BackgroundIn prehospital emergency medical services, one of the key factors in the successful delivery of appropriate care is the efficient management and supervision of the area’s emergency medical services units. Paramedic field supervisors have an important role in this task. One of the key factors in the daily work of paramedic field supervisors is ensuring that they have enough of the right type of information when co-operating with other authorities and making decisions. However, a gap in information sharing still exists especially due to information overload. The aim of this study was to find out what type of critical information paramedic field supervisors need during multi-authority missions in order to manage their emergency medical services area successfully. The study also investigated both the flow of information, and interactions with the paramedic field supervisors and the differences that occur depending on the incident type.MethodsTen paramedic field supervisors from four Finnish rescue departments participated in the study in January–March 2012. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews based on three progressive real-life scenarios and a questionnaire. Data were analysed using deductive content analysis. Data management and analysis were performed using Atlas.ti 7 software.ResultsFive critical information categories were formulated: Incident data, Mission status, Area status, Safety at work, and Tactics. Each category’s importance varied depending on the incident and on whether it was about information needed or information delivered by the paramedic field supervisors. The main communication equipment used to receive information was the authority radio network (TETRA). However, when delivering information, mobile phones and TETRA were of equal importance. Paramedic field supervisors needed more information relating to area status.ConclusionsParamedic field supervisors communicate actively with EMS units and other authorities such as Emergency Medical Dispatch, police, and rescue services during the multi-authority incidents. This study provides knowledge about the critical information categories when receiving and sharing the information to obtain and maintain situational awareness. However, further research is needed to examine more the information flow in prehospital emergency care to enable a better understanding of required communication in situational awareness formation.

Paramedic field supervisors are multitasking persons, building SA by using the available data, combining it with extensive know-how from their working methods and competencies, and their tacit knowledge. The results can be used in developing work processes, training programs, and information systems.

Provider (PCP) program. They were randomized into either a UAV group or a non UAV group. The study scenario was based on a highway accident involving ten vehicles with seven hazards. Each group was given a 60 minute lecture on UAV technology, and a 30 minute lecture on hazards. Each subject entered the scene after receiving a brief narrative. Having been informed that there were 7 hazards to be identified, the UAV group remained at the UAV ground station while the non UAV group was able to approach the scene. After identifying all hazards, the time to identification and order was recorded. Primary outcome measures were the difference in time to identification, and difference in identification order. Results: The mean time (SD, range) to identify the hazards were 3'68" (1.62, 1'48"-6'48") and 2'43" (0.92, 1'43"-4'38") in UAV and non UAV groups respectively, corresponding to a mean difference of 58" (P = 0.11). A non parametric permutation test showed a significant (P = 0.04) difference in the hazard identification order driven by two hazards, fuel and workplace hazardous material information system placard. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there is a statistical difference in the identification order of hazards. Interestingly, preliminary results were unable to identify a difference in time to hazard identification. Study/Objective: The study objective is to make the basis of a chemical emergency medical information system. Background: There are many database sets and websites which provide chemical databases in chemical accidents, but they don't have adequate roles for emergency medical support in Korea. Methods: We reviewed the database sets and websites, which provide chemical database and emergency medical records in prehospital transport to hospitals. After an analysis was done, an adequate database set was proposed, and the algorithm for elicitation of chemicals suitable for emergency medical support, accident cases. Results: By four steps of elicitation of chemicals, the number of chemicals of more than 100,000 was decreased to less than 1,000. The standard steps were accident preparedness, toxicity, and circulating amounts. We made an algorithm for the elici-tation of chemicals. Conclusion: When mass exposure by toxic chemical occurs, chemical emergency medical information systems will be helpful for acute identification of chemical and emergency medical response. Study/Objective: To determine the nationwide current status of hospital awareness in emergency and disaster preparedness. Background: Hospital awareness and preparedness is the cornerstone for community health management in emergency and disaster as it plays a critical role in taking care of injured patients. To assess the current system is the first necessary step to improve hospital readiness for emergency and disaster. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to every provincial, general, and university hospital in Thailand. The data were extracted and reported as number and percentage. Single logistic regression analysis was used to ...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate opportunities and challenges for multi-professional paramedic-firefighter units in small municipalities in Finland. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected by means of four focus group interviews conducted with managers (N =12) and a questionnaire comprising open-ended questions for the personnel working in the units (n =73). Data from both sources were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Findings The empirical results suggest that the use of multi-professional units (MPUs) may be one means of providing a better standard of service in rural areas. However, the working practices and different professional backgrounds in MPUs are considered challenging by the personnel. Managers had a broader perspective; during the interviews they raised matters such as citizen characteristics, legal issues like varying working hours, and economic aspects. Both the personnel and the managers agreed on the strengths and weaknesses of the MPU model in principle. Practical implications The results of this study may clarify the opportunities and challenges posed by MPUs in rural areas from the perspectives of personnel and managers. Originality/value The study provides novel information on MPUs comprising paramedics and firefighters, who function at the interface of emergency medical services and rescue services and who have new tasks in rural areas, including home healthcare support and accident prevention.

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