Survey of EMTs' attitudes towards death

The purpose of this study was to ascertain information about emergency medical technicians' (EMTs') attitudes towards their training, comfort, and roles when a patient dies on-scene.

A sample of 136 EMTs (all levels) from 14 different states participated in a survey prior to completing a continuing education program. About 40% (n = 54) of the EMTs were attending a training program related to death based on the Emergency Death Education and Crisis Training Curriculum, while 60% (n = 82) were attending an EMT training program not related to death. Each participant answered questions about their attitudes towards a death on-scene using a five-point Likert scale. The EMTs were compared by level-of training (EMT-B/EMT-I and EMT-P), and by type of educational program attended (death-related education and non-death-related education).

Most (82%) participants reported that an EMT's actions impact the grief process of a bereaved family. About half (54%) reported that an EMT's role should include notifying the family of the death. However, three-quarters (76%) reported that they had not been trained adequately to make a death notification or help the family with their grief. Many (40%) felt uncomfortable making a death notification. Differences were present in EMTs enrolled in the death education courses as compared to those attending an educational program not related to death. Differences also were found in the levels of EMTs (EMT-B/EMT-I versus EMT-Paramedics).

This study provides new insights about EMTs' attitudes towards death and the death-related training they receive.