Assessment of the Palestinian Red Crescent society emergency medical workers’ health risks, satisfaction, and psychologically situation in Palestine.
Date
2021-06-05
Authors
Ismael Osama Abu Zayyad
اسماعيل زياد ابو زياد
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
Introduction: Emergency medical services (EMS) systems of care and health provision, respond
to major events of crises and individual health emergencies, but they face many challenges not
recognized by many organizations. EMS risk factors are difficult to define and characterize.
Objective: To assess the health status of workers in the Palestinian Red Crescent Society-
Emergency Medical Services in Palestine.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in
three areas (Jerusalem, West Bank, Gaza Strip) in the year 2019. The study includes all EMS
workers predominantly males, with only 11.9% being female. The questionnaire includes
demographic characteristics, personal information, functional information, job difficulties, job
satisfaction and leave decision, injuries and illness, and organization systems. Pilot
questionnaires were excluded and not considered in the final research results (they form 7.96 %
of the population). Descriptive analyses used Chi-square, mean, and frequency, Fisher test, and
logistic regressions were conducted to analyze the factors that affect the decision of leaving
EMS.
Result: The main source of a work injury that occupies 66.8% is the structures and surfaces on
the scene. While the person's source of illness is significant. A traumatic injuries to muscles
cover a high number of occupational injuries among EMS workers. Surface wounds and bruises
are the significant nature of the injury, followed by chemical burns and corrosion injuries. Where
the percentage of work injury was 61.8% of employees and 42.5% of employees have an illness
at work. The highest percentage of participants have a respiratory system ailment (38%). For the
event of injury Jerusalem showed a high level from moving and transferring patients at 85.0%,
and the military (Israeli army) situation with 65.0% of events that injuries occur in. For illness,
the highest percentage is from the same event of moving and transferring patients, and the
military (Israeli army) situation. Incredibly about 57.1% of the employees with an injury never
get leave due to injury, also 36.9% who get illnesses never get sick leave. There are 13.1%
suffering from a chronic disease, however, 94.3% of employees have an average physical time
off weekly of less than 150 minutes. 41.8% of employees have over 15 years of EMS experience,
unfortunately, there is just 1% of workers who have the paramedic certification.
Conclusion: The study identified the health status and main health problem of the EMS workers
in PRCS, their event, and source of exposure that affects the worker by the organization or the
scene are also identified. The difference between the areas of work and between the workers and
their effect on their health was taken into consideration especially in Palestine that is under
occupation. Further research is needed to understand, address and improve the health of EMS
workers.