existing patient assessment curriculum based on the National Competency Standard learning module. Second, we surveyed 30 EMTs affiliated with 119 services using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Subsequently, we compared the differences between the current curriculum and the AHP analysis results. Results: Currently in operation, the "Advanced EMT Course" comprises three learning modules: assessment of patient status, scene size-up and triage, and assessment using monitoring devices. Among these, content related to the assessment of patient status received the most allocated time and was deemed the most important according to the AHP survey results. Conversely, while less time was allocated to scene size and triage compared with assessment using monitoring devices, the former was assessed as more important than the latter in the AHP results. Furthermore, scenario-based team training and procedure-focused individual practice were evaluated as relatively important teaching methods, while practical examination using a checklist was deemed the most appropriate evaluation method for all learning content. Conclusion: To improve the patient assessment curriculum, we propose adjusting teaching hours and introducing new teaching and evaluation methods based on the results of relative importance. The proposed improvement plan will contribute to enhancing the competency of 119 EMTs.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.7-19
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and assess the response capabilities and educational needs of 119 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in chemical accidents. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 167 119 EMTs between December 1st and December 31, 2023. The questionnaire comprised 8 questions on general characteristics, 2 on chemical accidents experienced by the participants, 29 on response capabilities, and 15 on educational needs. Data analysis was performed using t-tests, analysis of variance, Duncan's test for post-hoc analysis, and Pearson's correlation coefficient, using SPSS 27.0. Results: The participants scored 2.69 points on response capacity to chemical accidents. The EMT-Paramedics scored high in 'patient triage,' 'patient treatment,' 'patient transport,' and 'collaborative support' (F=3.924, p=.010; F=5.843, p=.001; F=3.698, p=.013; F=5.272, p=.002), followed by educational experience (t=-4.962, p<.001; t=-2.685, p=.008; t=-3.455, p=.001; t=-3.593, p<.001; t=-3.034, p=.003). The participants scored 4.19 points on educational needs, with high scores for 'patients treatment and transport' (4.280.93). The scores for 'patient triage competency', and 'patient triage' (r=.169, p=.024) correlated positively. Furthermore, the scores for 'patient treatment competency' and all sub-factors of educational needs (r=.185, p=.013; r=.215, p=.004; r=.199, p=.008; r=.190, p=.011; r=.197, p=.008) correlated positively. Conclusion: To strengthen the response capabilities of 119 EMTs, it is imperative to develop an educational program that focuses on first-aid responses.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.163-174
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• 2007

Purpose : This study analyzes prehospital care report of emergency service at prehospital stage, examines characteristics of activities of 119 paramedics and its users and aims to provide help for improving emergency system in future. Methods : Data collected were 119 prehospital care report and hospital records with 7,160 patients to emergency room by 119 ambulance from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2006 and percentage and frequency of the data were obtained. Results : 1) Use of emergency room by 119 ambulance was increased in summer and autumn such as August(9.1%), September(11.2%) and October(13.5%) and it was more frequently used on Monday(17.3%), Saturday(17.2%) and Friday(16.1%) by telephone(98.6%). 2) Using emergency room was most in over sixties(51.8%), men(64.2%), community residents (78.3%), by report of family(50.3%) and at '09:01~12:00'(16.5%). 3) Symptoms of emergency room users included headache, chest pain, stomachache, lumbago and others as 40.6% and places where patients were found were at home(60.1%) due to chronic internal diseases at 49.2%. 4) Most of non-emergency patients(80.2%) arriving at hospital had normal pupil condition (88.4%) and clear consciousness(71.2%) and most of them left hospital after having first-aid treatment. 5) Physiological symptom tests evaluated by paramedics at prehospital stage included blood pressure(56.6%), pulse(22.9%), breathing(13.0%) and temperature(9.2%), and there was no SPo2 case. 6) Classification of severity by paramedics showed difference as emergency patients(18.0%) by paramedics and those(24.9%) by hospital. 7) First-aid treatments by paramedics at prehospital stage were promoting comfort(28.9%), hemostasis(7.7%), fixing cervical vertebrae(4.0%) and ensuring vein route(3.1%). 8) Selectors of medical agency were patients or guardians(86.2%) and emergency medical technicians(73.6%). Conclusion : To sum up the above research, it was found that percentage of using 119 ambulance by non-emergency patients was higher and paramedics performed basic first-aid treatment rather than professional first-aid treatment due to several conditions such as legal problems, range of allowance, etc. Therefore, it is considered that method to reduce frequency of ambulance by non-emergency patients and approaches to alleviate limitations of allowance of paramdeics to make them perform effective first-aid treatment at prehospital stage should be sought in the dimension of individual, organization and government.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.87-98
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• 2017

