Pub Date : 2023-02-07DOI: 10.1108/ijes-11-2021-0078
Kellie ODare, Christopher G. Bator, L. Butler, Jeffrey Orrange, Lauren C Porter, Michelle Rehbein, J. Dilks, D. Dillard, Erin King, J. Herzog, Robert Rotunda
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to articulate the results of a comprehensive literature review and grassroots outreach with first responder organizations to present an operationalized framework for organizations to utilize as a blueprint in developing customized behavioral health access program (BHAP) programs.Design/methodology/approachHistorically, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)over fire service organizations have primarily offered behavioral health interventions through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or commercial insurance carriers. These programs are necessary but may prove insufficient to meet the scope and needs of trauma-exposed firefighters and the firefighters' families.FindingsA BHAP is a comprehensive and operationalized plan which clearly specifies the mental health services fire department members and families need, where those services are available within their communities and levels and standards of care that are expected in the provision of these services.Originality/valueThe BHAP is becoming a world standard of behavioral health care for first responders. While some fire service agencies are beginning to create BHAP guides, developing and implementing a BHAP can be time consuming and overwhelming, particularly for departments with limited internal and external resources. While the results of this review focus on BHAP within the fire service, this framework is applicable across all first responder professions.
{"title":"From EAP to BHAP: a conceptual framework to develop and implement a comprehensive behavioral health access program within the fire service","authors":"Kellie ODare, Christopher G. Bator, L. Butler, Jeffrey Orrange, Lauren C Porter, Michelle Rehbein, J. Dilks, D. Dillard, Erin King, J. Herzog, Robert Rotunda","doi":"10.1108/ijes-11-2021-0078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-11-2021-0078","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to articulate the results of a comprehensive literature review and grassroots outreach with first responder organizations to present an operationalized framework for organizations to utilize as a blueprint in developing customized behavioral health access program (BHAP) programs.Design/methodology/approachHistorically, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)over fire service organizations have primarily offered behavioral health interventions through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or commercial insurance carriers. These programs are necessary but may prove insufficient to meet the scope and needs of trauma-exposed firefighters and the firefighters' families.FindingsA BHAP is a comprehensive and operationalized plan which clearly specifies the mental health services fire department members and families need, where those services are available within their communities and levels and standards of care that are expected in the provision of these services.Originality/valueThe BHAP is becoming a world standard of behavioral health care for first responders. While some fire service agencies are beginning to create BHAP guides, developing and implementing a BHAP can be time consuming and overwhelming, particularly for departments with limited internal and external resources. While the results of this review focus on BHAP within the fire service, this framework is applicable across all first responder professions.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45812039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-17DOI: 10.1108/ijes-02-2021-0005
L. Garmon-Jones, P. Hanna, M. John
PurposeConcerns have been raised regarding the mental health of firefighters. In response to this, existing literature reviews have highlighted the significant role of trauma in influencing mental health and the experience of post-traumatic stress within firefighters.Design/methodology/approachThis paper builds on the existing reviews and makes an original contribution to knowledge by systematically reviewing research exploring additional factors that contribute to poor mental health in firefighters.FindingsThis review finds that factors such as sleep, occupational stress, length of service, coping style and social support all influence negative mental health within firefighters. However, this paper also suggests there are challenges to distinguishing the nature of these relationships, due to the possible bidirectional nature of the relationships and study limitations.Originality/valueFinally, we conclude by suggesting a clear need for further research to explore the biological, psychological and social factors influencing mental health outcomes in firefighters and the direction of these relationships, in order to inform effective intervention and support.
