Cross-Sectional Analysis of Occupational Hazards Awareness in Emergency Medical Services Students: A Regional Study

Introduction: Healthcare workers, particularly paramedics, face significant occupational hazards that elevate their risk of illness and injury compared to other professions. Factors such as insufficient awareness and inadequate training exacerbate these risks. The study aims to evaluate the awareness of emergency medical services (EMS) students in the Makkah region regarding various occupational hazards, including physical, biological, chemical, and mental risks. By assessing this awareness, the study needs to identify gaps in knowledge and training, ultimately contributing to improved safety protocols and educational programs in the EMS field. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed emergency medical services (EMS) students aged 18 to 30 at universities in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia, excluding those over 30 and other healthcare workers. A survey with five Likert-type questions measured awareness of occupational hazards and information sources, targeting a sample size of 94 students. Results: Of the 96 participants, 59.4% were male, and 71.9% were aged 21-23. The majority were from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University (67.7%). The mean awareness score was 3.66, with particularly high scores in hand hygiene (4.37) and personal protective equipment (PPE) use, especially for gloves (91.5%) and masks (90.6%). Chemical hazards were the most recognized (78%), while ergonomic hazards were the least known (20.6%). Media was the primary source of information (26.7%), whereas only 18.8% cited lectures and university materials. Education was correlated with increased confidence in PPE usage; however, chi-square tests indicated no significant associations (p = 0.941). Conclusion: The study concludes that while EMS students show good awareness of occupational hazards, there is a critical need for improved training and curricula. Their reliance on the media for information reveals a gap in educational resources. Enhancing training programs and revising curricula could significantly improve safety protocols and preparedness for paramedics in the Makkah region. Future research should assess the effectiveness of these educational improvements.