Paramedics’ knowledge of medical guidelines and procedures for protection against coronavirus during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Paramedics are the frontline workers of the healthcare profession. Thus, they need to be equipped with the relevant knowledge, skills, and protective gear against different forms of infection, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Aim of the study: To determine the level of paramedics’ knowledge about implementing medical guidelines and procedures to avoid coronavirus infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: This study involved 101 paramedics employed in Emergency Medical Services in Legnica between November 2020 and January 2021. A diagnostic survey method and opinion polling technique were applied. A survey developed by the study authors was used. Results: Overall, 38 (37.62%) paramedics had sufficient knowledge of medical guidelines and procedures preventing coronavirus infection, 28 (27.72%) had good knowledge, 23 (22.77%) had very good knowledge, and 12 (11.88%) had insufficient knowledge of the topic. Variables such as education (p=0.305), participation in any course on COVID-19 (p=0.650), frequency of emergency services for patients suspected to have COVID-19 infection or with confirmed COVID-19 infection (p=0.116), and job seniority (p=0.984) did not have a significant influence on interviewees’ knowledge of this topic. Conclusions: There is a need for organizing courses, workshops, or training events for paramedics concerning the code of conduct and good practice while working with patients who suffer from highly infectious diseases in order to improve safety in the work environment. It is particularly important as paramedics themselves opted to organize such courses. It is recommended that before organizing the course, one should obtain information from potential participants about the preferred format of the course.