personal statement examples for paramedics

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

Paramedic Science Personal Statement Examples

Applying to paramedics school ? Use our paramedic personal statement example as an inspiration to work on your application for UCAS and the university.

A paramedic’s job is breathtaking and awe-inspiring on a daily basis, in my opinion. Paramedics are among the most fast-paced and demanding jobs in the business, and they care for patients during critical moments.

In addition to medical expertise, the role requires a high level of stress and pressure tolerance. I’ve been in emergency situations several times in my life when someone close to me has fallen ill suddenly and unexpectedly.

I was impressed and inspired by the paramedics’ quick and professional response.

From a young age, I was fascinated with medicine and healthcare . At no point did my dream of higher education rescind because I chose to have a family.

As a self-motivated individual, I have worked hard to improve my teaching in recent years. Due to my desire to safeguard health, I completed Advanced Certificates in Food Safety and Health & Safety in 2010. Additionally, I have earned several certificates in Adult Learner Support.

My current studies at Royal College include Psychology, Health Related Studies, Study Skills, Life Sciences (Double) and updating my OCN English and Maths.

In addition to ‘Cells and Tissue’, ‘Digestion and Nutrition, Microbiology, and Human Physiology, I also enjoy the Life Sciences.

I am confident that my work experience will help me in my studies of paramedic science. Having worked as a sales administrator, I am highly organized, which will ensure that my studies are thorough and complete.

Additionally, I have worked as an HR Manager and as an Operations Manager, which has honed my leadership skills and provided me with the opportunity to work dynamically in a team environment.

Due to my business experience, I am also a proficient user of computer programmes such as Microsoft Office, as well as a confident presenter.

It is my experience that the best way to optimize performance is to maintain a positive and friendly working environment among my colleagues and workers.

Prospective paramedics must demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and decision-making skills in order to prove themselves worthy.

When I’m not working, I’m an avid motorsports fan. My involvement with the sport began when I was 14, competing in go-cart races. I have gone on to compete in road rallying and unique stage racing, and since 2014 I have been a serious competitor in Rally-cross.

I also relish every moment I can spend with my family. I am a single mother of four wonderful children who encourage me to become the best I can possibly be. I have successfully balanced my family life with full-time jobs and studying over the years, so I am used to working under a certain amount of pressure, but I feel I am a strong and capable woman who can rise to meet any challenge.

I am full of optimism and belief in a brighter tomorrow, and I strive to be able to use my skills so that I can help people experience the best of life.

I believe that I have a long list of strong characteristics that will make me an ideal candidate for this course. My years as a single mother have taught me to have a compassionate nature, yet I am quick to make decisions and willing to take a leading role during crisis situations.

I have strong communication skills and a calm, reassuring manner which is essential in times of pressure. I am well-organised, resilient, adaptable, and incredibly determined to achieve my goals. To be a paramedic has been an ongoing dream in my life and I will stop at nothing to make it come true.

I hope one day to combine my motor-sport passion and medical knowledge, and become a motorbike paramedic.

I have always had a deep fascination with the human body and how it works. This curiosity led me to pursue a career in the medical field, and I have recently completed my A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology.

I am now eager to take the next step in my journey to becoming a paramedic, and I am excited to apply for a place on the Paramedic Science course.

The opportunity to study at a university with a reputation for producing highly skilled paramedics is a dream come true for me. I am confident that the course will provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to excel in this challenging and rewarding profession.

Throughout my studies, I have developed a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology, and I am particularly interested in the role of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in maintaining health and well-being.

I am also fascinated by the psychological and social aspects of healthcare, and I believe that being able to understand and empathize with patients is just as important as having technical expertise.

Outside of my studies, I have volunteered at my local hospital and have gained valuable experience working with patients and healthcare professionals.

I have also had the opportunity to observe paramedics in action, and I have been inspired by their dedication and professionalism.

I am a hardworking and determined individual, and I am committed to achieving my goal of becoming a paramedic.

I believe that my passion and dedication, combined with the excellent training I will receive, will enable me to make a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to join the Paramedic course and begin my journey towards a fulfilling and rewarding career as a paramedic.

