Paramedics rely on establishing a health provider-patient relationship with patients that promotes two-way communication, patient satisfaction, and facilitates appropriate patient assessment and treatment. Paramedics also must have an ability to empathize with patients and their family members in order to develop a successful health provider-patient relationship. The objective of this study was to assess paramedics’ empathy and attitudes toward patients with specific conditions.

This was a cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of first-, second-, and third-year, Australian undergraduate paramedic students. Student empathy levels were assessed using two standardized self-reporting instruments: the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) Health Professional (HP) version and the Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS).

A total of 94 paramedic students participated in the study. The JSPE demonstrated that male paramedic students had higher mean empathy scores than did female paramedic students (113.25 and 107.5, respectively; P = .042). The JSPE empathy level scores were lowest among first-year paramedic students (mean = 107.53); age was not found to be a significant variable on empathy scores. The Medical Condition Regard Scale revealed lowest scores in compassion towards substance abuse (mean = 46.42).

The results of this study provide the discipline of paramedic health care with useful data, and provide students, academics, and other educators with important information regarding the improvement of the health provider-patient relationship and paramedic education curriculum development.

WilliamsB, BoyleM, EarlT. Measurement of Empathy Levels in Undergraduate Paramedic Students. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-5.

Correct identification of the J-Point and ST-segment on an electrocardiograph (ECG) is an important clinical skill for paramedics working in acute healthcare settings. The skill of ECG analysis and interpretation is known to be challenging to learn and often is a difficult concept to teach.

The objective of the study was to determine if undergraduate paramedic students could accurately identify ECG ST-segment elevation and J-Point location.

A convenience sample of undergraduate paramedic students (n = 148) was provided with four enlarged ECGs (ECG1–4) that illustrated different levels, patterns, and characteristics of ST-segment elevation. Participants were asked to identify whether ST-elevation was present, and if so, height in millimeters (mm) and the correct location of the J-Point.

There were significant variations in students'accuracy with both J-Point and ST-segment determination. Eleven (10%) students correctly identified the ST-segment being present in all ECGs. Also, ECG 2 reflected 6 mm of ST-elevation; however, only one student correctly identified this. Overall the students were 0.55 mm (95% CI = 0.29–0.81 mm, range = -6.5–5.8 mm) from the J-point on the horizontal and -0.18 mm (95% CI = -0.31–0.04 mm, range = -2.8–2.3 mm) on the vertical axis.

Undergraduate paramedic students recognize ST-segment elevation. However, inaccuracies occurred with measurements of ST-segment and precise location of J-Points. Errors in ECG analysis may reflect weaknesses in teaching this skill. Consideration should be given to the design of an educational program that can reliably improve performance of this skill.

There are many patient assessment challenges in the prehospital setting, especially the estimation of external blood loss. Previous studies of experienced paramedics have demonstrated that external blood loss estimation is highly inaccurate. The objective of this study was to determine if undergraduate paramedic students could accurately estimate external blood loss on four surfaces commonly found in the prehospital environment.

This prospective, observational, blinded study used a convenience sample of undergraduate students studying at Monash University during 2006. Students were provided with four clinical vignettes using four different surfaces and varying simulated blood amounts.

Accurate estimation occurred with the vinyl simulation (100 ml), with a mean value of the estimations of 98 ml (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 84–113 ml). Carpet and concrete surfaces were both associated with large under-estimations.The carpet simulation (1,000 ml) had a mean value for the estimations of 347 ml (95% CI 320–429 ml). The concrete simulation (1,500 ml) had a mean value for the estimations of 885ml (95% CI 771–999 ml). Conversely, the clothing simulation (500 ml) emphasized over-estimation, with a mean value for the estimations of 1,253 ml (95% CI 1,093–1,414 ml). There was no relationship between increased accuracy and clinical experience, exposure, educational qualifications, or age of students.

External blood loss estimation by undergraduate paramedic students generally is too inaccurate to be of any clinical benefit. Particularly, absorbent and impermeable surfaces precipitated inaccuracies by undergraduate paramedic students.