{"title":"A systematic review of the factors that contribute towards mental health in the fire service","authors":"L. Garmon-Jones, P. Hanna, M. John","doi":"10.1108/ijes-02-2021-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-02-2021-0005","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeConcerns have been raised regarding the mental health of firefighters. In response to this, existing literature reviews have highlighted the significant role of trauma in influencing mental health and the experience of post-traumatic stress within firefighters.Design/methodology/approachThis paper builds on the existing reviews and makes an original contribution to knowledge by systematically reviewing research exploring additional factors that contribute to poor mental health in firefighters.FindingsThis review finds that factors such as sleep, occupational stress, length of service, coping style and social support all influence negative mental health within firefighters. However, this paper also suggests there are challenges to distinguishing the nature of these relationships, due to the possible bidirectional nature of the relationships and study limitations.Originality/valueFinally, we conclude by suggesting a clear need for further research to explore the biological, psychological and social factors influencing mental health outcomes in firefighters and the direction of these relationships, in order to inform effective intervention and support.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46270663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-16DOI: 10.1108/ijes-12-2022-0071
Andrea M. Headley, Christa L. Remington, Kaila Witkowski, Santina L. Contreras, N. Ganapati
PurposeThis project specifically aims to examine (1) the individual impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on first responders, (2) the organizational impact of COVID-19 on first response agencies and (3) policy and organizational response and support efforts to mitigate potentially harmful effects of the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors' conducted a mixed-methods analysis, including a review of secondary sources (e.g. government documents, organizational policies and news pieces), state-level policies, encompassing surveys, in-depth semi-structured interviews and PhotoVoice focus groups.FindingsCOVID-19 compounded many of the inherent risks facing first responders and added new stressors. First responders assumed added responsibilities during the pandemic which increased workloads, job-related stress, burnout, distance from the community and first responders' feelings of frustration. Even with personal protective equipment (PPE), first responders faced greater exposure to individuals with COVID-19 and were primarily concerned with transmitting the virus to family members, or other members of the first responders' support networks. State-level COVID-19 policies that were geared toward first responders aimed to improve the first responders' personal lives outside of work and mitigate burnout within the profession. First response agencies adapted to the pandemic by implementing a wide range of measures.Practical implicationsFirst responders also identified several weaknesses in the first responders' agencies' approach to the pandemic. To prepare for the next public health emergency, first response agencies should proactively train employees, build up the first responders' supplies of equipment and PPE, implement policies to strengthen their workforce (e.g. increase hiring for understaffed positions, reduce turnover and mitigate role abandonment), allow for greater employee autonomy, improve communication between leaders and employees and prioritize employees' mental health, as well as other factors relating to departments' informal culture.Originality/valueThis is one of the largest studies conducted on three types of first responders (police officers, fire firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics) across the United States of America during a public health crisis.
{"title":"The impact of COVID-19 on first responders in the United States of America","authors":"Andrea M. Headley, Christa L. Remington, Kaila Witkowski, Santina L. Contreras, N. Ganapati","doi":"10.1108/ijes-12-2022-0071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-12-2022-0071","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis project specifically aims to examine (1) the individual impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on first responders, (2) the organizational impact of COVID-19 on first response agencies and (3) policy and organizational response and support efforts to mitigate potentially harmful effects of the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThe authors' conducted a mixed-methods analysis, including a review of secondary sources (e.g. government documents, organizational policies and news pieces), state-level policies, encompassing surveys, in-depth semi-structured interviews and PhotoVoice focus groups.FindingsCOVID-19 compounded many of the inherent risks facing first responders and added new stressors. First responders assumed added responsibilities during the pandemic which increased workloads, job-related stress, burnout, distance from the community and first responders' feelings of frustration. Even with personal protective equipment (PPE), first responders faced greater exposure to individuals with COVID-19 and were primarily concerned with transmitting the virus to family members, or other members of the first responders' support networks. State-level COVID-19 policies that were geared toward first responders aimed to improve the first responders' personal lives outside of work and mitigate burnout within the profession. First response agencies adapted to the pandemic by implementing a wide range of measures.Practical implicationsFirst responders also identified several weaknesses in the first responders' agencies' approach to the pandemic. To prepare for the next public health emergency, first response agencies should proactively train employees, build up the first responders' supplies of equipment and PPE, implement policies to strengthen their workforce (e.g. increase hiring for understaffed positions, reduce turnover and mitigate role abandonment), allow for greater employee autonomy, improve communication between leaders and employees and prioritize employees' mental health, as well as other factors relating to departments' informal culture.Originality/valueThis is one of the largest studies conducted on three types of first responders (police officers, fire firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics) across the United States of America during a public health crisis.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49104107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-01-03DOI: 10.1108/ijes-09-2021-0057
