How to Handle the Stress as a Paramedic - Essay Example

"How to Handle the Stress as a Paramedic" is a perfect example of a paper on the health system. 
Keywords

1. qualitative research; 2. ethnography, and; 3. stress among paramedics

How Do These Findings Compare with the Literature?

            This paper sought to perform qualitative research aimed to understand stress as it occurs among paramedics. It pays particular attention to things that cannot be quantified, such as experiences or feelings of the paramedics in their performance of duty. According to the literature, research is a process by which one establishes knowledge or obtains information. Qualitative research fits well in the topic of stress among paramedics because it provided the researcher with crucial information that supports the concepts presented in empirical researches done on the topic. Stress is something that cannot be quantified, thus, the qualitative research strategy is appropriate in establishing the accuracy of the data on stress.

            Through the ethnographic research, questions that cannot be answered through counting were addressed. It provided a better understanding of why stress occurs, and why stress management is necessary especially among paramedics. Review of the available literature is not enough to establish a fact, and accounts of first-hand experiences on the topic would give the research more credibility. Hearing what paramedics have to say on their experiences on stressful missions and stress management strategies opens an avenue for the formulation of new theories on the topic.

            According to experts, stress among paramedics is widespread. Furthermore, stress management strategies are crucial in ensuring that the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of the people involved are looked after. Through ethnography, opinions coming from the fact that not all groups of people view things the same way are eliminated. However, according to the literature, high ethical standards should be applied in research, and this is why random sampling was done to avoid, or at least limit, bias.

How Does Theory Explain the Findings?

            Ethnography provided the means to gather appropriate information on a specific group of people --- the paramedics. It can be said that stress is a common word thrown around every day, but through the ethnographic research, one can understand that stress could be a serious matter among paramedics and that stress management strategies are crucial and taken seriously. According to the literature, guilt and feelings of helplessness can occur after a rescue mission. Through the interviews done, it is established that such feelings occur at a high-rate when paramedics deal with vulnerable populations such as the children.

            Moreover, according to the findings, stress preventive measures such as psychological preparation before a mission alleviate the feelings of guilt and helplessness that trigger stress. According to the available literature on stress among paramedics, getting the paramedics prepared for what they will see on the mission site can help them to be emotionally and mentally ready. Through the interviews, it can be gleaned that focus on getting the paramedics physically ready, but emotionally and mentally unprepared for what they will witness on the site aggravate negative feelings and thoughts, which caused them to succumb to stress in time.

            Furthermore, ethnography also provided information on which stress management strategy is preferred by interviewed paramedics. According to them, defusing is highly recommended because it can be more personal. In the findings, defusing and demobilization are the mostly done strategies in managing stress, and the interview responses support this data.