Recommended reading:

Personal Statement Examples

• How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
• UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
• How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out
• Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
• How to Write UCAS Reference Letter
• Animal Science Personal Statement Examples
• Anthropology personal statement examples
• Statistics Personal Statements
• PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example
• Classics Personal Statement Examples
• Theology Personal Statement Examples
• Physics Personal Statement Examples
• Chemical Engineering personal statement examples
• Oncology Personal Statement Examples
• Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples
• Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example
• History Personal Statement Examples
• Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University
• Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• User Experience Design Personal Statement Example
• Finance Personal Statement Examples
• Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples
• Graphic Design Personal Statement Examples
• Film Production Personal Statement Examples
• Events Management Personal Statement Examples
• Counselling Personal Statement Examples
• Forensic Science Personal Statement Examples
• Children’s Nursing Personal Statement Examples
• Chemistry Personal Statement Examples
• Sports Science Personal Statement Examples
• Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Quantity Surveying Personal Statement Examples
• Social Work Personal Statement Examples
• Physiotherapy Personal Statement Examples
• Journalism Personal Statement Examples
• English Literature Personal Statement Examples
• Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Computer Science Personal Statement Examples
• Fashion Marketing Personal Statement Examples
• Dietetic Personal Statement Examples
• Product Design Personal Statement Examples
• Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Geography Personal Statement Examples
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Politics Personal Statement Examples
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples
• Zoology Personal Statement Example
• Sociology Personal Statement Example
• Fashion Personal Statement Example
• Mathematics Personal Statement Examples
• Software Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• Philosophy Personal Statement
• International Relations Personal Statement Example

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

Guide to Great Paramedical Science Personal Statements

Table of Contents

A  paramedical science personal statement  is for job applications, internships, and special program applications. While these short essays may initially seem daunting, they are actually straightforward. This beginner’s guide will show you the techniques for writing a compelling personal statement. 

But before we delve into the tips and examples, let’s cover a few basics.

What is Paramedical Science?

 Paramedical science is a field of study that focuses on supporting the medical profession and aiding patient care. It includes a variety of specialized skills, from medical laboratory technology to physical therapy to nursing assistance. 

Paramedical practitioners use these skills to help diagnose and treat conditions more efficiently while providing valuable support services. Their main mandate is to ensure patients receive the best possible care. Paramedics facilitate smooth transitions between appointments, provide crucial diagnostic data in real-time, and offer personalized healthcare plans. 

Paramedical science helps society operate normally and provides tremendous aid to people struggling with illnesses or injuries.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a special essay that highlights an applicant’s qualifications relative to a job, internship, or course application. It introduces a candidate’s experience, skill set, and character and provides additional information to recruiters and admissions officers.

Personal statements are crucial to your application because they give writers the freedom to express their ideas more profoundly than bullet points ever could.

This allows candidates to inject a bit of their personality into their essays and to create a connection with the reader. An engaging personal statement encourages readers to invest their time and attention in your words.

Personal statements also come with the benefit of exposition, allowing applicants to highlight key qualifications. 

Moreover, personal statements are a way to tell a compelling story that demonstrates your suitability for a role, program, or community . This can leave a strong impression on your reader and increase your chances of getting accepted to a role or program.

While personal statements are relatively easy to write, they can seem daunting to beginners. This is where this guide comes into play.

Tips for an Effective Paramedical Science Statements

Add Evidence-based Examples

Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the field. This will help your personal statement stand out from other applicants by showing your in-depth appreciation for the subject. Concrete examples are extremely attractive to recruiters. Concrete evidence is important because they showcase your actual performance and ability. This is especially important to paramedics considering the stressful conditions they face. 

Showcase Your Passion for Paramedical Science

A passionate, enthusiastic tone can make your application memorable. You can also draw on relevant experience or interests to demonstrate your interest. 

Highlight Unique Qualities

Focus on qualities that set you apart from other candidates. Try to showcase how you think differently, approach challenges creatively, or bring something new to the profession that would benefit others. The rationale behind this is that anyone can learn skills. Unique qualities add value to your profile and make you much more appealing. 

Craft Stories to Illustrate Your Skills

Rather than simply describing them, use anecdotes to explain how you apply them in real-life scenarios. This helps to give the reader a better sense of who you are as a person. Moreover, we inherently enjoy stories. Vivid descriptions and a sense of progression can keep a reader engaged from start to finish. 

Keep it Concise and Clear.

Avoid complex sentence structures and unnecessary jargon. Clarity is the key to an effective message. However, this doesn’t mean your personal statements should be bland. Make sure to add a bit of variety to your style and word choice to keep your reader hooked.

Check out these examples if you’re struggling to write a paramedical science personal statement.

Paramedical Science Personal Statement Examples

I have always been passionate about paramedical sciences, even as a child. Growing up in a rural area with limited access to healthcare left me acutely aware of the vital role medical professionals play. Consequently, my interest was piqued by studying science at school and participating in relevant extracurriculars. I participated in first aid training, which further deepened my appreciation for this field. 

My research experience has broadened my understanding of how practitioners must continually adjust treatments based on emerging trends and scientific advances. 

