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INTRODUCTION: In treating accident victims, actions by the Emergency Medical Personnel (EMP) at the scene may be the difference between life or death, full recovery or permanent disability. Development of selected profiles based on locale of services, tenure, and paramedic certification will provide valuable insight into the diversity within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) profession. Not only will these profiles enable administrators to improve their recruitment, training, and retention of the emergency medical workforce, it potentially could enhance the quality of health care in the community. POPULATION: Emergency medical personnel attending a statewide conference in Texas in late 1996 (n = 425). HYPOTHESES: 1) There is no difference between the profiles of urban and rural EMP; 2) There is no difference between the profiles of urban EMP with < 9 years of experience and those with > or = 9 years of experience; 3) There is no differences between the profiles of rural EMP with < 9 years of experience and those with > or = 9 years of experience. 4) There is no difference between the profiles of urban EMP with paramedic certification and those without certification; and 5) There is no difference between the profiles of rural EMP with paramedic certification and those without certification. METHODS: EMP attending the conference completed 425 survey instruments measuring five demographic features, five work-related features, and two psychological features. Survey instruments were included in each registrant's conference package. Completed surveys were deposited anonymously in labeled receptacles throughout the statewide conference site. Data collection ceased at the end of the conference. Discriminant analysis identified distinct profiles for the urban and rural EMP. RESULTS: The urban EMP, more than rural subjects, was younger (mean = 36 years), more likely to be compensated 100% for their services, had a higher level of education (mean = 13.8 years), and reported a lower level of burnout. Urban EMP with < 9 years of experience tended to be younger, male, married, and reported less burnout. Urban paramedics were more likely to be compensated 100% for their services, and had achieved a higher level of education. The rural EMP with < 9 years of experience were less likely to be paramedic, reported lower burnout scores, and was younger. The rural EMP without paramedic certification was more likely to be a volunteer, and have had fewer years of service. CONCLUSIONS: In Texas, locale of service (urban or rural), length of tenure as an EMP (> or = 9 years), and paramedic certification appear to be significant factors that define the EMP population in Texas.