The effect of disaster risks during the COVID-19 of emergency medical services workers on health management (Bursa-Gümüşhane sample)

Emergency medical services (EMS) are vital for delivering healthcare in routine and disaster situations. Despite facing inherent risks in their duties, EMS workers encounter increased challenges, especially with the growing number of disasters like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This heightens the importance of understanding and addressing EMS workers' psychological well-being, disaster risk perception, and occupational safety. The primary goal of our study is to identify factors influencing EMS workers' anxiety, disaster risk perception, and occupational safety, focusing on their impact on health management. Conducted with a sample of 603 EMS workers in Bursa and Gümüşhane provinces, our research utilized the Occupational Safety Scale for Health Care Personnel, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Disaster Risk Perception Scale. Using impact analysis and structural equation modeling, we validated our research model. Employing statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlation, t-tests, ANOVA tests, and mediation analysis, we unraveled the relationships among EMS workers' anxiety, disaster risk perception, and occupational safety levels. Our findings revealed a significant negative correlation between EMS workers' anxiety and disaster risk perception levels and their occupational safety. Additionally, a positive association was identified between EMS workers' anxiety and disaster risk perception levels. Mediation analysis indicated that the disaster risk perception level partially mediates the impact of occupational safety on EMS workers' anxiety. In conclusion, this study provides insights to inform initiatives enhancing the safety and well-being of EMS workers. Addressing these factors ensures interventions are tailored to improve emergency healthcare services, enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of EMS operations against evolving challenges.