I am proficient in many software tools that carry out tasks associated with paramedicines, such as various medical databases and medical records management programs. Ultimately, I believe that developing these skills will prepare me for a successful career in paramedical sciences that is both gratifying and rewarding.

I have had a lifelong fascination with paramedical sciences, having seen firsthand how they can save lives and improve quality of life. As a professional in the field, I take pride in my ability to administer treatments quickly and competently while providing top-notch patient care. My experience has made me an expert in big and small medical emergencies. I am well versed in managing basic first aid and stabilizing critical patients before transport. Additionally, I have cultivated an array of proficiencies that enable me to utilize the latest technology for diagnostics and treatment planning. 

Having worked on the front lines of medicine for years, I strive to cultivate relationships built on trust and understanding. Through these connections, I find great fulfillment in witnessing the tangible benefits of cutting-edge research and advancements in paramedical science.

I’ve always had an enduring fascination with paramedical science. I am eager to use my comprehensive knowledge of the subject in a meaningful career. Having provided prehospital emergency medical services for over five years has enriched me with invaluable skills. My work experience helped me hone sound judgment, resiliency, and deftness in crisis management. 

My stints as a volunteer ambulance operator provided a hands-on experience that imbued me with confidence when dealing with unpredictable scenarios. In addition, obtaining certifications from American Heart Association ACLS & BLS courses complemented my expertise in this field. 

I am confident that I can deliver outstanding contributions to your organization with my combination of hard work, commitment, and hard skills. I relish the chance to draw upon my ardent proclivity for paramedic studies and propel myself toward success within the industry.

Personal statements are a simple way to present your value to recruiters and admissions board representatives . They are a golden opportunity to showcase not only your writing skills but also your character. Remember our simple tips as you write your personal statement. 

A compelling personal statement can significantly increase your chances of success and open new prospects in your career.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

How to draft meaningful length of law school personal statement.

Are you confused on how to write a law school personal statement? One of the essential elements of your application…

• Write Personal Statement

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field…

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

Are you applying for a global management program and want to stand out from the crowd? A well-written personal statement…

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Achieving a residency can be a massive accomplishment for any aspiring medical professional. To secure your spot in one of…

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

A personal history statement can be crucial to many applications, from university admissions to job search processes. This blog will…

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Applying for a dietetic internship is a rigorous process and requires submitting a personal statement, which is an essential part…

• Free Interview Course

Home > Blog > 5 Tips For Writing A Paramedic Personal Statement

Career Advice , Interviews , Paramedic

5 tips for writing a paramedic personal statement.

• Writing a CV is no easy task, and there are a great many pitfalls which you will need to avoid.
• One of the most important elements of writing a CV is the introduction. This is known as the ‘personal statement’.
• Your personal statement should introduce yourself and your skills to the reader. When applying for paramedic jobs, this is particularly important.
• Paramedics play an essential role in maintaining the well-being of the general public. They deliver crucial first aid, and are instrumental in keeping individuals alive. Therefore, paramedic employers will only be looking for the very best candidates.
• If you are writing a CV, you need to do your utmost to perfect your paramedic personal statement, and persuade your employer to read the rest of your application. In this blog, we’ll give 5 tips for writing a winning paramedic personal statement.

5 Top Tips to Consider When Writing Your Personal Statement

Keep it short.

• Not only will a lengthy personal statement detract from the quality of the rest of your application, but there is a danger you will bore the reader. You need to put across your qualities in a succinct and efficient manner.
• Remember that your personal statement is a summary of your qualities. It is not a cover letter. Try to keep your paramedic personal statement to 150 words or less.

Outline your interests.

• The aim of your paramedic personal statement is to introduce yourself to the reader. Therefore, you need to introduce them to your interests, while keeping them relevant to the job role.
• For example, you could briefly introduce any key work or voluntary experience in this section, ‘I worked voluntarily with St John’s Ambulance service for 5 years, alongside qualified paramedics’.

Write in first person.

• Some people prefer to write their CVs in third person, but the danger of this is that you will come across as self-important to the employer.
• Writing in first person allows you to talk candidly with the employer about your skills and qualities. It is more readable and will make the employer feel as if they have got to know you, rather than a third person individual that you are describing.
• Look at the difference between the below two statements:

‘John Smith has worked and trained voluntarily alongside qualified paramedics for 2 years. He is interested in medicine and passionate about making a difference.’

‘I have worked and trained voluntarily alongside qualified paramedics for 2 years. I’m interested in medicine, and passionate about making a difference.’

You can see that the second statement has more of an impact on the reader, because it’s personal, and not detached.

Summarise the core competencies.

