Awareness of Occupational Hazards Among Students of Emergency Medical Services

Introduction: Healthcare workers, including paramedics, are at high risk of occupational hazards such as physical, biological, chemical, and mechanical dangers. The US Department of Labor reports an occupational injury rate of 16.8% in healthcare, compared to 4.8% in other industries, making healthcare professionals twice as likely to suffer work related illnesses or injuries. Assessing Emergency Medical Services(EMS) students’ awareness of these risks is critical, yet research in this area remains limited. This study evaluates the awareness of occupational hazards among EMS students in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia, and examines how this awareness influences their understanding of health and safety practices. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among EMS students from three universities in Makkah. Awareness of occupational hazards was assessed using a structured questionnaire based on three validated studies evaluating knowledge of hazards, safety measures, and sources of information. Results: The response rate was 102% of the sample size. Results showed varying levels of awareness regarding occupational hazards. Chemical hazards were the most recognized, identified by 78% of students, while mechanical hazards were less known (32%), and ergonomic hazards were the least understood (20%). Most students encountered aggressive patients 1-3 times annually. Media was the primary information source for 26.7% of respondents, indicating gaps in formal education. Conclusion: This study highlights the current state of occupational hazard awareness among EMS students in the Makkah region. While students show relatively high awareness of safety measures, their reliance on media underscores the need for improved educational programs. Additionally, frequent encounters with aggressive patients emphasize the importance of incorporating de-escalation techniques into EMS training.