Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD) are the first point of contact in emergency medical services (EMS). Their work is characterized by high-pressure environments, with heavy call volumes and life-or-death decision-making. Prolonged computer use, continuous telephone communication, and cognitive demands in call centers further expose EMD to visual strain, hearing disorders, and musculoskeletal issues, combined with the psychological stressors inherent to emergency care. This study aimed to describe the working conditions and occupational risk factors among EMD across four different EMS systems: the Czech Republic, France, Thailand, and the USA. Methods This was a multicentric prospective descriptive survey. EMD completed a culturally adapted survey using internationally validated instruments. Continuous variables were presented as medians with interquartile ranges, while categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. Results 278 EMD (77%) participated. The median age ranged from 30.5 years (Thailand) to 39.5 years (Czech Republic), with a majority of women (50%–76%). Full-time work predominated in France, Thailand, and the USA (81%–98%), while part-time work was more common in the Czech Republic (41%). Average weekly working hours were 35 in France and 42 in the USA, with 81% of US and 100% of Czech EMD reporting shifts exceeding 10 hours. Tense interactions with the public and healthcare professionals were most frequent among Thai EMD. An effort–reward imbalance ratio ≥ 1.5 was observed in 14% of Thai and US EMD, 9.1% in France, and none in the Czech Republic. Overcommitment was highest in Thailand (60%), compared to 32% in the USA, 30% in France, and 23% in the Czech Republic. Poor self-reported health and depressive symptoms were notably higher in Thailand. Most participants reported moderate perceived stress, and over 40% slept fewer than six hours per. Abnormal daytime sleepiness affected 39%–55% of respondents, while musculoskeletal pain was widespread. Conclusions This study underscores the impact of working conditions on EMD health, revealing cross-national differences in training, schedules, and psychosocial stressors. The high prevalence of depressive symptoms, stress, musculoskeletal pain, sleep deprivation, and effort–reward imbalance highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions to mitigate occupational hazards in this critical profession.