• The phrase ‘core competencies’ refers to the job-specific behaviours that candidates for a position will need to demonstrate, both when applying and when employed.
• For a paramedic, these are: the ability to stay calm in an emergency, the ability to learn new and technical information and the ability to work in pressured situations.
• You don’t have to describe exactly how you have these competencies, as your CV and Cover Letter should do this for you.
• Just summarise them, for example, ‘I’m a calm and collected person, who has a passion for medicine. I’m really interested in learning new technical information and have a wealth of experience working in difficult and pressured scenarios.’

Summarise why you want the job.

• This works best as the closer to your personal statement.
• In 2 or 3 lines, at the end of your statement, summarise why you want the role.
• For example, ‘After completing my studies and an extended period of work experience, I’m now looking to take the valuable skills and knowledge that I have picked up, and use it in a professional working environment. I believe I’d make a fantastic addition to any paramedical team.’

For more top tips on how to write your paramedic personal statement, and secure your dream job, purchase our guide on How To Become A Paramedic .

Andy Bosworth

• Free Aptitude Tests

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Paramedic Personal Statement

Example Paramedic Personal Statement

I deeply believe that the job paramedics do on a daily basis is breathtaking and awe-inspiring. Being a paramedic is one of the most fast-paced and demanding jobs in the business, and they are counted on to care for patients at the most critical moments. The role requires medical expertise as well as the ability to handle large amounts of stress and pressure. On several occasions during my life I have been in an emergency situation where someone close to me has fallen ill, suddenly and unexpectedly. The quick and professional response from the paramedics both impressed and inspired me.

My interest in medicine and healthcare has been with me from a young age. My decision to begin a family delayed my higher education, but at no point did my dream rescind. I am self-motivated, and in recent years I have worked hard in order to improve my education. In 2004 I completed Advanced Certificates in Food Safety and in Health & Safety, fuelled by my desire to have skills which could help safeguard heath. I have also completed several certificates qualifying me in Adult Learner Support. I am currently studying with South Cheshire College, undertaking an ‘Access to Nursing’ qualification, which includes studies of Psychology, Health Related Studies, Study Skills, Life Sciences (Double) and updating my OCN English and Maths. I particularly enjoy the Life Science, which has included ‘Cells and Tissue’, ‘Digestion and Nutrition’, ‘Microbiology’ and currently studying ‘Human Physiology’.

My work experience has left me with many transferable skills which I am confident will help me in the study of paramedic science. I have experience as a sales administrator so I am highly organised, which will ensure my studies are thorough and complete. I have also worked as a Sales Manager and an Operations Manager which not only honed my leadership skills but gave me the opportunity to work dynamically as an integral part of a team. My business experience has also made me a skilled user of computer programmes such as Microsoft Office, and I have a confident presentation manner. My years of work experience have taught me how to maintain a positive and friendly working environment among my workers and colleagues as this is the best method of optimising performance. I believe that teamwork, leadership and decision-making are all essential characteristics for a prospective paramedic and I hope to prove myself worthy by performing to the best of my ability.

In my spare time I am an avid motor-sport fan. I have been involved with the sport since I was 14, starting off as a competitor in go-cart racing. I have gone on to compete in road-rallying and special stage racing, and since 2006 I have been a serious competitor in Rally-cross. I also relish every moment I can spend with my family. I am a single mother of four wonderful children whom encourage me to become the best I can possibly be. I have successfully balanced my family life with full time jobs and studying over the years, so I am used to working under a certain amount of pressure, but I feel I am a strong and capable woman who can rise to meet any challenge. I am full of optimism and the belief in a brighter tomorrow, and I strive to be able to use my skills so that I can help people experience the best of life.

I believe that I have a long list of strong characteristics that will make me an ideal candidate for this course. My years as a single mother have taught me to have a compassionate nature, yet I am quick to make decisions and willing to take a leading role during crisis situations. I have strong communication skills and a calm, reassuring manner which is essential in times of pressure. I am well organised, resilient, adaptable, and incredibly determined to achieve my goals. To be a paramedic has been an ongoing dream in my life and I will stop at nothing to make it come true. I hope one day to combine my motor-sport passion and medical knowledge, and become a motorbike First Response paramedic.

We hope this example Paramedic Personal Statement provides inspiration for your own interesting and unique personal statement for university.

