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Sources of Disagreement Among Public and Private Agency Paramedics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Carol S. Federiuk  and
Kerth O'Brien
Carol S. Federiuk*
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon
Kerth O'Brien
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
*
Department of Emergency Medicine, UHN 52, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201USA
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Abstract

Introduction:

The purpose of the study was to document the occurrence and causes of disagreements between paramedics in a tiered-response emergency medical services (EMS) system.

Methods:

This cohort analysis of disagreements between paramedics sampled 63 male public agency, 90 male private agency, and 41 female private agency paramedics. Paramedics responded to Likert-type items and one open-ended item concerning the occurrence of conflict between paramedics.

Results:

On-scene conflict between EMS personnel from public and private agencies was reported by 70% of the respondents. Conflicts that interfered with patient care were reported to occur more frequently between paramedics from different types of agencies. The most commonly mentioned subject of disagreement was patient treatment, followed by patient transport, interpersonal and interagency conflicts, and patient assessment.

Conclusion:

A majority of paramedics have experienced on-scene disagreements with other paramedics. Disagreements occur more frequently between paramedics from different agencies and encompass a wide range of issues concerning patient care and interpersonal relationships.

Keywords

communicationconflictdisagreementemergency medical services systemsemergency medical technicianparamedic
Type
Original Research
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 10 , Issue 2 , June 1995 , pp. 92 - 95
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 1995

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