Paramedic Appraisal Paper

The adoption of a mixed-methods approach was necessary to aid the interpretation of correlational findings from the initial stage of this research, which assessed WPV in terms of its consequences upon paramedics’ wellbeing; a qualitative exploration of the personal and occupational impact of perceptions of stress related problems and coping strategies used, was then integrated through focus group approaches. The theory of Perceived Control and Self-efficacy was incorporated as a guide to our theoretical framework. Predictability and control over a stressor is understood to reduce the risk of development of pathology; research suggests that when the onset of danger is unpredictable, contextual stimuli are more likely to be subsequently treated as predictors of aversive events, leading to generalized fear. Nonetheless, control over the aversive stimulus inhibits generalization …show more content…
More specifically, coping self-efficacy or people’s appraisals about their own capabilities to manage events influence behavioural or affective responses to situations. With this rationale in mind and the unpredictability of situations faced by EMS personnel, the qualitative strand of the research will seek to explore perceptions of WPV by paramedics in terms of perceived control and coping strategies used, for further understanding of relevant pathologies and the development of preventive interventions.
The present research aims to firstly assess the impact and prevalence of burnout syndrome and psychological distress in paramedics who have experienced WPV to subsequently explore the views and strategies utilized by EMS personnel to manage stress and its consequences on a personal and occupational level. A mixed