Meteorology

Altruism (biology)

Poison control

Family medicine

Nursing

Political science

Psychology

Health care

Natural disaster

Geography

Disaster medicine

Medical emergency

Medical care

Suicide prevention

Medicine

Social psychology

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness

ABSTRACT Objective: With the rising incidence of health care emergencies, there has been a considerable burden placed on health care systems worldwide. We aimed to determine the willingness and capacity of medical students in Ireland to volunteer during health care emergencies. Methods: An online, cross-sectional survey of medical students at the National University of Ireland was conducted in 2015. Results: Respondents totaling 274 completed the survey (response rate – 30.1%). Of participants, 69.0% were willing to volunteer in the event of a natural disaster and 59.1% in an event of an infectious epidemic, with altruism being the strongest motivational factor. Only a minority of students (23.7%) felt their current skill level would be useful in an emergency setting. Conclusions: Medical students express a strong interest in actively participating during health care emergencies.

Attitudes of Medical Students Toward Volunteering in Emergency Situations