Robyn Gershon

Clinical Professor of Epidemiology

Professional overview

Dr. Gershon is an interdisciplinary occupational and environmental health and safety researcher with extensive experience in the areas of disaster preparedness, healthcare safety, and risk assessment and management in high-risk work occupations. She earned her doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, where she was on faculty for several years.  

Subsequently, Dr. Gershon was a Professor at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, with a joint appointment in the School of Nursing.

At the Mailman School, she also served as the Associate Dean for Research and was the Director of the Mentoring Program. Her most recent faculty appointment prior to joining NYU GPH was Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She was also an Adjunct Professor in the UCSF School of Nursing, as well as at UC Berkeley where she taught public health disaster courses.

Dr. Gershon and her team conducted numerous ground breaking studies to develop and test new metrics of preparedness. Importantly, Dr. Gershon’s work has influenced the adoption of safe work practices and regulatory control measures, such as national needlestick prevention guidelines and high-rise building fire safety laws. Her numerous research studies encompass a wide range of topics, including, (to name a few): bloodborne pathogen exposure; hospital safety climate; psychosocial work stress in law enforcement; “ability and willingness” of essential workforce employees to report to duty during natural and man-made disasters; preparedness of responders for terrorist incidents; emergency high–rise building evacuation- (including the World Trade Center Evacuation Study); emergency preparedness of the elderly and disabled; mass fatality management infrastructure in the US; adherence to emergency public health measures among the general public;  hearing loss risk in subway ridership; and noise exposure in urban populations.

Dr. Gershon recently completed a four-year, longitudinal intervention NIH-funded study on motivation and persistence in pursuing STEM research careers among underrepresented doctoral students. (the BRIDGE Project). 

As a committed advocate for junior faculty and graduate students, Dr. Gershon will play an active role in research mentorship and advisement. 

Education

BS, Medical Technology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

MHS, Medical Microbiology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

DrPH, Environmental and Occupational Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Honors and awards

Recipient, American Society of Safety Engineers, Membership Award, Oakland, CA (2016)

Recipient, John L. Ziegler Capstone Mentor Award, Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (2015)

Recipient, City of New York Fire Commissioner's Special Commendation Certificate of Appreciation (2006)

Recipient, Survivors' Salute, World Trade Center Survivors' Network (2006)

Recipient, Annual International Sharps Injury Prevention Award (2005)

Delta Omega (Public Health) Honorary Society (1997)

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Microbiology) (1976)

Lambda Tau Mu Honor Society (Laboratory Science) (1976)

Areas of research and study

Disaster Health

Disaster Impact and Recovery

Disaster Preparedness

Environmental Public Health Services

Epidemiology

Healthcare Safety

Occupational Health

Risk Assessment and Management

Publications

Publications

Temporal Trends of Early COVID-19 Infections in New York City Transit Workers and Residents : March 01, 2020–May 02, 2020

Cziner, M., Hawkins, D., Rosen, J., Hagen, D., Merdjanoff, A. A., Vlahov, D., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Journal of Urban Health

10.1007/s11524-024-00934-z

Abstract

Abstract

The continuity of public transportation was necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic so that essential workers could report for duty. Therefore, it is important to consider COVID-19’s impact on transit workers themselves. We described COVID-19 incidence rates over time in New York City (NYC) transit workers and the NYC general population during March–May, 2020. NYC transit COVID-19 cases were abstracted from occupational injury and illness logs, and health department data was used to ascertain NYC resident cases. COVID-19 rates among transit workers peaked during the week of March 22–28 (429.8 cases/100,000 workers). The peak in transit workers occurred 1–2 weeks before the general public’s peak (March 29–April 4: 368.8 cases/100,000 people; April 5–11: 357.8 cases/100,000 people). These data suggest that NYC transit workers may have been impacted by COVID-19 earlier than the general public. Thus, improving early detection and response of respiratory disease outbreaks may be vital to protecting transit workers.

Terrorism preparedness training for occupational health professionals

Gershon, R., Gemson, D. H., Qureshi, K., & McCollum, M. G. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

46

Issue

12

Page(s)

1204-1209

10.1097/01.jom.0000147267.75156.a1

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess occupational health professionals' terrorism preparedness and perceptions of worksite readiness. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected at the conclusion of an educational workshop on disaster response. Results: Participants reported increased confidence in clinical skills and the ability to avoid exposure while providing care to victims of terrorist attacks as a result of the workshop. Fewer than one third (32%) of participants reported that their employer was prepared for a bioterrorism attack, and a large percentage (75%) reported feeling unprepared to provide mental health counseling after a terrorist attack. Conclusions: Relatively brief training in terrorism preparedness can increase the confidence of occupational health professionals in their ability to respond to terrorism. Adequate preparedness for the broad range of potential terrorist events may require much more intensive training than is currently being provided to occupational health professionals.

