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An interpretative phenomenological analysis of stress and well-being in emergency medical dispatchers
Adams, Kaye Shakespeare-Finch, Jane Armstrong, Deanne
Adams, Kaye
Shakespeare-Finch, Jane
Armstrong, Deanne
Abstract
This study explored stress and well-being among emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs) who remotely provide crisis intervention to medical emergencies through telehealth support. Semistructured interviews with 16 EMDs were conducted, and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify themes in the data. Results indicated that despite their physical distance from the crisis scene, EMDs can experience vicarious trauma through acute and cumulative exposure to traumatic incidents and their perceived lack of control, which can expound feelings of helplessness. Three superordinate themes of operational stress and trauma, organizational stress, and posttraumatic growth were identified. Practical implications are suggested to enable emergency services organizations to counteract this job-related stress and promote more positive mental health outcomes.
Keywords
emergency medical dispatcher, communications, ambulance, stress, vicarious trauma, emergency services
Date
2013
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Loss and Trauma
Book
Volume
20
Issue
5
Page Range
430-448
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled