Fatigue in Emergency Medical Services Systems

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15259602019PDFTech ReportPatterson, P. DanielRobinson, KathyNational Association of State EMS OfficialsUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Office of Behavioral Safety ResearchUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesEmergency medical servicesFatigue (Physiological condition)Risk managementMethodologyFatigue Risk ManagementGRADE methodologyevidence-based guidelinesDOT HS 812 767DTNH2215C0002Final ReportThis project produced five evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) for fatigue risk management tailored to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations using the National Prehospital EBG Model Process and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. 1.Use fatigue/sleepiness survey instruments to measure and monitor fatigue in EMS personnel. 2.EMS personnel work shifts shorter than 24 hours long. 3.EMS personnel have access to caffeine as a fatigue countermeasure. 4.EMS personnel have opportunities to nap while on duty to mitigate fatigue. 5.EMS personnel receive education and training to mitigate fatigue and fatigue-related risks.129