ABSTRACTS
Tailoring Interventions to Minimize the Effect of Traumatic Situations on EMS Personnel in the UAE: A Qualitative StudyAuthor: Beshayer Alrum | | Associate Authors: Beshayer Alrum | Scott Weich | Wendy Baird
Introduction Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers are exposed to critical incidents, yet research on their psychological health is largely neglected in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Exposure to critical incidents typically leads to poor mental health consequences, with posttraumatic stress reactions being the most likely result. The study’s primary research question seeks to understand factors that should be considered when tailoring and delivering posttraumatic stress interventions to make implementing them feasible and acceptable in the UAE. The study aims to identify potential strategies to tailor existing interventions to manage the effect of posttraumatic stress on EMS personnel to fit the local context of EMS organizations in the UAE. Methods A qualitative research design using a pragmatic approach was employed. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with frontline staff (using purposive sampling) in the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and the National Ambulance. Thematic analysis was utilized in analyzing the data. Results Seven themes demonstrated preferred coping strategies, sources of support and personal and cultural beliefs of EMS workers. Workers employed varied coping mechanisms to cope with the emotional sequelae. Lack of professional support from the organization led to staff depending on peer support, especially among nonnational workers. Debriefings conducted by supervisors focused on procedural aspects of critical incidents. No difference in management styles/approach between the two organizations were observed. Mental health stigma acted as the main barrier to seeking formal support. Suggested interventions included opportunities for timeouts, support from external professional counsellors with EMS backgrounds, self-help mobile apps, raising awareness and creating a culture of recognition within the organization. Frontline staff views regarding existing interventions for trauma processing differed. All participants agreed that professional mental health support should be available to all EMS staff, regardless of whether they exhibited symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Trust and privacy were the most important elements in implementing any intervention. Conclusion The study helped find possible techniques for UAE EMS organizations to adapt existing interventions for posttraumatic stress. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
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