Understanding prehospital care for self-harm: views and experiences of Yorkshire Ambulance Service clinicians

Management of self-harm

“…While the response rate of the questionnaire is very low, the paper is important to consider due to the pertinence of the qualitative responses. The study indicates that self-harm is a common presentation seen by paramedics 2. Furthermore, the majority of paramedic respondents indicated that they had not received specific mental health training in their role, and a minority expressed confidence caring for people who self-harm 2…”

“…The study indicates that self-harm is a common presentation seen by paramedics 2. Furthermore, the majority of paramedic respondents indicated that they had not received specific mental health training in their role, and a minority expressed confidence caring for people who self-harm 2…”

“…Paramedics are often the first health professionals in contact with those who self-harm, but their contribution to care of these patients is under-researched. Romeu et al have conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire exploring the experiences of paramedics of caring for people who self- harm 2. Understanding the views of paramedics to caring for patients who self-harm is important as it may determine the quality of care these patients receive.…”

“…It is of concern that a minority of survey respondents in Romeu et al ’s study felt confident caring for people who self-harm and that their training and education had not adequately prepared them 2. The respondents to Romeu et al ’s cross-sectional survey listed specific training in mental health and injury management, availability of mental health services and support from senior colleagues as key facilitators for to good clinical care for people who have self-harmed 2…”