Analysis of violent attacks on emergency medical technicians in Ghana: a structural equation modelling approach

Dublin Core

Title

Analysis of violent attacks on emergency medical technicians in Ghana: a structural equation modelling approach

Subject

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), Violent attacks, Perpetrators, Prehospital, Emergency care

Description

Background Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) play a crucial role in healthcare, yet they frequently encounter
violence in the line of duty. The incidence of violence against EMTs in Ghana is still not well understood, and it is a
problem that is frequently ignored.
Objective This study investigates the impact of different perpetrators on violent attacks against EMTs in Ghana,
examining how emergencies mediate these incidents. The study focuses on EMTs from the Ghana National
Ambulance Service (NAS) across three key regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, and the Northern Region, with a total
sample size of 336 EMTs. The main population of the study consisted of EMTs, and the Partial Least Squares structural
equation technique was used for data analysis.
Methods A multistage sampling technique was employed to ensure systematic coverage across regions, with
sample sizes proportionally calculated based on the distribution of EMTs. Data was collected using a Likert scale
questionnaire to capture EMTs’ experiences and perspectives across various dimensions.
Findings The study reveals that high-stress emergencies significantly influence the types of violence EMTs
experience. These situations increase the likelihood of both physical assaults and verbal abuse. The identity of
the perpetrators, including relatives, doctors, and nurses, is also a significant factor in the occurrence of violence.
Moreover, the nature of emergencies mediates the relationship between perpetrators and the types of violent
incidents, emphasising the importance of situational factors in understanding and preventing violence against EMTs.
Conclusion In conclusion, High-stress emergencies contribute to violence against EMTs, with perpetrators playing
a crucial role. The study suggests enhancing safety training, strengthening security, raising public awareness,
implementing legal reforms, and providing mental health support.
Clinical trial number Not applicable

Creator

Azudaa R. Atandigre1

, Yenube Clement Kunkuaboor2*, Michael Adesi3

, Ahmed N. Zakariah1

, Miilon Sommik Duut1

and Jones Opoku-Ware4

Source

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-025-01435-1

Date

2026

Contributor

PERI IRAWAN

Format

PDF

Language

ENGLISH

Type

TEXT

Files

Collection

Citation

Azudaa R. Atandigre1 , Yenube Clement Kunkuaboor2*, Michael Adesi3 , Ahmed N. Zakariah1 , Miilon Sommik Duut1 and Jones Opoku-Ware4, “Analysis of violent attacks on emergency medical technicians in Ghana: a structural equation modelling approach,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12032.