Perceived human factors from the perspective of paramedics – a qualitative
interview study

Perceived human factors from the perspective of paramedics – a qualitative
interview study

Emergency medical services, Ergonomics, Paramedic, Work environment, Prehospital emergency care

Background: The work environment in prehospital emergency medical care setting is dynamic and complex and
includes many stressors. However, little is known about the perceived human factors from the perspective of paramedics. In this study, we investigated, from the perspective of paramedics, what are the human factors, and how are
they linked to prehospital emergency medical care?
Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n=15) with Finnish paramedics. The material
was analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Results: Three main categories of human factors were identifed. The frst main category consisted of factors related
to work which were divided into two generic categories: “Challenging organizational work environment” and “Changing external work environment.” The second main category comprised factors related to paramedics themselves and
were divided into three generic categories: “Issues linked to personality,” “Personal experiences”, and “Factors resulting
from personal features.” The third main category described that paramedics have difculties in understanding and
describing human factors.
Conclusion: This study revealed numerous factors that can afect paramedics’ work in the EMS setting. Increased
knowledge about human factors in the EMS setting provides organizations with the opportunity to develop procedures that can support paramedics’ cognitive and physical work. Human factors in diferent situations can be
addressed to improve occupational and patient safety

Anna Poranen, Anne Kouvonen and Hilla Nordquist

BMC Emergency Medicine

(2022) 22:178

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