Hot och våld mot ambulanspersonal i Jämtlands län.

Abstract Background: Threats and violence occurs, not only in the community, but also in our workplaces. Staff in the healthcare are one of the most vulnerable occupational categories in terms of work-related threats and violent situations. Studies showed that most nurses at some time been subject to threats and/or violence. Ambulance personnel are a particularly vulnerable profession. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the presence of threats and violent situations that ambulance staff were exposed to in Jämtland County. Method: All active categories of staff in ambulance care in Jämtland County was asked about participation. A total of 91 questionnaires were answered, giving a response rate of 64 %. Results: The results showed that almost half of the staff employed in ambulance care in Jämtland County had been subjected to any form of threat and/or violence in the last three years. The perpetrator was in most cases an alcohol affected patient. The distances in the county and the absence of police forces were indicated as one of the problems. Conclusion: The study showed that over half of the victims of threats and violence experienced it as a problem. It affected not only the relationship between carer and patient in a negative sense, but also the relationship with the patient's relatives. Keywords: ambulance, paramedic, prehospital, nurse, nursing