Testing the reliability and validity of a measure of safety climate.

Gershon, R., Anderson, E., McGovern, P. M., Kochevar, L., Vesley, D., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal for healthcare quality : official publication of the National Association for Healthcare Quality

Volume

22

Issue

2

Page(s)

19-24

10.1111/j.1945-1474.2000.tb00111.x

Abstract

Abstract

The lack of compliance with universal precautions (UP) is well documented across a wide variety of healthcare professions and has been reported both before and after the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Gershon, Karkashian, and Felknor (1994) found that several factors correlated significantly with healthcare workers' lack of compliance with UP, including a measure of organizational safety climate (e.g., the employees' perception of their organizational culture and practices regarding safety). We conducted a secondary analysis using data from a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 1,746 healthcare workers at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens to assess the validity and reliability of Gershon's measure of safety climate. Findings revealed no relationship between safety climate and employees' gender, age, education, tenure in position, profession, hours worked per day, perceived risk, attitude toward risk, and training. An association was demonstrated between safety climate and (1) healthcare worker compliance with UP and (2) the availability of personal protective equipment, providing support for the construct validity of this measure of safety climate. These findings could be used by occupational health professionals to assess employees' perceptions of the safety culture and practices in the workplace and to guide the institution's risk management efforts in association with U.P.

The differing perspectives of workers and occupational medicine physicians on the ethical, legal and social issues of genetic testing in the workplace

Brandt-Rauf, S. I., Brandt-Rauf, E., Gershon, R., & Brandt-Rauf, P. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

New Solutions

Volume

21

Issue

1

Page(s)

89-102

10.2190/NS.21.1.j

Abstract

Abstract

Genetic testing in the workplace holds the promise of improving worker health but also raises ethical, legal, and social issues. In considering such testing, it is critical to understand the perspectives of workers, who are most directly affected by it, and occupational health professionals, who are often directly involved in its implementation. Therefore, a series of focus groups of unionized workers (n=25) and occupational medicine physicians (n=23) was conducted. The results demonstrated strikingly different perspectives of workers and physicians in several key areas, including the goals and appropriateness of genetic testing, and methods to minimize its risks. In general, workers were guided by a profound mistrust of the employer, physician, and government, while physicians were guided primarily by scientific and medical concerns, and, in many cases, by the business concerns distrusted by the workers.

The impact of multifocused interventions on sharps injury rates at an acute-care hospital

Gershon, R., Pearse, L., Grimes, M., Flanagan, P. A., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1999

Journal title

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology

Volume

20

Issue

12

Page(s)

806-811

10.1086/501588

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a multifocused interventional program on sharps injury rates. DESIGN: Sharps injury data were collected prospectively over a 9-year period (1990-1998). Pre- and postinterventional rates were compared after the implementation of sharps injury prevention interventions, which consisted of administrative, work-practice, and engineering controls (ie, the introduction of an anti-needlestick intravenous catheter and a new sharps disposal system). SETTING: Sharps injury data were collected from healthcare workers employed by a mid-sized, acute-care community hospital. RESULTS: Preinterventional annual sharps injury incidence rates decreased significantly from 82 sharps injuries/1,000 worked full-time-equivalent employees (WFTE) to 24 sharps injuries/1,000 WFTE employees postintervention (P

The influence of employee, job/task, and organizational factors on adherence to universal precautions among nurses

Dejoy, D. M., Murphy, L. R., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Journal title

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Volume

16

Issue

1

Page(s)

43-55

10.1016/0169-8141(94)00075-E

Abstract

Abstract

Universal precautions (UP) refer to recommended work practices designed to help prevent occupational exposure to HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne pathogens in health care settings. However, despite widespread dissemination of UP guidelines and subsequent government regulatory action, worker adherence remains less than satisfactory. The present study used hierarchical, multiple regression analysis to examine the relative influence of four sets of factors on worker adherence to UP: demographics, personal characteristics, job/task factors, and organization-level factors. Data were analyzed on a sample of 451 nurses employed at a large U.S. medical center. Consistent with the general hypothesis of the study, job/task and organization-level factors were the best predictors of adherence. Using the results from the study, a heuristic model of the adherence process is proposed that highlights the contributions of job hindrances and organizational safety climate to UP-related behavior. A three-pronged intervention strategy is also presented that emphasizes (1) the availability and accessibility of personal protective devices, (2) the reduction of UP-related job hindrances and barriers, and (3) improvements in safety performance feedback and related communications. Given the preliminary nature of this study, several recommendations for future research are also offered.

