Health Personnel's role in Public Emergency Situations: A Systematic Review
International Journal of Development Research
Health Personnel's role in Public Emergency Situations: A Systematic Review
Received 22nd November, 2024 Received in revised form 19th December, 2024 Accepted 27th December, 2024 Published online 30th January, 2025
Copyright©2025, AL Shahrani Mohammed Saad et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Background: Health personnel play a critical role in managing emergencies in public places, providing immediate care, coordinating with emergency services, and preventing further complications. However, the effectiveness of their interventions and the challenges they face in these situations require a comprehensive review. Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the role of health personnel in public emergency situations, highlighting their contributions, challenges, and the impact of their interventions on health outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using predefined keywords such as "health personnel," "emergency response," and "public places." Studies published between 2016 and 2024 were included, focusing on the roles, training, and effectiveness of health personnel in public emergencies. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for study selection and data extraction, and the quality of included studies was assessed using standardized tools. Results: Out of [45] studies reviewed, key themes emerged: (1) health personnel's critical role in triage, first aid, and resuscitation, (2) the importance of inter-agency collaboration and preparedness, (3) challenges such as inadequate training, limited resources, and communication barriers. Effective interventions by health personnel were associated with improved survival rates, reduced injury severity, and enhanced coordination during emergencies. Conclusion: Health personnel are indispensable in public emergency situations. To enhance their effectiveness, there is a need for targeted training, resource allocation, and policy interventions that address logistical and operational challenges. Future research should explore innovative approaches to improve emergency response systems and the integration of health personnel in these frameworks.