Personal Statement

• The Application Process
• UCAS Criteria
• Choosing a Degree
• Why is a Good Personal Statement Important?
• Your Personal Statement
• Example Personal Statements
• Personal Statement Help
• Personal Statement Format
• Points to Remember
• The UK Tuition Fees System
• Student Loans
• Student Finance
• Full Subjects List
• Disabled UCAS Applicants
• A-Level Results Day
• A Guide to Results Day
• Clearing & A Level Results Day
• A Guide to Clearing
• Visas to study in the UK
• Missed the January UCAS deadline?
• No University Offers…What Next?
• Interview Skills
• PGCE Interviews
• Applying to Oxbridge
• Before you go to University
• University Checklist
• Studying Abroad
• Applying to University Overseas
• Apply to study Internationally
• Preparing for Studying Abroad
• Benefits of Studying Abroad
• Taking a Gap Year
• Should You Take A Gap Year?
• Study Independently
• Choosing Accommodation

ADVERTISEMENTS

How to become a paramedic

How to become.

• How to become a counsellor
• How to become a firefighter
• How to become a personal trainer
• How to become a pilot
• How to become a police officer
• How to become a social worker
• How to become an accountant

If you want to make a real difference to people’s lives, this could be the profession for you. Being a paramedic is not for the faint-hearted. You will be dealing with life-and-death situations – helping people who may or may not appreciate your service – while frequently navigating traffic jams when every second counts.  This guide talks you through all you need to know about becoming a paramedic. Skip to:

What does a paramedic do?

What to expect as a paramedic, paramedic education and qualifications, where to find paramedic jobs, average paramedic starting salaries.

• Where to find more information

Not interested in becoming a paramedic?   Find   careers and job ideas .

Evaluating a patient's condition, deciding whether they should be treated at the scene or transferred to hospital, is a crucial part of a paramedic’s job. In non-life-threatening situations, you'll use your professional judgement to make key clinical decisions.   Health Careers  highlights a few of a paramedic's responsibilities: 

• In an emergency, you'll use high-tech equipment such as defibrillators (which restore the heart's rhythm), spinal and traction splints and intravenous drips, as well as administering oxygen and drugs.  
• You will be trained to drive what is in effect a mobile emergency clinic and to resuscitate and/or stabilise patients using sophisticated techniques, equipment and drugs for a range of conditions.  
• For example, you might be called out to someone who has fallen from scaffolding or an elderly person with a suspected stroke.  
• As well as having contact with your patients, you will also deal with their relatives and friends and members of the public, some of whom might be highly distressed or aggressive.  
• You will also often work alongside the police and fire and rescue services.  
• Based at a local ambulance station, you will work shifts, including evenings and weekends, going out in all weathers at all hours of the night or day.  
• You will work closely with other healthcare teams in the community, such as GPs, occupational therapists, mental health teams, diabetes specialists, doctors and nurses in hospital emergency departments.

Find out more in our  paramedic job profile .

Paramedics normally work in a team of two: a lead person who then has an ambulance technician, emergency medical technician or emergency care assistant supporting them.    That said, you may not be working in a pair, or even working out of an ambulance. You could be working on your own, while travelling by motorcycle, emergency response car, bike or even air ambulance helicopter to reach the patient.   Also, there's an increasing emphasis for paramedics to treat the patient at home, so they don't have to go to hospital unless it's absolutely necessary (in order to reduce demand on resources).  

Alan Simmons, careers specialist at Health Careers, says:

'The skillset of an experienced paramedic who has had extra training means that paramedics can now do many things that they couldn’t do a few years ago. For example, an experienced paramedic can now refer patients to social care services.  They can directly admit patients to specialist units and they can carry out tests such as urine tests and interpret results and administer medication.'

Personal characteristics for a paramedic

There are a number of personal characteristics that will stand you in good stead for becoming an effective paramedic:

• process key information quickly in an emergency, even in a chaotic environment
• maintain your calm when the situation may be chaotic
• be confident in yourself and able to reassure the patient and others
• carry on with your work when others around you may be emotional or even aggressive
• follow procedures and work quickly and carefully
• work by yourself or as part of a team
• prepare to go into unknown or unpredictable situations.

Common skills required of a paramedic

You will also need to possess skills that will help you deal with people, drive an ambulance and get to the location as quickly as possible: 

• communication skills
• listening skills
• driving skills
• organisational skills
• competency in using equipment and machinery.

Top tip!  Remember the skills needed to be a paramedic when you're writing your  personal statement  and  preparing for an interview . Think about how the voluntary work and work experience you have completed demonstrates you have these skills to those reading your application. If you don't make this clear here, your application may not be considered any further.

To be a paramedic, you have to be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). To be eligible, you'll need a Paramedic Bachelor Degree with honours.   