The influence of social supports on graduate student persistence in biomedical fields

Estrada, M., Zhi, Q., Nwankwo, E., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2019

Journal title

CBE life sciences education

Volume

18

Issue

3

10.1187/cbe.19-01-0029

Abstract

Abstract

Pathways to biomedical careers are not being pursued with equal vigilance among all students. Emerging research shows that historically underrepresented (HU) students who maintain a strong science identity are more likely to persist. However, the influence of social support on persistence is less studied, especially as it relates to science identity among doctoral students. To fill this gap, a 1-year study to assess similarities and differences among 101 HU and majority biomedical doctoral students was conducted to measure the extent to which 1) they report equivalent experiences of social support, science identity, and intentions to persist; 2) their experiences of social support predict intentions to persist 1 year later; and 3) science identity mediates the relationship between social support and intentions to persist in biomedical career pathways. Data were collected using online surveys. Results indicated that science identity significantly mediated the relationship between professional network support and persistence a year later for majority students. In contrast, for HU students, science identity mediated the relationship between instrumental, psychosocial, friend and family support, and persistence a year later. These study results provide evidence that reinforcing mentoring programs and support systems will be beneficial, especially for HU students.

The prevalence and risk factors for percutaneous injuries in registered nurses in the home health care sector

Gershon, R., Pearson, J. M., Sherman, M. F., Samar, S. M., Canton, A. N., & Stone, P. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

American Journal of Infection Control

Volume

37

Issue

7

Page(s)

525-533

10.1016/j.ajic.2008.10.022

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Patients continue to enter home health care (HHC) "sicker and quicker," often with complex health problems that require extensive intervention. This higher level of acuity may increase the risk of percutaneous injury (PI), yet information on the risk and risk factors for PI and other types of exposures in this setting is exceptionally sparse. To address this gap, a large cross-sectional study of self-reported exposures in HHC registered nurses (RNs) was conducted. Methods: A convenience sample of HHC RNs (N = 738) completed a survey addressing 5 major constructs: (1) worker-centered characteristics, (2) patient-related characteristics, (3) household characteristics, (4) organizational factors, and (5) prevalence of PIs and other blood and body fluid exposures. Analyses were directed at determining significant risk factors for exposure. Results: Fourteen percent of RNs reported one or more PIs in the past 3 years (7.6 per 100 person-years). Nearly half (45.8%) of all PIs were not formally reported. PIs were significantly correlated with a number of factors, including lack of compliance with Standard Precautions (odds ratio [OR], 1.72; P = .019; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-2.71); recapping of needles (OR, 1.78; P = .016; 95% CI: 1.11-2.86); exposure to household stressors (OR, 1.99; P = .005; 95% CI: 1.22-3.25); exposure to violence (OR, 3.47; P = .001; 95% CI: 1.67-7.20); mandatory overtime (OR, 2.44; P = .006; 95% CI: 1.27-4.67); and safety climate (OR, 1.88; P = .004; 95% CI: 1.21-2.91) among others. Conclusion: The prevalence of PI was substantial. Underreporting rates and risk factors for exposure were similar to those identified in other RN work populations, although factors uniquely associated with home care were also identified. Risk mitigation strategies tailored to home care are needed to reduce risk of exposure in this setting.

The public health and law enforcement stress

Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1999

Journal title

National Institute of Justice Journal

Page(s)

27

Abstract

Abstract

~

The risk of acquiring hepatitis B or C among public safety workers. A systematic review

Rischitelli, G., Harris, J., McCauley, L., Gershon, R., & Guidotti, T. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

20

Issue

4

Page(s)

