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Article

Open Access

Preparedness of Swedish EMS Personnel for Major Incidents in Underground Mines

Author(s)

Aléx Jonas, Lundin Helena, Joansson Charlotta and Saveman Britt-Inger

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DOI:10.17265/2328-7136/2017.05.004

Affiliation(s)

Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå SE-901 87, Sweden

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to survey the EMS (emergency medical services) personnel preparedness for major incidents in the underground mining industry in Sweden. Every year, a high number of incidents, workplace accidents and fires are reported from the Swedish mining industry. Taking care of patients located in an underground mine represents a challenge to EMS personnel. Today, knowledge about EMS personnel preparedness for major incidents in the mining industry is limited. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. The questionnaires were distributed to EMS personnel working in ambulance stations geographically located near an underground mine. Thirteen ambulance stations were included and 137 of 258 personnel answered. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Differences among groups were analyzed with the Chi-Squared test, continuity correction and t-test. Results showed about half of the participants reported that they do not feel prepared to work in a major incident in an underground mine. The majority wished to receive educational training to enhance their preparedness. The most commonly requested type of education was practical drills on the scene, in an underground mine. The reported preparedness was significantly higher among the participants who had received some kind of education, or had authentic experience of a mission in an underground mine than those who did not. This study reveals shortcomings in the preparedness of EMS personnel. The perceived low preparedness of EMS personnel may affect their ability to work in a major incident in the mining industry. Study findings may be used in planning the future education, including practical drills, of EMS personnel.

KEYWORDS

Ambulance personnel, EMS, major incident, mining industry, preparedness, underground mine.

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