Ambulance Service Manager Program
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A group of EMS leaders are conducting research aimed at identifying the incidence of domestic violence among EMS providers, in an effort to help individual providers and agencies cope with and find ways to reduce occurrences.
The group was inspired to research this area after one of their members shared a story about a married couple that both worked for the same company. Co-workers began noticing bruises and other changes in behavior and confronted her. With the safety of her children, and herself, in mind she confided in her boss that her husband was abusive with her. Her employer got her set up with a women’s shelter, but sadly she would never arrive. The night before she was to leave her dangerous surroundings for a new life, hers was tragically taken by her husband.
“Domestic violence is something that touches everyone’s life. Whether it is you, a family member, a friend or an acquaintance, we just want to help make a difference,” Chad Smith, project co-leader, said.
The survey targets three main components:
1. Is the incidence of violence higher or lower than the national average among EMS providers?
2. Is there validity in self-reporting?
3. What resources or training make a difference in those with experience with violence?
The group is asking the EMS community at-large to help make a difference. By completing a short survey, you can make sure that your voice is heard. The higher the results, the better the data. The survey can be found here.
Survey results will be made available at the conclusion of the project.