Working in emergency services in Germany: cross-sectional data on violence experience and perception

Abstract Background Violence in emergency medical services (EMS) continues to be a topic of concern. Experiencing violence impedes the workers’ wellbeing, thus impairing the coverage and quality of EMS. We explored employment-related factors associated with violence experience and perception. Methods We conducted an anonymous online-based survey among EMS staff in Germany (09.2023-01.2024). Participants reported on their work setting, frequency of violent experiences and perception of violence. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were calculated. Results Of 224 participants with completed questionnaires, 86 reported to have been exposed to physical violence (PV) in the past 12 months (Median number of events=2.00) and 129 reported to have experienced non-physical violence (NPV; Median number of events=5.00) with the majority of participants reporting that all cases occurred during assignment (n(PV)=79; n(NPV)=86). Of those, 78 reported PV by patients and 5 by colleagues, while in NPV cases 113 participants experienced violence by patients and 40 by colleagues. Women had a higher probability of reporting PV experiences compared to men (OR = 2.214, p=.010). Reporting NPV experiences was negatively associated with age between 45 and 49 (compared to ≤ 24 years, OR=.291, p=.019) and having worked for the current employer for ≥16 years (OR=.339, p=.035). Participants who have experienced violence in the past year had a higher likelihood of perceiving a general increase in the prevalence of violence in EMS (PV: OR = 6.766, p<.001; NPV: OR = 1.688, p=.047). Conclusions Younger EMS workers with juniority have a higher probability of reporting experiencing NPV. Women are more likely to report experiencing PV. It remains to be explored, if these associations refer to the experiences of violence, to reporting frequency or both. Regardless, the majority of respondents perceive an increase in violence within the work setting of EMS, especially if they have been subjected to it themselves. Key messages • EMS professionals experience significant levels of physical and non-physical violence originating from patients and colleagues. • Sex, age and seniority may affect the likelihood of EMS professionals of experiencing physical or non-physical violence.