Challenges and changes with COVID-19: Canadian paramedics' experiences

Abstract

Background: Healthcare systems, practitioners and communities have experienced momentous change and strain because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although paramedics are an essential component of the public health emergency response, the literature has focused primarily on the views of physicians, nurses and hospital administrators. Aims: This research sought to improve the understanding of the lived experiences of paramedics throughout the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: The perspectives of paramedics were captured through an online survey consisting predominantly of open-ended questions. Findings: Three main themes describing the experiences of paramedics arose: challenges with change management; changes in day-to-day operations; and implications for mental health. Conclusion: This study has offered insights for future pandemic response in terms of information dissemination, practitioner involvement in policy and operational changes, and mental health and wellbeing support needs during and beyond a pandemic.

Learning Lessons for Future Preparedness: Exploring Work Well-Being-Related Leadership Challenges among Paramedics during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Qualitative Study

“…The challenges of directing personnel and particularly continuous communication, as well as constantly changing guidelines, were highlighted as a significant factor in reducing paramedics' well-being during the pandemic's early stages. International studies found similar results among paramedics [3,4,[6][7][8][9]20] and extensive literature reviews among healthcare personnel in general [21,22]. The constant, excessive, sometimes poor-quality, multichannel communication was challenging to follow and caused frustration and uncertainty among paramedics in already unclear circumstances.…”

“…Challenges in managing the work environment were evident, such as the lack of support provided by supervisors to personnel, downplaying the seriousness of the situation, or neglecting to take personnel into consideration. Similar experiences have led to declines in well-being in international studies as well [4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Supervisors' working hours during the pandemic were likely consumed by administrative challenges and ensuring sufficient personnel resources, leaving them with little time to support personnel.…”

“…According to previous research, the early phase of the pandemic was particularly difficult for EMS personnel, both mentally and physically. The leadership challenges during the pandemic have significantly impacted the well-being of EMS personnel, causing mental health problems, exceptional stress, and absences due to illness [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Previous research has identified several factors affecting well-being, with the main factors being difficulties in obtaining support or deficiencies in leadership.…”

“…According to previous research, deficiencies in leadership were evident during the pandemic, including a lack of clear treatment protocols or constant changes, communication problems, and growing distance from supervisors [3,4,[6][7][8][9][10]. In addition, in some countries with limited public healthcare, paramedics experienced a heavy workload, problems with equipment availability, and personal difficulties with mental health or burnout [3,4,10].…”