299-306

10.1016/S0749-3797(01)00292-6

Abstract

Abstract

Context: Determination of the occupational risk of hepatitis B and C to public safety workers is important in identifying prevention opportunities and has significant legal and policy implications. Objectives: Characterize the risk of occupationally acquired infection: (1) risk of exposure to blood and body fluids, (2) seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in the source population, and (3) risk of infection after exposure. Data Sources: Electronic search of MEDLINE (1991-1999), HealthStar (1982-1999), and CINAHL (1975-1999) supplemented by selected reference citations and correspondence with authors of relevant articles. Study Selection: Peer-reviewed journal articles (N=702) that addressed the transmission of hepatitis B and C in law enforcement, correctional, fire, emergency medical services, and healthcare personnel were identified. One hundred five (15.0%) articles were selected for full-text retrieval; 72 (68.6%) were selected for inclusion. Data Abstraction: Articles selected for inclusion were abstracted by two reviewers and checked by a third reviewer, using a standard reporting form. Data Synthesis: Evidence tables were constructed, using the standardized abstracts. The tables were designed to summarize data for the key elements of the risk analysis. Conclusions: Data suggest that emergency medical service (EMS) providers are at increased risk of contracting hepatitis B, but data have failed to show an increased prevalence of hepatitis C. EMS providers have exposure risks similar to those of hospital-based healthcare workers. Other public safety workers appear to have lower rates of exposure. Urban areas have much higher prevalence of disease, and public safety workers in those areas are likely to experience a higher incidence of exposure events.

The risk of transmission of HIV-1 through non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes - A review

Gershon, R., Vlahov, D., & Nelson, K. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

1990

Journal title

AIDS

Volume

4

Issue

7

Page(s)

645-650

10.1097/00002030-199007000-00006

Abstract

Abstract

To date, three well-documented modes of transmission of HIV-1 (sexual, percutaneous and perinatal) have been described. Although the theoretical possibility exists for HIV-1 transmission through other routes, including non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes often referred to as 'casual' contact (and several anecdotal reports suggest this possibility), there is no credible epidemiological evidence to support this. Fourteen combined surveys, with over 750 individuals with potential exposure through non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes of contact, have failed to find a single case of HIV-1 infection (upper bound of 95% confidence interval = 0.40%), indicating that the risk of transmission by non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes is remote. Given the emotionally charged concerns about transmission of an infection which may end fatally in a high proportion of affected individuals, critical review of the low probability of transmission through non-percutaneous, non-sexual modes is important so that preventive efforts can be focused appropriately.

The use of total quality improvement techniques to determine risk factors for back injuries in hospital workers.

Gershon, R., Lin, M. Y., Ahern, J. E., Gershon, R. R., & Grimes, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1998

Journal title

Clinical performance and quality health care

Volume

6

Issue

1

Page(s)

23-27

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for back injuries among hospital employees using quality-management techniques. METHODS: Data from employee-health records were collected from 1993 to 1995 on a total of 100 back injuries. The data were reviewed retrospectively for risk factors using quality-management techniques. RESULTS: We identified two major categories of risk factors: administrative and environmental. The five most common causes of back injuries were as follows: inadequate or lack of proper training in body mechanics, not enough help in lifting, the load being lifted was too heavy, poor condition of the floor surface (slippery or uneven), and the patient was unable to help. The Workers' Compensation costs for the 100 back injuries was in excess of $600,000. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, several preventive strategies are identified.

The World Trade Center evacuation study : Factors associated with initiation and length of time for evacuation

Gershon, R., Magda, L. A., Riley, H. E., & Sherman, M. F. (n.d.).

Publication year

2012

Journal title

Fire and Materials

Volume

36

Issue

5-6

Page(s)

481-500

10.1002/fam.1080

Abstract

Abstract

On 11 September 2001, one of the largest workplace evacuations in the U.S. history took place. The evacuation was largely successful: an estimated 87% of all occupants in World Trade Center (WTC) Towers 1 and 2 exited in less than two hours. Evacuation times, however, were highly variable and not entirely explained by the engineering parameters of the buildings. To understand the complexity of factors that potentially influenced the evacuation time on 11 September, 2001, an interdisciplinary research study was conducted by public health scientists from the Mailman School of Public Health at the Columbia University in the New York City. Analysis of survey data collected from a sample of 1444 evacuees identified several facilitators and barriers to length of time to initiate and fully evacuate from WTC Towers 1 and 2. At the individual level, these included sociodemographic and occupational variables, health status, sensory cues, risk perception, delaying behaviors, and following a group or an emergent leader. At the organizational level, factors included emergency preparedness safety climate variables. Structural (environmental) factors included egress route barriers, poor signage, congestion, and communication system failures. Many factors identified in the study are modifiable. Therefore, these data have the potential to inform high-rise preparedness and response policies and procedures.

