Development of the Emergency Medical Services Role Identity Scale (EMS-RIS)

Abstract

This article describes the development and validation of the theoretically grounded Emergency Medical Services Role Identity Scale (EMS-RIS), which measures four domains of EMS role identity. The EMS-RIS was developed using a mixed methods approach. Key informants informed item development and the scale was validated using a representative probability sample of EMS personnel. Factor analyses revealed a conceptually consistent, four-factor solution with sound psychometric properties as well as evidence of convergent and discriminant validities. Social workers work with EMS professionals in crisis settings and as their counselors when they are distressed. The EMS-RIS provides useful information for the assessment of and intervention with distressed EMS professionals, as well as how role identity may influence occupational stress.

KEYWORDS:

• emergency medical services
• paramedical personnel
• exploratory factor analysis
• role identity

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors acknowledge Gregg Margolis, PhD, NREMT-P, the National Registry of EMTs, and Neil Abell, PhD, for their support of this project.