Thomas Hofmann, Luis Möckel
PurposeThis study aims to determine the differences in the involvement of pre-hospital emergency physicians (PHEPs) within the ambulance service over time and between the federal states and identify possible reasons for the differences.Design/methodology/approachThe federal state-specific PHEP rates from 2012 to 2017 were analysed using publicly available data or data provided by the responsible state ministries. In addition, various correlations between PHEP rates and sociodemographic and health data were calculated.FindingsThe PHEP rates differ significantly between the 16 federal states. In 2017, Schleswig–Holstein had a PHEP participation rate of 19.00%, while in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania the rate was 41.08%. In all surveyed states, the rate fell over time. Only in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the rate increased from 37.68% in 2012 to 41.08% in 2017 (OR: 1.15 [95% CI: 1.14; 1.17]). Federal state-specific PHEP rates indicated strong deviations from the overall PHEP rate of all included federal states with ORs ranging from 0.61 (95% CI: 0,61; 0,62) for Schleswig–Holstein to 1.82 (95% CI: 1.81; 1.84) for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Socioeconomic factors indicated (inverse) correlations with the federal state-specific PHEP rate.Originality/valueThe PHEP rates differ significantly between the federal states. The correlations indicate possible connections but do not show clear causes within state-specific characteristics. Consequently, the occupational autonomy of paramedics differs between the states.
{"title":"Participation of pre-hospital emergency physicians at ambulance missions in Germany's federal states","authors":"Thomas Hofmann, Luis Möckel","doi":"10.1108/ijes-09-2021-0057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-09-2021-0057","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aims to determine the differences in the involvement of pre-hospital emergency physicians (PHEPs) within the ambulance service over time and between the federal states and identify possible reasons for the differences.Design/methodology/approachThe federal state-specific PHEP rates from 2012 to 2017 were analysed using publicly available data or data provided by the responsible state ministries. In addition, various correlations between PHEP rates and sociodemographic and health data were calculated.FindingsThe PHEP rates differ significantly between the 16 federal states. In 2017, Schleswig–Holstein had a PHEP participation rate of 19.00%, while in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania the rate was 41.08%. In all surveyed states, the rate fell over time. Only in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the rate increased from 37.68% in 2012 to 41.08% in 2017 (OR: 1.15 [95% CI: 1.14; 1.17]). Federal state-specific PHEP rates indicated strong deviations from the overall PHEP rate of all included federal states with ORs ranging from 0.61 (95% CI: 0,61; 0,62) for Schleswig–Holstein to 1.82 (95% CI: 1.81; 1.84) for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Socioeconomic factors indicated (inverse) correlations with the federal state-specific PHEP rate.Originality/valueThe PHEP rates differ significantly between the federal states. The correlations indicate possible connections but do not show clear causes within state-specific characteristics. Consequently, the occupational autonomy of paramedics differs between the states.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2023-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"62668876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-10-25DOI: 10.1108/ijes-08-2022-0044
Büşra Nur Çoban, Ebru İnal Önal
PurposeThis study aims to identify levels of gender perception specific to disaster management process and gender-related factors among the health workers employed at Çan State Hospital, Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out with a survey form consisting of 41 questions created by researchers with 207 health workers working at Çan State Hospital and by means of face-to-face interview technique. SPSS ver. 19.0 statistics software package was used in the research for analysis of data.FindingsOf the participants, 70.24% had experienced a disaster before; 88.03% reported that women and men were equally affected by disasters and 72.94% reported that women and men were equally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the participants (70.29%) reported that the COVID-19 pandemic affected health workers of both genders equally. The health workers who consider that the disaster legislation is gender-sensitive, who have attended any disaster response training and who consider that women are included in the fragile/vulnerable group in disaster response activities have been found out to have significantly higher gender perception scores specific to disaster management process (p < 0.05). Most of the participants stated that both genders were affected equally by the disasters they experienced, which manifests that they adopted an egalitarian approach.Practical implicationsThis study revealed the importance of providing disaster training for health workers to improve the gender perceptions. It is of high significance to integrate gender into the disaster trainings.Originality/valueThis study identifies and evaluates health workers' disaster-specific perceptions of gender, and necessary response activities can be performed accordingly.
