ContextIn spite of the high prevalence and consequences of much workplace violence against emergency medical services personnel, this phenomenon has been given insufficient attention. A systematic review can aid the development of guidelines to reduce violence.ObjectivesThe research question addressed by this paper is, “What are the characteristics and findings of studies on workplace violence against emergency medical services personnel”?Data SourcesA systematic literature review was conducted using online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Magiran) with the help of experienced librarians.Study SelectionInclusion criteria comprised studies in the English or Persian language and researcher’s access to the full text. There was no limit to the entry of the study design. Exclusion criteria included lack of access to the full text of the article, studies published in unreliable journals or conferences, and studies in which the results were shared with other medical or relief groups and there was no possibility of breaking down the results.Data ExtractionA “Data extraction form” was designed by the researchers based on the goals of the study that included the title and author(s), study method (type, place of study, sample size, sampling method, and data collection/analysis tool), printing location, information related to the frequency of types of violence, characteristics of victims /perpetrators, and related factors.ResultsThe papers reviewed utilized a variety of locations and environments, methods, and instrument samplings. The majority of the studies were performed using the quantitative method. No intervention study was found. Most studies focused on the prevalence of violence, and their results indicated that exposure to violence was high. The results are presented in six major themes.ConclusionsWorkplace violence and injuries incurred from it are extensive throughout the world. The important causes of violence include the shortage of training programs dealing with violence, lack of violence management protocols, and delays in response times. Therefore, afterthought and resolve are more crucial than ever. Workplace violence reduction strategies and suggestions for future studies are also discussed.

Background: Workplace Violence (WPV) is an undesirable social phenomenon that threatens patients and staff safety and work environments. Despite the high prevalence of WPV and its serious consequences, limited studies have been conducted on its roots and formation in pre-hospital emergency. The aim of this study was to explore and explain the process of workplace violence against emergency medical service personnel. Methods:This qualitative study was performed using grounded theory approach in 2015. The study participants included 17 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) staffs working in Tehran and Guilan provinces, Iran. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the Strauss/Corbin approach and constant comparative method. The paradigm model of WPV is presented in this study.Results: "Serving within the context of workplace violence" was presented as the main theory. Five main groups of paradigm model theory were identified as triggers, context, and intensifiers of violence, copying strategies, and outcomes. The important consequences of violence include physical and psychological health injury of staff in the process of service delivery. Conclusions:Despite their repeated exposure to violence and its consequences, EMS staffs usually fulfill their main role and perform their tasks. Training of stress management, familiarizing the community with the responsibilities of EMS, reducing response time, creating efficient communication systems, using appropriate facilities and manpower, training violence control, improving employees' job satisfaction, and coordinating cooperation with the police can reduce workplace violence. The supporting of the WPV victims is essential to improve the health and safety of EMS staff.

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