ABSTRACTS
Prevalence of ADHD in the EMS WorkforceAuthor: Nicole Hansen Ed.D., CIC, EMT-P | EMS Manager | NYU Langone - Long Island Associate Authors: Foat, Charles, Ph.D., NRP, FAEMS, Director of EMS
Introduction ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder marked by challenges with attention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, often impairing functioning across academic, occupational, and social domains. While ADHD affects approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults, recent research suggests that this decline in prevalence may not reflect true symptom remission, but the freedom to gravitate toward novel, fast-paced environments—such as emergency medical services (EMS)—where previously inhibiting traits promote success. This study examines the prevalence of ADHD traits within the EMS workforce. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive study received prospective IRB review and exemption. Participants included EMS professionals who completed an anonymous online survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire and the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-45), a validated retrospective self-report instrument for assessing childhood ADHD symptoms. The WURS-45 includes the WURS-25 core items and additional factor items to generate fitted diagnostic values. The survey was administered via Microsoft Forms and distributed through social media and email lists from February 2 to February 24, 2025. Results 554 respondents met inclusion criteria. 322 (58%) reported a formal ADHD diagnosis, and 145 (26%) reported no formal psychiatric diagnosis. Based on WURS-25 scoring, 338 participants (61%) scored above the clinical cutoff of 30. This population was further stratified into two groups: (1) scores between 31 and 45, and (2) scores greater than 45. To improve sensitivity, ADHD and Academic Factor Scores were cross-referenced to confirm the likelihood of ADHD in Group 1 respondents. Respondents in Group 2 had a 90% likelihood of ADHD. 152 individuals scored between 31 and 45, and, of these, 99% had positive ADHD Fitted Scores and 95% had positive Academic and ADHD Factor Scores. 186 respondents (34%) scored above 45. Of these, 23 (12%) had no prior ADHD diagnosis. In this group, 100% had positive ADHD Fitted Scores and 95% had both positive factor scores. No statistically significant relationship was found between WURS-25 scores and EMS certification achievement. Conclusion The prevalence of ADHD traits in this EMS sample far exceeds that of the general adult population. However, neither a formal ADHD diagnosis nor elevated WURS-25 scores predicted lower EMS educational outcomes.
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