The main route to becoming a paramedic is to study a BSc Paramedic Science/Practice full-time degree at university. All universities set their own  entry requirements  in terms of subjects and grades, so check these for the course you're applying to. Currently, you can apply for a Paramedic Diploma of Higher Education (as of March 2019). However, this course is likely to be phased out because it will no longer make you eligible to apply for registration as a paramedic with the HCPC after 2024. According to the  College of Paramedics , after autumn 2024, you will only be eligible to register with the HCPC if you have one of the following:

• BSc Paramedic Science/Practice Degree – this will make you eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship  – note that this apprenticeship standard is very new. 

Also, it will be impossible to work your way up from another job in the Ambulance Team or related NHS careers (such as in the Patient Transport Service) to become a paramedic, without holding a Paramedic Science/Practice Degree. Some Ambulance Trusts – such as West Midlands Ambulance Trust – have a  Student Paramedic  Programme, which is a forerunner to the Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship (and may well become a  degree apprenticeship  in the future).

Best universities for paramedic courses

Don’t be too concerned about getting into a top university for Paramedic Science/Practice. They will all be accredited by the HCPC and have to meet strict standards. Getting a place on any paramedic degree is an achievement. The majority of courses are in the range of 112 to 120 Ucas tariff points. All consider  A-levels , Highers/Advanced Highers and the International Baccalaureate . Also, you must have at least one relevant science subject. What's considered a relevant science subject can vary from one institution to another. Some might consider physical education a science subject, whereas others won't. For example, some universities may accept PE as a science A-level, while others won't. Many courses will consider  BTEC  or equivalent courses. Again, your research is needed here to check which. As you can see, it really depends on what you're applying with and the institutions you're applying to. It's best to play it safe and ask the university directly for its stance.

How to apply for a paramedic course at university

You can search for paramedic courses on our course search , and view course information, entry requirements, and more. You can double-check the ones that you are most interested in by finding further information on the universities websites.  

• Making your first and insurance choices .

Do I need to have a driving licence to become a paramedic?

Here’s what the  College of Paramedics  says:

'Technically no, however it is very difficult to succeed in a career as a paramedic without being able to drive. The HCPC who define the requirements for the Standards of Education and Training (SETs) and the Standards of Proficiency – paramedics (SOPs), do NOT insist a student has any driving ability to join or stay on or to register on an approved programme. However, NHS Ambulance services and many private ambulance services make it a condition of employment.' The fact is, some university programmes do make it a compulsory element of the selection process, which is allowed as long as they declare that to you when you’re choosing a course and making the decision based on your qualifications, skills and attributes.

  Top tip!  Some universities will not mention anything about having a driving licence, while others will offer very specific guidance. In reality, when you finish your degree it will be really advantageous for you to hold a full driving licence in the C1 category, as this allows you to drive a vehicle that is the size of an ambulance.

Personal statement for a paramedic

You should make it clear in your personal statement about why you want to become a paramedic, relating your experiences (work experience, voluntary work, part-time job, hobbies) to the skills required to be a paramedic. For example:

• You volunteer at a residential home for the elderly and you have become aware of the health conditions that many of the residents have, such as dementia and how this affects their listening skills, and that they may not understand what you are saying.  
• You work part-time at McDonald's and have had to remain calm when dealing with boisterous customers.

Here’s an example of what St George’s, University of London looks for in a paramedic personal statement:

'You should have work or voluntary experience in a medical or health-related field and be able to demonstrate a broad awareness of the scope of paramedic science. We consider anything that involves working directly with patients or people in need of care as relevant. Although clinical experience is useful, your work experience does not have to take place in a hospital. It can be paid or voluntary. We prefer hands-on work experience to shadowing. Working in a care home, hospice or doing community work with disabled adults or children are considered very relevant.

We do not specify a minimum amount of work experience and although you can use experiences from your past we always recommend that you include your most recent experience.'

• Writing your personal statement? Browse our full advice and tips .

University interviews for a paramedic

It's vital that you prepare for any and all interviews you're invited to. You need to understand what will happen on the day. For example, an interviews could involve the following:

• literacy assessment
• numeracy assessment
• group interview
• individual interview.  

Top tip!  Do mock interviews, where you get people to ask you the following questions:

• 'Why do you want to be a paramedic?'
• 'What skills and qualities do you need to a be a paramedic?'
• 'What health/NHS issues interest you and why?'
• 'What relevant work experience/voluntary work have you done?'
• An ethical question – for example: 'Is it better to treat someone in hospital or at home?'

For specific advice on paramedic interviews:

• Visit the  College of Paramedics' interview advice
• Look for any interview advice on the university websites that you are interested in
• If you're not clear on what the interview day will involve, then book an open day  and ask the university staff directly.

Health and Police Screening

To work as a paramedic, you will have to undergo:

• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and occupational health clearance.
• Testing for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.  