Training health care workers to meet the new OSHA HBV/HIV proposed standard

Gershon, R., Fleming, D., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Abstract

Abstract

~

Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a cadaver to an embalmer

Sterling, T. R., Pope, D. S., Bishai, W. R., Harrington, S., Gershon, R., & Chaisson, R. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

New England Journal of Medicine

Volume

342

Issue

4

Page(s)

246-248

10.1056/NEJM200001273420404

Abstract

Abstract

~

Tuberculosis risk in funeral home employees

Gershon, R., Vlahov, D., Escamilla-Cejudo, J. A., Badawi, M., McDiarmid, M., Karkashian, C., Grimes, M., & Comstock, G. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

1998

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

40

Issue

5

Page(s)

497-503

10.1097/00043764-199805000-00014

Abstract

Abstract

In order to estimate the risk of tuberculosis infection among employees in the funeral service industry, we conducted a risk-assessment study of a convenience sample of funeral home employees. Study participants completed a risk-assessment questionnaire and underwent tuberculin skin testing. Of 864 employees tested, 101 (11.7%) had a reactive tuberculin skin test. Reactivity to the tuberculin skin test was significantly associated with job category; funeral home employees with a present or past history of embalming deceased- human remains were twice as likely to be reactive as were non-embalming personnel (14.9% versus 7.2%, P < 0.01). Reactivity was also associated with age, gender, race, past history of close contact with a person diagnosed with tuberculosis, and work history. After controlling for age and other factors, tuberculin reactivity was found to be associated in embalming personnel with the number of years spent performing embalmings (≤20), and, in non-embalming personnel, with a history of close contact with infected individuals. Based on these results, it is recommended that funeral home employees who routinely embalm cadavers undergo annual tuberculin skin testing, receive initial training on tuberculosis prevention, and wear respiratory protection when preparing known tuberculosis cases.

Universal precautions : An update

Gershon, R., Gershon, R. R., Karkashian, C., & Felknor, S. (n.d.).

Publication year

1994

Journal title

Heart and Lung: Journal of Critical Care

Volume

23

Issue

4

Page(s)

352-358

Abstract

Abstract

Universal precautions, the set of work practice recommendations designed to help minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, have been shown to be effective. However, lack of compliance with these recommendations has been well documented, both before and after the enactment of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Current issues, including occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus, percutaneous exposures and lack of compliance are discussed in this article.

Using participatory action research to identify strategies to improve pandemic vaccination.

Crowley, K. A., Myers, R., Riley, H. E., Morse, S. S., Brandt-Rauf, P., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

Journal title

Disaster medicine and public health preparedness

Volume

7

Issue

4

Page(s)

424-430

10.1017/dmp.2013.72

Abstract

Abstract

Developing and implementing effective strategies to increase influenza vaccination rates among health care personnel is an ongoing challenge, especially during a pandemic. We used participatory action research (PAR) methodology to identify targeted vaccination interventions that could potentially improve vaccine uptake in a medical center. Front-line medical center personnel were recruited to participate in 2 PAR teams (clinical and nonclinical staff). Data from a recent medical center survey on barriers and facilitators to influenza (seasonal, pandemic, and combination) vaccine uptake were reviewed, and strategies to increase vaccination rates among medical center personnel were identified. Feasible, creative, and low-cost interventions were identified, including organizational strategies that differed from investigator-identified interventions. The recommended strategies also differed by team. The nonclinical team suggested programs focused on dispelling vaccination-related myths, and the clinical team suggested campaigns emphasizing the importance of vaccination to protect patients. PAR methodology was useful to identify innovative and targeted recommendations for increasing vaccine uptake. By involving representative front-line workers, PAR may help medical centers improve influenza vaccination rates across all work groups.

Violence, job satisfaction, and employment intentions among home healthcare registered nurses

Canton, A. N., Sherman, M. F., Magda, L. A., Westra, L. J., Pearson, J. M., Raveis, V. H., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

Home healthcare nurse

Volume

27

Issue

6

Page(s)

364-373

10.1097/01.NHH.0000356828.27090.bd

Abstract

Abstract

Workplace violence, defined as violent acts directed toward workers, includes physical assault, threat of assault, and verbal abuse (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2004) and is widely recognized as a threat to workers' health and safety. Healthcare workers, especially nurses, are known to be at high risk (Duhart, 2001). As employees who work alone, have access to drugs, provide care to people in distress, and/or have frequent close contact with clients, they face a greater likelihood of exposure to violence (Chappell & Di Martino, 2000). Nurses' risk has been correlated with degree of patient contact; the odds of physical violence are 7.2 and 9.0 times greater for healthcare workers with moderate and high patient contact, respectively, compared with those with little or no contact (Findorff et al., 2004).