{"title":"Determination of health workers' perceptions of the disaster management process and gender inequality: the case of a state hospital in Turkey","authors":"Büşra Nur Çoban, Ebru İnal Önal","doi":"10.1108/ijes-08-2022-0044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-08-2022-0044","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis study aims to identify levels of gender perception specific to disaster management process and gender-related factors among the health workers employed at Çan State Hospital, Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out with a survey form consisting of 41 questions created by researchers with 207 health workers working at Çan State Hospital and by means of face-to-face interview technique. SPSS ver. 19.0 statistics software package was used in the research for analysis of data.FindingsOf the participants, 70.24% had experienced a disaster before; 88.03% reported that women and men were equally affected by disasters and 72.94% reported that women and men were equally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of the participants (70.29%) reported that the COVID-19 pandemic affected health workers of both genders equally. The health workers who consider that the disaster legislation is gender-sensitive, who have attended any disaster response training and who consider that women are included in the fragile/vulnerable group in disaster response activities have been found out to have significantly higher gender perception scores specific to disaster management process (p < 0.05). Most of the participants stated that both genders were affected equally by the disasters they experienced, which manifests that they adopted an egalitarian approach.Practical implicationsThis study revealed the importance of providing disaster training for health workers to improve the gender perceptions. It is of high significance to integrate gender into the disaster trainings.Originality/valueThis study identifies and evaluates health workers' disaster-specific perceptions of gender, and necessary response activities can be performed accordingly.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42517584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-10-24DOI: 10.1108/ijes-02-2022-0006
Ann Eklund, S. Karlsson, Lina Gyllencreutz
PurposeMajor incidents in tunnel environment will pose several challenges for the emergency service organisations in terms of heat, visibility and lack of experiences from working in confined environments. These aspects, in turn, could pose challenges to establish collaboration. This study aims to contribute to the field of collaborative tunnel responses by exploring how “common knowledge” (Edwards, 2011) is built by the emergency services organisations, that is, what the organisations consider important while working on a potentially common problem, and their motives for the interpretations and actions if a major tunnel incident occurs.Design/methodology/approachParticipants from the road traffic control centre, emergency dispatch centre, emergency medical service, rescue service and police were included in the study. Data from four focus group sessions was analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe study revealed that the tunnel environment presents specific aspects of how common knowledge was produced related to lifesaving and safety. The themes structuring mechanisms to reduce uncertainty, managing information for initial priorities, aligning responsibilities without hampering each other's work and adjusting actions to manage distance, illustrated how common knowledge was produced as crucial aspects to a collaborative response. Organising management sites, grasping and communicating risks, accessing the injury victims, was challenged by the confined environment, physical distances and imbalance in access to information and preparedness activities in tunnel environments.Originality/valueThis study offers new insights of common knowledge, by illustrating a motive perspective on collaborative responses in tunnel incidents. Creating interoperability calls not just for readiness for action and tunnel safety, but also training activities acknowledging different interpretations and motives to further develop tunnel responses.
{"title":"Building “common knowledge” when responding to major road tunnel incidents: an inter-organisational focus group study","authors":"Ann Eklund, S. Karlsson, Lina Gyllencreutz","doi":"10.1108/ijes-02-2022-0006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-02-2022-0006","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeMajor incidents in tunnel environment will pose several challenges for the emergency service organisations in terms of heat, visibility and lack of experiences from working in confined environments. These aspects, in turn, could pose challenges to establish collaboration. This study aims to contribute to the field of collaborative tunnel responses by exploring how “common knowledge” (Edwards, 2011) is built by the emergency services organisations, that is, what the organisations consider important while working on a potentially common problem, and their motives for the interpretations and actions if a major tunnel incident occurs.Design/methodology/approachParticipants from the road traffic control centre, emergency dispatch centre, emergency medical service, rescue service and police were included in the study. Data from four focus group sessions was analysed using thematic analysis.FindingsThe study revealed that the tunnel environment presents specific aspects of how common knowledge was produced related to lifesaving and safety. The themes structuring mechanisms to reduce uncertainty, managing information for initial priorities, aligning responsibilities without hampering each other's work and adjusting actions to manage distance, illustrated how common knowledge was produced as crucial aspects to a collaborative response. Organising management sites, grasping and communicating risks, accessing the injury victims, was challenged by the confined environment, physical distances and imbalance in access to information and preparedness activities in tunnel environments.Originality/valueThis study offers new insights of common knowledge, by illustrating a motive perspective on collaborative responses in tunnel incidents. Creating interoperability calls not just for readiness for action and tunnel safety, but also training activities acknowledging different interpretations and motives to further develop tunnel responses.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44346017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-29DOI: 10.1108/ijes-10-2022-087
Faris Alshubiri, M. Alraja
with the quality of the environment as measured through economic growth and energy consumption. The researchers found a long-term correlation extending from external variables to internal variables, but they found a negative correlation between environmental deterioration, economic growth and foreign trade. The study also emphasises the need for sustainable energy use and its alternatives as well as the creation of renewable energy to mitigate negative effects on the environment.
