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Article
Preparedness of Swedish EMS Personnel for Major Incidents in Underground Mines
Author(s)
Aléx Jonas, Lundin Helena, Joansson Charlotta and Saveman Britt-Inger
Full-Text PDF XML 1263 Views
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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