So others may live : the perceptions, thoughts and fears of emergency first responders in crisis situations

Abstract

The study was mainly concerned with understanding and describing the thoughts and emotions of Emergency First Responders, who as professionals must expose themselves to dangerous situations. The research inquired how these workers deal with the stresses of their job, and the way it effects their personal life. Given that the focus was on their unique subjective experience, a qualitative stance was employed and data was obtained through the use of semi-structured interviews. The sample consisted of 8 emergency responders; 4 rescuers from the Search and Rescue Section at the Armed Forces of Malta, and 4 ambulance personnel from the Accident and Emergency Department at Mater Dei hospital. The findings suggested that the physical health, and emotional well-being of emergency responders, appear to be compromised by accident and emergency work and other stressors of their job. The study concludes that a rich social support system is necessary for the maintenance of these workers and thus rescuers should be given the appropriate psychological help. The aim of the study was to create a greater awareness so as to give emergency first responders the acknowledgement they deserve.