Paramedic jobs

Common and well-known employers of paramedics.

Most paramedics work for the NHS as part of a local Ambulance Trust. Other employers include:

• the armed forces
• HM Prison Service
• private ambulance services
• overseas health departments
• oil and gas exploration companies
• working for private paramedical agencies for occasions such as sporting fixtures, major events or on film and TV sets.

Vacancies for Graduate Paramedics (your first role after leaving university) or Student Paramedics are normally on NHS Jobs. Alternatively, look at vacancy information on the Ambulance Service Trust websites. As the vast majority of paramedics will start with an NHS Ambulance Service Trust, you should start by exploring the careers information on your Local Ambulance Trust Website.   Each ambulance service has its own policy own how it recruits its paramedics:

• North East Ambulance Service
• Yorkshire Ambulance Service
• West Midlands Ambulance Service
• Welsh Ambulance Service
• South West Ambulance Service
• South East Coast Ambulance Service
• South Central Ambulance Service
• Scottish Ambulance Service
• Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
• North West Ambulance Service
• London Ambulance Service
• East Midlands Ambulance Service
• Isle of Wight Ambulance Service
• East of England Paramedic Service

Salaries for paramedics range from £23,000 when starting, to £37,000 if you are very experienced.   These earnings are in the average range when compared to other jobs, but money is probably not the main reason why people become paramedics. It's more likely the opportunity to help people in need that stands out to individuals.

Related or similar jobs and careers

• Ambulance care assistant and Patient Transport Service (PTS) driver
• Call handler/emergency medical dispatcher
• Emergency care assistant
• Emergency medical technician

Where to find more information

• Health Careers  to explore more about the paramedic role
• College of Paramedics  for more about educational requirements
• Our  paramedic job profile
• Health Careers Course Finder  to check that a course can indeed lead to registration with the HCPC. If it's not here, it will not be HCPC-accredited. Browse our full careers advice section , including tips on  writing your CV  or cover letter, making the most from work experience  and more.  

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Clearing places in more than just law, explore nursing at university of chester, study a business degree two days a week..

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

• Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

• Postgraduate Personal Statements
• International Student Personal Statements
• Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

• Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

• Mature Student Personal Statements
• Personal Statements By University
• Accountancy and Finance Personal Statements
• Actuarial Science Personal Statements
• American Studies Personal Statements
• Anthropology Personal Statements
• Archaeology Personal Statements
• Architecture Personal Statements
• Art and Design Personal Statements
• Biochemistry Personal Statements
• Bioengineering Personal Statements
• Biology Personal Statements
• Biomedical Science Personal Statements
• Biotechnology Personal Statements
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Business Personal Statements
• Catering and Food Personal Statements
• Chemistry Personal Statements
• Classics Personal Statements
• Computer Science Personal Statements
• Computing and IT Personal Statements
• Criminology Personal Statements
• Dance Personal Statements
• Dentistry Personal Statements
• Design Personal Statements
• Dietetics Personal Statements
• Drama Personal Statements
• Economics Personal Statement Examples
• Education Personal Statements
• Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• English Personal Statements
• Environment Personal Statements
• Environmental Science Personal Statements
• Event Management Personal Statements
• Fashion Personal Statements
• Film Personal Statements
• Finance Personal Statements
• Forensic Science Personal Statements
• Geography Personal Statements
• Geology Personal Statements
• Health Sciences Personal Statements
• History Personal Statements
• History of Art Personal Statements
• Hotel Management Personal Statements
• International Relations Personal Statements
• International Studies Personal Statements
• Islamic Studies Personal Statements
• Japanese Studies Personal Statements
• Journalism Personal Statements
• Land Economy Personal Statements
• Languages Personal Statements
• Law Personal Statement Examples
• Linguistics Personal Statements
• Management Personal Statements
• Marketing Personal Statements
• Mathematics Personal Statements
• Media Personal Statements
• Medicine Personal Statement Examples
• Midwifery Personal Statements
• Music Personal Statements
• Music Technology Personal Statements
• Natural Sciences Personal Statements
• Neuroscience Personal Statements
• Nursing Personal Statements
• Occupational Therapy Personal Statements
• Osteopathy Personal Statements
• Oxbridge Personal Statements
• Pharmacy Personal Statements
• Philosophy Personal Statements
• Photography Personal Statements
• Physics Personal Statements
• Physiology Personal Statements
• Physiotherapy Personal Statements
• Politics Personal Statements
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Radiography Personal Statements
• Religious Studies Personal Statements
• Social Work Personal Statements
• Sociology Personal Statements
• Sports & Leisure Personal Statements
• Sports Science Personal Statements
• Surveying Personal Statements
• Teacher Training Personal Statements
• Theology Personal Statements
• Travel and Tourism Personal Statements
• Urban Planning Personal Statements
• Veterinary Science Personal Statements
• Zoology Personal Statements
• Personal Statement Editing Service
• Personal Statement Writing Guide
• Submit Your Personal Statement
• Personal Statement Questions 2025

Health Sciences Personal Statement Examples

Public health is a purposeful, challenging and rewarding career and I experienced it whenIstarted working as a community vaccinator in the health department (Preventive Services). So, I’m writing this letter to apply to Debrecen’s university bachelor's programme in public health...