{"title":"Guest editorial: Green finance for support emergency services strategies and sustainable development goals (SDGs)","authors":"Faris Alshubiri, M. Alraja","doi":"10.1108/ijes-10-2022-087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-10-2022-087","url":null,"abstract":"with the quality of the environment as measured through economic growth and energy consumption. The researchers found a long-term correlation extending from external variables to internal variables, but they found a negative correlation between environmental deterioration, economic growth and foreign trade. The study also emphasises the need for sustainable energy use and its alternatives as well as the creation of renewable energy to mitigate negative effects on the environment.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46357341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-28DOI: 10.1108/ijes-12-2021-0080
C. Powell, B. Fylan, Kathryn Lord, F. Bell, L. Breen
PurposeThe 999 ambulance call handler is critical in responding to emergency patient treatment; however, the call handlers are often a hidden component of the healthcare workforce and an under-researched group. The objective of this study is to understand stress triggers experienced by 999 ambulance call handlers that could lead to burnout and examine personal and organisational mechanisms and strategies which reduced the risk of burnout.Design/methodology/approachA single interview case study approach applying qualitative methods was undertaken. Participants were identified through a purposive sample of 999 ambulance call handlers with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust (UK). Participants were interviewed via telephone between July 2019 and September 2019.FindingsIn total, 18 staff participated in this study. Societal factors including public incivility and media representation and organisational factors, such as a demanding environment, lack of appreciation and career progression, training issues and protocols were key stressors. Organisational well-being services were helpful for some, but for others lacked accessibility and appropriateness. Positive public feedback and speaking with peers bolstered well-being. 999 ambulance call handlers suggested that sufficient breaks, co-design or feeding back on training and protocols and creating more informal opportunities to discuss ongoing everyday stressors as methods to reduce stress and burnout.Originality/valueThis paper explores a previously under researched area on stressors and potential burnout in 999 call handlers. This paper highlights the need for improved organisational support services and appropriate public and sector peer recognition of the role of ambulance 999 ambulance call handlers.