Purpose: This study investigated the use of infection management and the frequency of emergency equipment sterilization by emergency rescue crews to provide basic guidelines and suggestions for infection control. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 160 emergency medical technician rescue crews in J area from May 7 to May 22 in 2015. The questionnaire consisted of 95 items, including the general characteristics of the subjects (8 items), the use of emergency equipment (33 items), the frequency of facility sterilization (33 items), infection control (12 items), vaccination (4 items), and the use of personal protective equipment (5 items). Results: In all, 97.3% of respondents were aware of the "Guidelines of Infection management for Rescue Operators' and 90.9% received training on infection control. A total of 72.7% and 47.3% of rescue centers were equipped with disinfection facilities and laundry rooms, respectively. The average frequency of sterilization was $3.17{\pm}0.75$, which significantly differed for teams with more clinical experience (p=.050) and teams with three members (p=.030). The average score for individual protective equipment supplies was $1.95{\pm}0.66$. Conclusion: For proper infection management of emergency equipment, our results suggest that the number of crew members should be increased for each ambulance, protective equipment and rescue products should be supplied, and the number of facilities for sterilization and laundry at rescue centers should be doubled.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.26 no.12
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• pp.221-226
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• 2021

This study was examined the effect and the continuity of music therapy for reduce on post-traumatic stress (PTS) in 119 emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The subjects of the study were 42 EMTs in the C area, and the study was conducted from November 25, 2019 to March 1, 2020. The experimental group conducted a total of ten music therapy programs twice a day for five days. The session-specific program was conducted by two music therapists, including the early, mid, late, and closed stages. Each step applied intervention techniques necessary for goals such as improvisation, rhythm making, Nanta, and couple physical activities. The control group was required to take a free break (TV viewing, cell phone games, sleep, exercise, etc.) at the same time as the experimental group's program. The study found that the control group had no difference in PTS before and after the application of music therapy, but the experimental group had a significant decrease in PTS immediately after the application of music therapy and a gradual increase in PTS after 4 and 12 weeks (p<.05). Repetitive music therapy is judged to be an effective way to mitigate the PTS leve for EMTs.

• Journal of forensic and investigative science
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.50-66
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• 2007

An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a well-trained emergency responder to provide emergency medical services to the critically ill and injured patient. In various situations, EMT may destroy potential physical evidences associated with the crime scene or determination of real cause of death. This study was aimed to evaluate the educational need of forensic medicine in Korean EMT. Questionnaires were administered to 592 EMTs during March 2007. The response rate was 60.3%(357 EMTs). In questionnaires there were 13 questions regarding the general characteristics, 16 questions about roles of EMTs related with forensic circumstances, 9 questions about the education related to forensic medicine. Questionnaires rated on a 4-point Likert scale or 5-point Likert scale. Most of 119 rescue EMTs had experienced with situations related to crime or unexpected sudden death. EMTs had arrived to the scenes earlier than police and complained of some difficulties related with deficit of forensic knowledge. EMTs wanted to receive continuous educations about forensic medicine. In order to reduce dissatisfaction with EMTs roles and to improve crime scene preservations, Emergency Medical Services policies should provide regular educational curriculum by forensic pathologists and promote legal responsibilities for 119 rescue EMTs.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.201-208
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the current status of disasters and initial first aid in the construction industry, and to suggest the deployment of emergency medical technicians and reinforcement of first aid training in the construction industry. Methods: Among industrial accidents in 2020, the accident characteristics and initial first aid that occurred at construction sites were analyzed, and the emergency dispatch of 119 paramedics was analyzed through the SPSS method. Results: The incidence of serious accidents was high at small and medium-sized construction sites with less than 50 workers, and the incidence of falls was high, and there were few first responders who could provide first aid in the beginning. Therefore, it is necessary to improve first aid response capabilities at small construction sites. Conclusion: In order to improve the ability to respond to first aid at construction sites, it is necessary to deploy first responders and strengthen first aid education.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.13-24
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• 2010

