Evaluation of anxiety and professional competence of prehospital emergency medical personnel in COVID-19 pandemics

INTRODUCTION: Emergency medical services (EMS) are an important part of the health care system. Decision-making is the most important part of their profession because they often have to make quick decisions and act on them despite critical situations. They are often the first to deal with a Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient and experience severe physical, mental, or moral stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of anxiety and professional competence of prehospital emergency medical personnel in the COVID-19 epidemics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was performed in 2021. A total of 200 prehospital emergency medical personnel were included in the study. Sampling method was census using a valid questionnaire of Corona Anxiety Scale and professional competence. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software version 21 via descriptive statistics and analytical tests. RESULTS: Mean and standard deviation of professional competence and anxiety of emergency medical staff were reported as 82.37 ± 65.13 and 98.17 ± 11.11, respectively. The results of the study on the relationship between the scores of the studied variables showed a significant relationship so that the level of anxiety with competence was remarkably related (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The stress and anxiety of the COVID-19 epidemic might have adverse effects on the professional competence of prehospital emergency medical personnel as well as their mental health. Applying strategies to reduce anxiety and attending disaster-related courses could help the quality of EMS by improving professional competence. Copyright © 2022 Via Medica.