Web-based training on weapons of mass destruction response for emergency medical services personnel.

Gershon, R., Canton, A. N., Magda, L. A., DiMaggio, C., Gonzalez, D., & Dul, M. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

American journal of disaster medicine

Volume

4

Issue

3

Page(s)

153-161

10.5055/ajdm.2009.0024

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop, implement, and assess a web-based simulation training program for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel on recognition and treatment of ocular injuries resulting from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) attacks. DESIGN: The training program consisted of six modules: WMD knowledge and event detection, ocular anatomy, ocular first aid (ie, flushing, cupping, and patching), and three WMD simulations (ie, sarin gas release, anthrax release, and radioactive dispersal device). Pretest, post-test, and 1-month follow-up test and a program evaluation were used to measure knowledge gain and retention and to assess the effectiveness of the program. SETTING: New York State EMS. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred and sixty-four individuals participated in the training program and all waves of the testing (86 percent retention rate). MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: The effectiveness of the training intervention was measured using pretest and post-test questionnaires and analyzed using dependent t-tests. RESULTS: Assessment scores for overall knowledge increased from the pretest (mean = 15.7, standard deviation [SD] = 2.1) to the post-test (mean = 17.8, SD = 1.3), p < 0.001, and from pretest (mean = 15.7, SD = 2.1) to 1-month follow-up test (mean = 16.6, SD = 2.0), p < 0.001. Ninety-two percent of respondents indicated that the program reinforced understanding of WMDs. CONCLUSIONS: This training method provides an effective and low-cost approach to educate and evaluate EMS personnel on emergency treatment of eye trauma associated with the use of WMD. Online training should also be supplemented with hands-on practice and refresher trainings.

Work stress in aging police officers

Gershon, R., Lin, S., & Li, X. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

44

Issue

2

Page(s)

160-167

10.1097/00043764-200202000-00011

Abstract

Abstract

Data are sparse regarding the impact of psychosocial work stress on the health and well-being of aging workers, even for employees working in high-stress occupations, such as law enforcement. To improve our understanding of this issue in older workers, we assessed and characterized work stress, coping strategies, and stress-related health outcomes in a sample of police officers aged 50 years and older (n = 105). The most important risk factors associated with officers' perceived work stress were maladaptive coping behaviors (eg, excessive drinking or problem gambling) (odds ratio [OR], 4.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 11.6) and exposure to critical incidents (eg, shootings) (OR, 3.84; 95 % CI, 1.71 to 8.65). In turn, perceived work stress was significantly associated with anxiety (OR, 6.84; 95% CI, 2.81 to 16.65), depression (OR, 9.27; 95% CI, 3.81 to 22.54), somatization (OR, 5.74; 95% CI, 2. 4 7 to 13.33), posttraumatic stress symptoms (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.29 to 6.47), symptoms of "burnout" (OR, 5.93; 95% CI, 2.54 to 13.86), chronic back pain (OR, = 3.55; 95% CI, 1.57 to 8.06), alcohol abuse (OR, 3. 24; 95% CI, 1.45 to 7.22), and inappropriately aggressive behavior (OR, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.34 to 11.88). These data suggest that older workers in high-stress jobs may be at increased risk for work stress-related health problems, especially if they rely on risky health behaviors to cope with stress. Given the size of the rapidly aging US workforce and the likelihood that many are employed in high-stress jobs, interventions are urgently needed to address this emerging public health issue.

Work-related stress and psychological distress in emergency medical technicians.

Gershon, R., Revicki, D. A., & Gershon, R. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Journal of occupational health psychology

Volume

1

Issue

4

Page(s)

391-396

10.1037/1076-8998.1.4.391

Abstract

Abstract

Emergency medical technicians (N = 65) participated in a study on work environment characteristics, work-related stress, and psychological distress. Data were collected at baseline and 6 months. Work-related stress was associated with lower work group support and poor supervisory behavior. Work-related stress was strongly related to psychological distress. Changes in work-related stress were significantly related to changes in psychological distress. Findings support the work-related stress, psychological distress model.

Worksite emergency preparedness : Lessons from the world trade center evacuation study

Gershon, R., Qureshi, K. A., Barocas, B., Pearson, J., & Dopson, S. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2008

Page(s)

232-266

10.4337/9781848443815.00020

Abstract

Abstract

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