Open AccessParamedics’ Experiences and Coping Strategies When Encountering Critical Incidents
Author(s) -
Nira Avraham,
Hadass Goldblatt,
Eli Yafe
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
qualitative health research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.303
H-Index - 113
eISSN - 1552-7557
pISSN - 1049-7323
DOI - 10.1177/1049732313519867
Subject(s) - feeling , coping (psychology) , cognition , psychology , variety (cybernetics) , critical incident technique , cognitive reappraisal , ambulance service , qualitative research , psychotherapist , social psychology , medicine , medical emergency , psychiatry , social science , marketing , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science , business
Paramedics frequently encounter critical incidents (CIs). Their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to these encounters present them with a variety of difficulties on the way to, during, and after events. The aim of our study was to examine how paramedics working in a large emergency service organization in Israel experienced CIs and the coping strategies they used to deal with these experiences. We interviewed 15 paramedics from this organization. Through data analysis, we revealed two main themes: (1) between connection and detachment and (2) between control and lack of control of the situation. Paramedics, who connected with their feelings regarding the patient and/or the family in different CIs, as well as those who sensed a lack of control, experienced difficult and negative emotions. To achieve detachment, they used a variety of coping strategies. Those who experienced cognitive and functional control of the situation reported a positive and empowering experience.