{"title":"A qualitative analysis of stressors affecting 999 ambulance call handlers' mental health and well-being","authors":"C. Powell, B. Fylan, Kathryn Lord, F. Bell, L. Breen","doi":"10.1108/ijes-12-2021-0080","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-12-2021-0080","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThe 999 ambulance call handler is critical in responding to emergency patient treatment; however, the call handlers are often a hidden component of the healthcare workforce and an under-researched group. The objective of this study is to understand stress triggers experienced by 999 ambulance call handlers that could lead to burnout and examine personal and organisational mechanisms and strategies which reduced the risk of burnout.Design/methodology/approachA single interview case study approach applying qualitative methods was undertaken. Participants were identified through a purposive sample of 999 ambulance call handlers with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust (UK). Participants were interviewed via telephone between July 2019 and September 2019.FindingsIn total, 18 staff participated in this study. Societal factors including public incivility and media representation and organisational factors, such as a demanding environment, lack of appreciation and career progression, training issues and protocols were key stressors. Organisational well-being services were helpful for some, but for others lacked accessibility and appropriateness. Positive public feedback and speaking with peers bolstered well-being. 999 ambulance call handlers suggested that sufficient breaks, co-design or feeding back on training and protocols and creating more informal opportunities to discuss ongoing everyday stressors as methods to reduce stress and burnout.Originality/valueThis paper explores a previously under researched area on stressors and potential burnout in 999 call handlers. This paper highlights the need for improved organisational support services and appropriate public and sector peer recognition of the role of ambulance 999 ambulance call handlers.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43190289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-27DOI: 10.1108/ijes-03-2022-0016
Keith A. Fredin
PurposeThis paper evaluates the value and necessity of greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in Canadian fire departments. Rather than focussing on changing hiring practices, the paper seeks to highlight how leadership can implement a culture of EDI that will encourage all people to participate.Design/methodology/approachFrom a leadership perspective, this paper aims to show how EDI can improve firefighter teamwork and job performance whilst satisfying moral obligations to better represent Canadian communities. Strategies and their limitations for communication and culture change are discussed.FindingsLeaders of Canadian fire departments can utilise organisational change models focussing on improved communication techniques and models to implement cultural changes needed to allow for more EDI. Specific recommendations based on business research into culture change, communication and EDI are outlined.Practical implicationsRecommendations to fire department leadership for cultural changes and communication are provided. Further, strategies and reasoning for why inclusive departments are more effective are given.Social implicationsCreating a more inclusive culture in fire departments will lead to an increase in applications from people who have not typically applied in the past.Originality/valueThere has been little research or recommendations on increasing EDI in Canadian fire departments through cultural changes. Most existing literature is vague and tends to focus on hiring practices over an analysis of internal culture. This article provides analysis of best business practices and applies those to the cultural context of fire departments to promote culture change.
{"title":"Extinguishing injustice: growing equity, diversity and inclusion in Canadian fire departments","authors":"Keith A. Fredin","doi":"10.1108/ijes-03-2022-0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/ijes-03-2022-0016","url":null,"abstract":"PurposeThis paper evaluates the value and necessity of greater equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in Canadian fire departments. Rather than focussing on changing hiring practices, the paper seeks to highlight how leadership can implement a culture of EDI that will encourage all people to participate.Design/methodology/approachFrom a leadership perspective, this paper aims to show how EDI can improve firefighter teamwork and job performance whilst satisfying moral obligations to better represent Canadian communities. Strategies and their limitations for communication and culture change are discussed.FindingsLeaders of Canadian fire departments can utilise organisational change models focussing on improved communication techniques and models to implement cultural changes needed to allow for more EDI. Specific recommendations based on business research into culture change, communication and EDI are outlined.Practical implicationsRecommendations to fire department leadership for cultural changes and communication are provided. Further, strategies and reasoning for why inclusive departments are more effective are given.Social implicationsCreating a more inclusive culture in fire departments will lead to an increase in applications from people who have not typically applied in the past.Originality/valueThere has been little research or recommendations on increasing EDI in Canadian fire departments through cultural changes. Most existing literature is vague and tends to focus on hiring practices over an analysis of internal culture. This article provides analysis of best business practices and applies those to the cultural context of fire departments to promote culture change.","PeriodicalId":44087,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Services","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2022-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49531666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2022-09-27DOI: 10.1108/ijes-05-2022-0022
Maria Køber Guldvik, A. Helseth, Gjermund Grimsby
PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to estimate the effect of rapid intervention vehicles (RIVs)’ impact on fire department (FDs)' response time.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed multivariate regression analysis of changes in response times before and after introducing RIVs into the FD task force, controlling for expected travel time. Response time analysis based on the database of all emergency fire responses in Norway from 2016 to 2021 was carried out.FindingsIntroducing RIVs into the FDs' task force reduced response times by 53 s on average for every call where an RIV is being deployed, given an average driving length of an emergency call of 6.4 kilometers. The response time is reduced to approximately 37 s independently of driving length, and this effect increases with 2.5 s per km.Originality/valuePrecise estimation of the expected reduced response time was calculated by introducing the first RIV into the FD's task force based on advanced statistical analysis on complete emergency register data. The analysis shows that RIVs have a positive impact on response time in both urban and rural areas, while particularly strong for urban areas.
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