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The role and value of chaplains in the ambulance service : Paramedic perspectives
Tunks Leach, Katie Simpson, Paul Lewis, Joanne Levett-Jones, Tracey
Tunks Leach, Katie
Simpson, Paul
Lewis, Joanne
Levett-Jones, Tracey
Abstract
Chaplains are employed by ambulance services in many states across Australia as one element in a suite of initiatives to support the health and wellness of paramedics. The aim of this paper is to present key findings from a study that explored paramedic perspectives on the role and value of chaplains in the ambulance service. Seventeen paramedics participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Two themes were identified: scope of the chaplain’s role and organisational factors influencing the chaplain’s role. Paramedics highly valued what they believed to be proactive and reactive support provided by ambulance chaplains, regardless of paramedics’ personal spiritual or religious beliefs.
Keywords
paramedic, emergency medical services, well-being, chaplaincy, spiritual care
Date
2022
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Religion and Health
Book
Volume
61
Issue
2
Page Range
929-947
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open
Notes
© The Author(s) 2021.
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