title: 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.
authors.affiliation: a School of Social Work , University of Windsor , Windsor , Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Donnelly
authors.forename: Darcy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Siebert
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Siebert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D060731:Emergency Responders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D024382:Professional Role; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D000078329:Workforce; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: emergency medical services; exploratory factor analysis; paramedical personnel; role identity