Abstract:

In this research, it is aimed to identify how much they feel ready and the disaster preparedness of the emergency personnel operating before, during and after the disaster to minimize the losses and damages that may arise for humans and the environment depending on the changing level-effect levels of disasters. This descriptive research was conducted on personnel working at Balıkesir 112 Ambulance Service between July 2018-January 2019 (n = 628). The research sample consisted of 368 staff who agreed to participate. In the study, the data were collected using the “Survey Form” and “Disaster Preparedness Perception Scale”. The data were evaluated with LISREL 8.7 and SPSS 22 package programs. In this research, the average age of the staff is 30.45 ± 6.10 (24-34 years old), most of them have received previously disaster training and a theoretical and practical training and are associate degree graduate and emergency medicine technicians (EMTs). It has been identified that the perception in the disaster preparation phase of the personnel is higher, most of them did not participate in an any disaster/extraordinary event, and the others participate in cases of drowning, mining and fire. 62.7% of them have felt in charge themselves during the preparedness period of a disaster. It is suggested that subjects such as “Disaster Management, Field Triage, Disaster Instant Communication and Fire Safety” that can increase the self-confidence and the level of preparedness of the staff should be included in the training programs in this field.

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