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Article
Publication date: 29 October 2019

Ana Cristina Oliveira, Félix Neto, Filipa Teixeira and Ângela Maia

Ambulance personnel face a diversity of stressful events that could be potentially traumatic, putting their health and well-being at risk. The purpose of this paper is to explore…

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Abstract

Purpose

Ambulance personnel face a diversity of stressful events that could be potentially traumatic, putting their health and well-being at risk. The purpose of this paper is to explore, from this group perspective, sources of stress, coping strategies and support measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interviewed 14 ambulance workers of Portuguese Red Cross local structures from the north of Portugal. Data were analyzed according to thematic analysis procedures.

Findings

The authors identified three themes: operational and organizational factors, control and predictability; anticipating scenarios, focusing on procedures and dealing with reactions; and from undervalued support to support as routine. Dealing with human lives, the unpredictability of calls and working under pressure are the main sources of stress, causing, in some of them, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Road accidents, situations involving children and cardiac arrest are the most distressing events. During events, they cope focusing on technical procedures, but after them they prefer to talk with colleagues and seek support from family and friends. All participants emphasize the inexistence of structured support measures.

Practical implications

It is important to develop support measures tailored to ambulance personnel’s needs, leading to enhancements of theirs work performance, health and well-being.

Originality/value

Contrarily to most of the studies that explore mostly PTSD and/or burnout, the authors explored, from the perspective of professionals, other dimensions such as sources of stress, coping strategies and support measures, adopting a qualitative approach, which has been rarely used.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 12 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

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Article
Publication date: 8 December 2020

Ana Oliveira, Filipa Teixeira, Félix Neto and Ângela Maia

Being a first responder involves facing a wide variety of stressful situations that could affect health and well-being. Peer support appears as a beneficial strategy to deal with…

225

Abstract

Purpose

Being a first responder involves facing a wide variety of stressful situations that could affect health and well-being. Peer support appears as a beneficial strategy to deal with work-related stress. Despite this support approach have been implemented in a variety of contexts, these interventions must to be adapted to specific needs. In this sense, the aim of this study was to explore, from a first responders' perspective, what they think about peer support and how it can be put into practice

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interviewed in-depth 14 first responders of Portuguese Red Cross branches from the north of Portugal. Data was analyzed according to Thematic Analysis procedures.

Findings

The authors found two main themes: (1) a valuable, sustainable and ongoing support and (2) overcome barriers and rooted resistances. Participants highlighted the importance of peer support along the Red Cross path, and as daily routine. Moreover, they considered that peers should have some personal characteristics, skills and training in order to provide support to colleagues more effectively. Additionally, they made suggestions to overcome some anticipated barriers.

Practical implications

By considering mental health and well-being of workers, a priority and by being developed based on international recommendations and professionals testimonies, peer support appears as a valuable tool possible to be implemented and able to tailor the emergency branches' needs.

Originality/value

This is the first qualitative study about the first responder's perceptions of peer support.

Details

International Journal of Emergency Services, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2047-0894

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Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 1 September 2017

Miguel Basto Pereira and Ângela Da Costa Maia

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Abstract

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Juvenile Delinquency, Crime and Social Marginalization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-612-1

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Book part
Publication date: 1 September 2017

Miguel Basto Pereira and Ângela Da Costa Maia

Free Access. Free Access

Abstract

Details

Juvenile Delinquency, Crime and Social Marginalization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-612-1

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Abstract

Details

Juvenile Delinquency, Crime and Social Marginalization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-612-1

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Abstract

Details

Juvenile Delinquency, Crime and Social Marginalization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-612-1

Access Restricted. View access options

Abstract

Details

Juvenile Delinquency, Crime and Social Marginalization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-612-1

Access Restricted. View access options
Book part
Publication date: 1 September 2017

Miguel Basto Pereira and Ângela Da Costa Maia

Abstract

Details

Juvenile Delinquency, Crime and Social Marginalization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-612-1

Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 1 September 2017

Miguel Basto Pereira and Ângela Da Costa Maia

Free Access. Free Access

Abstract

Details

Juvenile Delinquency, Crime and Social Marginalization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-612-1

Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 1 September 2017

Miguel Basto Pereira and Ângela Da Costa Maia

Free Access. Free Access

Abstract

Details

Juvenile Delinquency, Crime and Social Marginalization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-612-1

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