Technology commitment of emergency medical service practitioners and dispatchers

Abstract

Digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) have entered the emergency medical service (EMS). Successful use of them depends on employees’ personal attitudes towards modern technology and its use. This study explored the technology commitment of EMS professionals, dispatchers and emergency physicians, including towards AI systems. To assess attitudes in the context of AI systems in EMS, employees were asked to answer an online questionnaire between October 2021 and March 2022. A total of 510 participants, including 184 EMS professionals, 199 dispatchers and 68 emergency physicians, participated. These professionals had moderate to high technology commitment values with minor differences. Technology commitment correlated negatively with age. Gender had no effect. The EMS provides fertile ground for AI systems. It is important to keep in mind that people with uncertainties and reservations need support. The scales in the questionnaire proved to be reliable and valid.