Objective : The purpose of this study is to understand the status of continuing education of the EMTs of the Korean fire department, to identify demand of them for content, method, and forms of the education, and to present basic data for developing more efficient, effective continuing education programs. Methods : The subjects of this study were 850 of the EMTs of the Korean fire department who work for fire stations located in Seoul and part of Gyeonggi-do and directly provide critical care in the field. The data was collected between February 8 and 28, 2010. Using SPSS 17.0 program, we obtained frequencies percentages, means, and standard deviations, and performed independent two sample t-test, one way ANOVA, and Cronbach's ${\alpha}$. Results : 1) As for status of the existing continuing education for of the EMTs of the Korean fire department, in general, the hour of each education was "less than four hours" (51.2%), the instructors of the education were "doctors" (65.2%), the method of the education was "lecture" (83.3%), the material for the education was "educational materials and slides" (97.2%), and the results from the education were "not helpful in job" (55.1%). 2) The effects of the EMTs of the Korean fire department were mean 2.44(${\pm}.51$), the ability was mean 2.40(${\pm}.50$), and the attitude was mean 2.49(${\pm}.57$) points. 3) As for the demands of the EMTs of the Korean fire department on the next continuing education, they preferred "the advanced cardiac life support(ACLS)" ($2.64{\pm}.62$) most in subject content, "investigating the demands of 119 emergency medical technicians annually" (44.1%) in methods to select subjects of the continuing education, "doctors and professors of Department of Emergency Medical Technology" in instructors of the education (190 persons, or 39.9%), "lectures with practices" in methods of the education (30.1%), and "One per year" (41.6%) and "less than four hours" (67.2%) in the period and hours of the text continuing education they hope. Conclusion : The continuing education for the EMTs of the Korean fire department conducts without accepting the demands of the technicians, In planning of the next continuing education, the results of this study suggest that it is needed to develop more various and professional educational program by active acquisition of the demands of the technicians.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.7-18
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• 2014

Purpose: We aimed to investigate trunk angle and muscle activation of the extremity and back to evaluate the effect of chest compression on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 119 emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods: Eighteen 119 EMTs performed 2-minute chest compression without interruption on a cardiopulmonary resuscitation manikin, during which we measured changes in the trunk and shoulder joint angles, muscle activation (triceps brachii, biceps brachii, erector spinae, gluteus maximus, pectoralis major, rectus abdominis, and rectus femoris) and chest compression accuracy. Results: The decrease in trunk angle by trunk muscle activation was the highest in event 2, the major direction of chest compression. Both shoulder joint angles had no significant difference. Muscle activation of the triceps brachii (p < .01), biceps brachii (p < .05), rectus abdominis (p < .05) and rectus femoris (p < .01) significantly increased during the compression phase compared with the decompression phase, with the rectus femoris showing an increase of 19%. Muscle activation of the erector spinae significantly increased in the decompression phase compared with the compression phase (p < .01). Conclusion: 119 EMTs mainly use the triceps brachii, biceps brachii and pectoralis major muscles during chest compression.