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. 2016 Feb;59(2):150-63.
doi: 10.1002/ajim.22550. Epub 2016 Jan 4.

Expecting the unexpected: A mixed methods study of violence to EMS responders in an urban fire department

Jennifer A Taylor  1 , Brittany Barnes  1 , Andrea L Davis  1 , Jasmine Wright  1 , Shannon Widman  1 , Michael LeVasseur  2
Affiliations

Expecting the unexpected: A mixed methods study of violence to EMS responders in an urban fire department

Jennifer A Taylor et al. Am J Ind Med. 2016 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Struck by injuries experienced by females were observed to be higher compared to males in an urban fire department. The disparity was investigated while gaining a grounded understanding of EMS responder experiences from patient-initiated violence.

Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed. Using a linked injury dataset, patient-initiated violence estimates were calculated comparing genders. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted with injured EMS responders.

Results: Paramedics had significantly higher odds for patient-initiated violence injuries than firefighters (OR 14.4, 95%CI: 9.2-22.2, P < 0.001). Females reported increased odds of patient-initiated violence injuries compared to males (OR = 6.25, 95%CI 3.8-10.2), but this relationship was entirely mediated through occupation (AOR = 1.64, 95%CI 0.94-2.85). Qualitative data illuminated the impact of patient-initiated violence and highlighted important organizational opportunities for intervention.

Conclusions: Mixed methods greatly enhanced the assessment of EMS responder patient-initiated violence prevention.

Keywords: assaults; emergency medical services; firefighter; paramedics; prehospital violence.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Assessing mediation effects of occupation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Convergent parallel mixed methods design.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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