@article{ref1,
title="Violence against ambulance staff",
journal="Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz",
year="2022",
author="Leuschner, Fredericke and Herr, Anne T. and Lutz, Paulina and Fecher, Lena and Selzer, Michaela",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Attacks against emergency medical services are increasingly discussed in the media and in politics, which is reflected in political initiatives and legislative changes. However, there is a rather low number of scientific studies on this topic in Germany that do not represent a consistent image of prevalence. The current article addresses prevalence and situational escalation factors as well as consequences of the incidents and wishes of the emergency medical services regarding attacks. <br><br>METHODS: Between May and August 2021, emergency medical services were surveyed using a mixed-methods approach, which included long-term data collection on the frequency of violent crime in the form of an online questionnaire and qualitative interviews of experts and victims. <br><br>FINDINGS: Verbal attacks in particular are part of the everyday working experience of emergency medical services. On average, 29% of respondents were insulted, harassed, or verbally threatened. Moreover, an average of 8% of those surveyed were also exposed to physical attacks. At the same time, the need for improvement regarding aftercare as well as education and training are expressed. <br><br>DISCUSSION: Education and training courses that raise awareness of dangers, consider de-escalation approaches, and address self-protection could reduce the risk of attacks and thus stress of this kind in everyday working life.<p /> <p>Language: de</p>",
language="de",
issn="1436-9990",
doi="10.1007/s00103-022-03564-5",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00103-022-03564-5"
}