An interpretative phenomenological analysis of stress and well-being in emergency medical dispatchers

Journal article


Adams, Kaye, Shakespeare-Finch, Jane and Armstrong, Deanne. (2013). An interpretative phenomenological analysis of stress and well-being in emergency medical dispatchers. Journal of Loss and Trauma. 20(5), pp. 430 - 448. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2014.949141
AuthorsAdams, Kaye, Shakespeare-Finch, Jane and 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.

Keywordsemergency medical dispatcher; communications; ambulance; stress; vicarious trauma; emergency services
Year2013
JournalJournal of Loss and Trauma
Journal citation20 (5), pp. 430 - 448
PublisherRoutledge
ISSN1532-5024
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2014.949141
Page range430 - 448
Research GroupSchool of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited States of America
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