Four in five medics have experienced some kind of injury or medical condition as a result of their work, according to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians Experiences with Emergency Medical Services Survey, conducted by Harris Interactive.

A total of 1,356 NAEMT members participated in the survey, commissioned by NAEMT and McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, and reported that:

• More than one in two (52%) have been assaulted by a patient;
• One in two (50%) have been exposed to an infectious disease;
• Almost one in two (47%) have sustained back injury while performing EMS duties; and
• One in five (21%) have contracted an illness from a patient.

Despite the dangers associated with EMS work, most survey respondents reported that they find their EMS work to be both satisfying and challenging. Only one in five (21%) ranked their personal safety as their top concern about their EMS work. Instead, the concerns cited most often by respondents were:

• Training and education of EMS personnel;
• Quality of patient clinical care; and
• Funding for EMS.

When asked, “What do you value most about working in EMS?” 87% of those surveyed said “the opportunity to help people in need,” 63% cited “the opportunity to give back to the community,” and 62% each noted “the opportunity to work in a variety of settings” and “the desire to work in a medical profession.” The more pragmatic reasons for working in EMS included the fast-paced work environment and the flexible schedule.

Of those surveyed, 64% work as paramedics and 36% are EMTs; 80% are paid and 20% are volunteers; 66% of the paid workers are full-time employees, and 14% are paid part-time employees.

The survey, conducted in June and July, also asked some questions about EMS training and found that while three in five surveyed (62%) agreed that there is adequate training for EMS personnel in their communities, two-thirds (66%) said that the EMS team in their community is not adequately prepared for the possibility of a terrorist attack or natural disaster.