Turku University of Applied Sciences, Southwest Finland Rescue Department and University of Turku have launched a two-year research project that focuses on customer violence encountered by the Emergency medical services (EMS). The project is funded by The Finnish Work Environment Fund. The aim of the project is to develop a model for recognizing and managing customer-related safety risks in order to improve the occupational safety conditions in EMS. 

Data mining based on artificial intelligence as well as statistical analysis will provide information about violent customer encounters in EMS and how to predict them. Interdisciplinary workshops seek solutions by utilizing different backgrounds, perspectives and expertise of the participants. Expert assessments in the Delphi method will contribute to the development of the model. Data synthetis and the development and evaluation of the model for risk identification and management will be carried out in the final phase of the project.  

The project involves extensive collaboration with i.a, national collaboration for safety in EMS, The Centre for Occupational Safety, and other researchers. This two-year project coordinated by Turku University of Applied Sciences will bring new insight to the working environment in Finland as well as improve the occupational safety of EMS workers.