First response emergency care - experiences described by firefighters

• Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to describe firefighters’ experiences of First Response Emergency Care.Design/methodology/approach – An explorative descriptive design with a qualitative approach. Data was collected through group interviews of 35 firefighters and subjected to qualitative content analysis.Findings – The results showed that the firefighters’ professional role and their uniform serve as protection against mentally strenuous situations. It is important to protect the dignity of the injured or dead, as well as to protect and safeguard colleagues from the experience of the tragedy of an accident. Having a solid and sterling medical education gives a sense of security when providing emergency care, as well as when caring for the relatives. Debriefing brings thoughts and feelings to the surface for processing and closure. The sense of sadness lingers for those they were unable to save, or the ones that had been dead on arrival or were forgotten.Originality/value – A firefighter’s work situation is exposed and stressful. The firefighter’s uniform as a mental barrier, colleagues, time to mentally prepare and being allowed to show feelings are factors all needed to cope. It is therefore important to encourage, promote and strengthen the protective role of camaraderie for the firefighter, which can likely be emphasized for other uniform-wearing professions such as police, military and ambulance personell. Being acknowledged for their contribution to other peoples’ lives and wellbeing can confirm the firefighters’ importance.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

First Response Emergency Care

Firefighters

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)