Experiences and Occupational Challenges of Prehospital Emergency Technicians: A Qualitative Study

Moradi, Behzad; Yarahmadi, Sajad; Ansari, Fatemeh; Ansari, Reza

doi:10.22087/ijac.2025.559995.1077

Experiences and Occupational Challenges of Prehospital Emergency Technicians: A Qualitative Study

Document Type : Research

Authors

Behzad Moradi ¹

Sajad Yarahmadi ²

Fatemeh Ansari ³

Reza Ansari ⁴

¹ School of Allied Medical Sciences, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

² Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

³ Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

⁴ Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

10.22087/ijac.2025.559995.1077

Abstract

The prehospital emergency medical system is a vital component of the healthcare system that plays a crucial role in reducing mortality and complications arising from critical conditions. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), as frontline healthcare providers, are frequently exposed to stressful situations, psychological pressure, and organizational constraints. A comprehensive understanding of their lived experiences is essential for improving the quality of prehospital emergency service. This study aimed to explore the experiences and occupational challenges of prehospital emergency technicians in Khorramabad, Iran. This qualitative study was conducted in 2025 using a conventional content analysis approach. Nineteen prehospital emergency technicians in Khorramabad, affiliated with Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, were purposively selected for this study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed concurrently until data saturation was achieved. Trustworthiness was ensured by applying Lincoln and Guba’s criteria. Data analysis revealed four main categories: psychological and emotional stress, professional and organizational challenges, interpersonal communication, and coping strategies used by the nurses. The findings revealed that technicians experience anxiety and mental fatigue during critical missions, and that a lack of equipment and organizational pressures negatively affect their job satisfaction. Conversely, practical communication skills and individual and team coping strategies are vital for enhancing resilience and improving performance. The professional experiences of prehospital emergency technicians involve complex interactions among psychological, organizational, and social factors. Improving working conditions, providing psychological support, enhancing communication skills training, and strengthening teamwork can promote mental well-being, increase job satisfaction, and improve the quality of emergency medical service.

Keywords

Prehospital emergency technicians

Occupational challenges

Qualitative content analysis

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