EMS as a profession: A qualitative study of emergency medical technicians

Tonya Renae Beane, Purdue University

Abstract

Using qualitative methods, this investigation sought to determine the job satisfaction of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) employed in Lafayette, Indiana. Data were collected through interviews conducted with 14 EMTs, who were employed by a private ambulance transporting service. Inductive analysis was used in order to identify themes from the data collected (Patton et al., 2002). The themes were then placed among one of five levels as identified by the Ecological Model. Results indicated that four levels of the Ecological Model impacted and shaped job satisfaction of the EMTs: intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational and policy factors. The EMTs suggested that the future of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in this community was at risk because future employees would not choose to stay with EMS as a profession. It was concluded that low job satisfaction among EMTs would not only affect the EMS system but also the care provided to patients since highly trained, experienced EMTs would continue to seek other professional opportunities.

Degree

M.P.H.

Advisors

Hyner, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Health care management

COinS