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. 2024 Dec 23;24(1):239.
doi: 10.1186/s12873-024-01157-w.

Perceived competency requirements for emergency medical services field supervisors in managing chemical and explosive incidents - qualitative interview study

Jussi Kauppila  1 , Timo Iirola  1 , Hilla Nordquist  2
Affiliations

Perceived competency requirements for emergency medical services field supervisors in managing chemical and explosive incidents - qualitative interview study

Jussi Kauppila et al. BMC Emerg Med. .

Abstract

Background: Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) incidents present rare and complex challenges for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), necessitating effective incident command to manage occupational and patient safety risks. EMS incident commanders must make quick decisions under pressure, coordinating medical responses and ensuring personnel's safety. This study examined the perceived competence requirements of Finnish EMS field supervisors in managing C and E incidents.

Methods: This study was a qualitative interview study among EMS field supervisors (n = 12) in Southwest Finland. Individual interviews utilized fictional C and E case descriptions. The data was analyzed using inductive-deductive content analysis, with the Major Incident Medical Management and Support model as the theoretical framework.

Results: The results were grouped under one inductive main category, "Being Prepared," and six deductive main categories: "Command and Control," "Safety," "Communication," "Assessment," "Triage and Treatment," and "Transport." Under the main categories, there were a total of 16 upper categories and 15 subcategories. Broadly similar content emerged from the C and E cases, although some categories had specific areas of emphasis.

Conclusions: The perceived competence requirements of EMS field supervisors in managing C and E incidents align well with the Major Incident Medical Management and Support model. Also, EMS field supervisors should be mentally prepared and well-trained for handling C and E incidents. The results support the development of specific C and E training and guidelines beyond the "all hazards" approach. Further research should focus on assessing the current level and gaps in competence and optimizing training methods for different CBRNE situations.

Keywords: Chemical; Competence; EMS; Explosive; Field supervisor; Management.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: In this study, the principles of research ethics were adhered to, along with the guidelines for good scientific practice [46, 47]. The study was conducted per the Helsinki Declaration [48] and all the appropriate national guidelines [46, 47]. The appropriate research permit for the study was sought and obtained from the Southwest Finland Wellbeing Services County. At the outset of the interviews, each participant received comprehensive information about the study, a data protection form, and a consent form. Additionally, each participant acknowledged the fictional nature of the cases and was informed that the research data would be analyzed and published. The participation of each interviewee was contingent upon informed consent. In accordance with the Finnish guidelines outlined by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity, ethical committee pre-evaluation (equivalent to an IRB) was not required for studies addressing nonsensitive topics conducted among working adults who provided informed consent [46]. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Competence requirements of EMS field supervisors in managing C and E incidents
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