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Acceptance of a medical first-responder role by fire fighters
1Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Monash Medical School, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Vic. 3181, Prahran, Australia. karen.smith@med.monash.edu.au
Study Objective:
In July 1998, a pilot trial which used fire fighters as medical first-responders for the first time in Australia, was implemented in Melbourne. We aimed to assess the impact of the introduction of a medical first-responder role to the fire service, on the fire fighters both professionally and personally.
Methods:
Focus groups were conducted at the fire stations located in the study area. Data from the focus groups was collated and examined for themes. The issues identified as important through the focus groups were then incorporated into a questionnaire.
Results:
The fire fighters located at the pilot stations involved in the first-responder programme appear to view their new role as first-responders as a positive addition to their emergency profession. Some areas of the programme were identified by this study as in need of improvement. Some aspects of the communication strategies utilised by the Fire Brigade were highly criticised. Some aspects of the support system offered by the Fire Brigade also appear to be regarded as unfavourable.
Conclusion:
Results from this study provide useful information on professional fire fighter first-responder programmes and their impact on participating personnel. These results can be used to improve training modules, communication strategies and support services.