ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the problem of violence in French EMS system and characterize assaults. STUDY DESIGN: Multicentric, descriptive, open study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was given to a sample of prehospital care providers in Paris area. People were asked about assaults during their careers, typology of the assaults and consequences. Results are presented in percentage and means. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-six questionnaires were returned. One or more assaults were recounted by 23% (61/271) of the sample (median of 8 +/- 7 years experience on the job). The injuries were bruises in 40% (17/43), wounds in 9% (4/43) and fractures in 2% (1/43). Only 4% of assaults were followed by sick leave, 15% by a complaint. After the assaults, 4% (2/45) reported having got therapy against post-traumatic stress disorder. Eighty-eight per cent reported verbal threat and 41% physical threat. Thirteen per cent (25/200) were threatened with a knife and 12% (23/200) with a gun. Only 9% (24/270) had a formal training for management of violence. CONCLUSION: Formal training in the management of violent encounters and prevention of post-traumatic stress should be developed.
