Objectives and Findings
The authors of this research paper focused on these objectives: To explain why many emergency medical services (EMS) professionals were experiencing increased cases of assaults, to understand the causal or risk factors for violence against EMS personnel, and to present evidence-based strategies for preventing such occurrences (Maguire, O’Meara, & O’Neill, 2018).
The identified issue remains a major challenge in many agencies and health institutions. Around 2,000 EMS workers are injured annually in the US in violence-related events or incidents (Maguire et al., 2018). Using past publications and guidelines from different agencies, the article presents meaningful findings that can deliver positive results. Some of them include body cameras, use of weapons, self-defense training, chemical restraints, and de-escalation techniques (Maguire et al., 2018).
The outlined recommendations include being aware of the existing situation, understanding how to use restraints effectively, and embracing self-defense mechanisms. The article encourages EMS agencies to offer additional resources and training opportunities that can ensure that the targeted professionals are protected against any form of assault.
Additional considerations include educating providers, influencing legislation and policy, changing organizational behaviors and practices, promoting community training, and enhancing individual skills and knowledge. When more stakeholders appreciate the reality of this predicament, the chances are high that they will be willing to design and implement powerful interventions that fulfill EMS professionals’ needs. The police, staff members in nursing facilities, and emergency responders can collaborate to overcome this problem and educate more people about its consequences (Maguire et al., 2018). The authors conclude the article by encouraging community members to collaborate and focus on evidence-based strategies that will maximize the level of support available to all victims of violence.
Research Design
The authors employed a simple design or technique to complete the intended study. They embraced the power of a qualitative approach to understand the nature of this problem, emerging issues, and proposals for improving the situation. The identifiable research method is that of content analysis whereby past reports and studies are consulted to present superior solutions to the issue of violence against EMS personnel.
This model made it possible for the authors to present convincing arguments supported by high-quality information (Maguire et al., 2018). This article can, therefore, be studied or treated as a qualitative study since it relies on the use of secondary evidence or sources. This is the case since the authors did not collect any kind of data by completing different experiments, focus group sessions, or interviews.
The target population for this study was that of EMS personnel and other professionals providing emergency services in the healthcare sector. These individuals continue to experience diverse challenges, including assault, discrimination, and violence. The qualitative approach made it possible for the researchers to get a clear picture of the targeted issue and identify evidence-based strategies for empowering them (Maguire et al., 2018). In terms of duration, the paper does not give a specified research timeline.
Conclusion
The above discussion has presented a succinct review of the selected article. The ideas and insights presented in the document can be adopted as powerful tools or strategies for protecting EMS personnel and ensuring that they pursue their goals diligently. The support and empowerment of such individuals will make it easier for them to continue advocating for the needs and experiences of patients in need of emergency services. The adopted research design has made it possible for the researchers to present convincing and applicable discussions or recommendations.
Reference
Maguire, B. J., O’Meara, P., & O’Neill, B. J. (2018). Protecting EMS personnel from assault. Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Web.