On August 7, 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) announced that it is extending its study of non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses among EMS workers. NIOSH wants to conduct more interviews of injured and ill EMS workers to collect additional information about: worker characteristics; injury outcomes; and the use of personal protective equipment. Ultimately, this project could help prevent future injuries and illnesses in the EMS workplace. 

According to NIOSH, studies have reported that EMS workers have higher rates of non-fatal injuries and illnesses than the general worker population. NIOSH hopes that interviewing randomly identified EMS workers who have been treated for an occupational injury or illness will help NIOSH better understand how these injuries and illnesses occur.  

Collection of telephone interview data began in July 2010 and NIOSH wants to extend this project for another two years. The agency estimates that they will contact approximately 150 EMS workers per year over the course of the four year project. Each interview is expected to take about 20 minutes. To read a copy of the notice with additional details about the project, click here.