Thesis (M. Nurs.)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Also available in print.

Thesis--Columbia University. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 157-165).

Thesis (M. Med. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005.

Thesis (M.Nurs.)--Washington State University, May 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 39-46).

A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Technology: Emergency Medical Care in the Department of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue, Durban University of Technology / Strong earthquakes are frequent catastrophic disasters occurring worldwide and often lead to structural collapse of buildings. Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is the specialised process of locating, extricating and providing immediate medical treatment to victims trapped in collapsed structures. This research project aimed to identify the key preparedness efforts necessary by an earthquake affected country to ensure best coordinated use of international USAR assistance. / M

No description available.

Strong earthquakes are frequent catastrophic disasters occurring worldwide and often lead to structural collapse of buildings. Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) is the specialised process of locating, extricating and providing immediate medical treatment to victims trapped in collapsed structures. This research project aimed to identify the key preparedness efforts necessary by an earthquake affected country to ensure best coordinated use of international USAR assistance.

published_or_final_version / Community Medicine / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

No description available.

Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel experience direct traumatic exposure that can leave a lasting negative impact. However, little is known about the vicarious exposure that EMS personnel experience at challenging calls when family and loved ones are present at the scene. Additionally, there is minimal research that has looked at the experiences among paramedics and EMTs who arrive to mental disturbance calls or completed suicides. In order to add to the substantial body of literature on EMS personnel and traumatic exposure, this study explored their experiences of multifaceted traumatization; the lived experiences of paramedics and EMTs who have responded to completed suicides where loved ones of the deceased were present, and as a result, experienced both a negative psychological impact and posttraumatic growth. The study explored the risk factors and protective factors that paramedics and EMTs experience in their work. Additionally, this inquiry sought to explore the ways in which participants find meaning in providing emergency medical services and how they sustain their work. <br>This qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted through semi-structured individual interviews with 12 paramedics or EMTs who have been employed or volunteered for at least one year. Explication of data was completed using van Manen's (1990) four existential themes: spatiality, corporeality, temporality, and relationality. The results of this study identified themes that address van Manen's (1990) lived existentials, protective factors against posttraumatic symptoms through direct and vicarious traumatization, risk factors that contribute to these symptoms, and meaning making in their work. The implications of the study for the field of emergency medical services and suggestions for future research are provided. / School of Education; / Counselor Education and Supervision (ExCES) / PhD; / Dissertation;