[Sustainability in preclinical emergency medicine : What is the influence of ethical considerations on sustainable and resource-saving practices in prehospital emergency medicine?]

Background and objectives: Sustainability in prehospital emergency medicine has received little attention, unlike in the hospital sector, where climate change and resource conservation are increasingly addressed. Ecological sustainability holds ethical significance within the Georgetown Mantra, as individual health must be viewed within the broader context of public health. The World Health Organization considers climate change the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century.

Methods: An online survey of 23 questions was conducted among emergency medical personnel. This study focuses on three specific questions related to ethical considerations of sustainable practices in emergency medicine. Subgroup analyses were performed.

Results: A total of 387 respondents (73% men, 27% women, aged 18-65 years, 17% physicians) participated. Most acknowledged climate change as a major health threat, but the 18-24 age group considered waste management less important in emergencies and prioritized individual health over public health. This age group also showed the lowest concern for climate change.

Conclusion: The low concern about climate change among 18- to 24-year-old emergency medical staff, along with their lower prioritization of waste separation, highlights the need for targeted education. This study is the first to show age- and profession-specific differences in the prioritization of individual versus public health, sustainable behavior, and the perceived relevance of climate change. Sustainable practices in emergency medicine could contribute to global public health and promote intergenerational justice. Ethical considerations play a critical role in balancing acute care with long-term sustainability.