Occupational Risks Among Ambulance Personnel in Australia
Many of us have thought for years that ambulance work is particularly dangerous. But because of a lack of research on the topic, we have had a very difficult time convincing people outside the profession that this is a hazardous job. As a result, more support is needed to help make ambulance work safer.
We are beginning to learn just how dangerous this work really is but we still do not know much about the causes of the high rate. Just like taking vital signs and a patient history before we can treat a patient, research must be done to determine the reasons for this high rate before interventions can be developed, tested and implemented.
Dr. Brian Maguire has been awarded a
Fulbright Scholarship to
study occupational risks among ambulance personnel in Australia. This
research
builds upon his previous studies and aims, ultimately, to develop
lessons learned
and best practices that can be used to help protect the lives and
health of
emergency services personnel across Australia and around the world. Dr.
Maguire's extensive studies of occupational risks among
ambulance personnel were the first to document the high rates of
injuries and
fatalities in the U.S. Brian is a former New York City paramedic and is
currently a faculty member and administrator in the emergency health
services
program at the University of Maryland.
Les Hotchin, FACAP, Secretary of the Australian College of Ambulance Professionals (ACAP) says: "ACAP supports this important research initiative by Dr. Maguire and urges all paramedics to participate in the survey".
The Questionnaire
All Australian ambulance personnel are invited to participate in this
important research. Participants are asked to complete an on-line
questionnaire
related to occupational risks.
The full version of the questionnaire will take about 15 minutes to
complete, it can be accessed here:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229HL4VZHF3
A short version of the questionnaire takes about five minutes to complete and can be accessed here:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB22A743J5JTC
Dr. Maguire will be conducting presentations
throughout
Australia over the coming months. All ambulance personnel are invited
to
attend. Check back here for updates to the presentation schedule.
Contact Dr.
Maguire if you would like a presentation in your area.
For more information about this Fulbright project click here:
http://www.fulbright.com.au/scholars/american-scholars/2009/BrianMaguire.html
For more about the Fulbright program click here:
http://www.fulbright.com.au
There is a short video about the project here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGTuoCYIh4w
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Maguire directly at
maguire@umbc.edu.
--
Brian J. Maguire, Dr.PH, MSA, EMT-P
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Emergency Health Services
University of Maryland, Baltimore County 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250
Fax) 410/455-3045
