Exploring paramedic communication and emotional expression in the workplace after responding to emergency calls

Abstract

<jats:p>IntroductionParamedics are at risk of developing mental distress and disorders when exposed to traumatic calls. Several studies demonstrate that when individuals are exposed to a traumatic event, there is a correlation between a lack of social support and emotional expression, and the development of disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Unfortunately, little is known about the social support that paramedics receive from their peers, particularly in the workplace after responding to traumatic calls.Methods The study aim was to learn about peer communication and emotional expression between paramedics in the workplace, after they respond to calls. This qualitative study was guided by constructivist, grounded theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight paramedics who worked for British Columbia Emergency Health Services in Canada. ResultsTwo components of communication were described by participants: the content and logistics of peer communication. Content comprised of three types of peer communication: positive, negative and neutral, with the latter two potentially harmful to paramedics. Logistically, participants desired time to speak privately in the ambulance after calls, preferably with their regular partner or a peer with traits easing communication. These traits were identified as being comfortable with, trusting, sharing similarities and knowing one’s partner. ConclusionEmployers should facilitate positive peer communication among paramedics while considering the communication preferences described in this study. This could help to reduce rates of mental distress and disorders in paramedics.</jats:p>

Non‐technical skills in paramedicine: A scoping review

“…Eight of these articles investigated communication between paramedics and a cohort of patients. These included cancer, dementia, elderly, and pediatric patients (Credland, Hurwood, & McKenzie, 2020; Drewitz‐Chesney, 2019; Noack, Kleinert, & Muller, 2020). Two articles by Ross et al (Ross, Jennings, Gosling, & Williams, 2018; Ross & Williams, 2014) investigated student paramedic communication with older patients.…”

Mental health and help seeking among trauma-exposed emergency service staff: a qualitative evidence synthesis

“…Ten of the 24 studies included data relevant to protecting post-traumatic incident mental health,51–53 55–58 61 65 73 and one study included data relevant to barriers and facilitators for help-seeking behaviour related to mental health 72. The remaining 13 studies50 54 59 60 62–64 66–71 included data which were extracted for both of these outcomes.…”

“…For these two mixed-methods studies, only data from sections related to their qualitative methodology were extracted. The majority of studies (16 of 24) employed a sample of ambulance personnel, [50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65] followed by police officers [66][67][68][69] and lastly firefighters. 70 71 The participants of one study, in addition to ESWs, included participants who did not match the selection criteria, 70 and two studies included a mix of different types of ESWs.…”

“…63 Due to the potential stigma arising from the disclosure of vulnerability within earshot of colleagues, the process of 'defusing' between partners, following a call, commonly takes place within the private space of the ambulance, when returning to base and while awaiting the next call. 63…”

Paramedic-delivered teleconsultations: a grounded theory study

“…A large volume of paramedics in this research identified pre- and post-call discussions with paramedic specialists as a critical function of their role, as well as consultations on morally and ethically complex decisions such as those at the end of life or where there is ambiguity in the most appropriate course. Paramedics have previously identified the immediate aftermath of a traumatic patient encounter as a key period in how they process and make meaning from morally and ethically challenging situations [ 26 ], with rates of PTSD in paramedics amongst the highest of any emergency service [ 27 ]. Given these consultations were not commonly reported with physician-delivered teleconsultations, it is possible these provide a key safety net for a paramedic culture fraught with traumatic stressors, as well as complex moral and ethical decisions which must be made under significant time pressures.…”