Related resources

Allied health professionals careers.

Find out more

Applying For Midwifery

A Level Results Day

• CV Templates
• Cover Letter Examples

Paramedic science degree

These degree programmes will educate potential paramedics to the appropriate clinical, professional and academic standards. They are evidence-based courses that combine diverse academic, interpersonal and physical skills to produce well-rounded practitioners. Courses are inter-disciplinary, with opportunities for specialisation, and will develop in you the knowledge, skills and competences that underpin practice across the paramedic science field.

Paramedics are highly skilled professionals who work in challenging, exciting and dynamic environments on the frontline of healthcare. They work principally in an emergency, out of hospital care setting with patients and their families. Programmes reflect this, with courses integrating theory and practise, subsequently students will have many occasions to put theory into practise through work placements. Degrees modules are also regularly updated to take into account rapid changes within the profession, from increasing medical technology to public awareness of healthcare issues.

The expert knowledge and skills you will learn on this course will ensure that patients receive the best possible care in any emergency and pre-hospital situations. Upon qualification you will be able to provide mobile healthcare to patients, by quickly implementing and evaluating their health care needs.

On completion of a degree course you will be eligible to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) as a paramedic. This is a legal requirement that anyone who wishes to practice using a title protected by the Health Professions Order 2001 is on the HPC Register.

Paramedic science degree course overview

Programmes tend to be modular in approach and encompass the integration of theory, practice and research throughout. To ensure that you are competent both academically and professionally, a wide range of learning experiences, teaching and assessment methods will be used. Apart from standard lectures, teaching will also include; keynote lectures, group discussion and debate, student-led seminars, structured reflection, enquiry based learning, skills teaching and learning in practice.

On any practice placements you will be required to work early, evening, nights  and weekend shifts to ensure you gain a range of experience and meet the programme requirements. These practice placements can include both urban and rural settings, and during your time there you will be supported by clinical mentors or appropriately qualified personnel (who are there to turn to if you have any questions). Placements can be in a range of settings such as; emergency ambulances, operating theatres, emergency departments or medical assessment units. This experience will give you the chance to see patients on a daily basis and adapt to working within a real life hospital or medical environment.

The course content will be delivered using a student-centred approach, allowing them to develop their practical skills in safe, simulated teaching environments, where the teaching team will include paramedics, nurses, anaesthetists. Back up is provided through the provision of module leaders, personal tutors and link teachers, all of whom offer academic and pastoral support when required.

A variety of methods will be used to assess your knowledge and competence, including; tests, coursework assignments, case studies, assignments/essays /reports, multiple choice exams, presentations and clinical practice assessments.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a Paramedic Science Degree 

• Bioscience for Paramedics
• Preparation for Paramedic Practice
• Patient Assessment in Paramedic Practice
• Paramedic Skills Development
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Sociology of health and illness
• Health policy
• Health promotion
• Medical design and technology
• Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
• Developing Professional Practice
• Acute Pre-hospital Care
• Patient assessment and management
• Clinical skills
• Biosciences
• Pharmacology
• Psychology and communication

Students will learn about

• Anatomy and physiology
• Illness and disease
• Clinical assessment
• Treatment therapies
• Legal and ethical issues

Students will learn how to

• Assess a patient’s condition and then give essential treatment.
• Use high-tech equipment as well as administering oxygen and drugs.
• Resuscitate and / or stabilise patients using sophisticated techniques, equipment and drugs.
• Gather and analyse appropriate information.
• Interpret medical signs and symptoms.
• Provide critical care transportation.

Paramedic science personal statement

Below is a paramedic science personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Paramedic science personal statement example 

“Paramedics have a great deal of responsibility, which can be scary for some people. For me however it’s the exact opposite, I look at it as being an amazing career where I will be meeting real people and helping them in their time of need. To me there is nothing greater than helping to save lives, and it’s wonderful to know that I can make a difference.

Another reasons why I want to become a paramedic is that I will be part of a team for life, with people who will all have had similar life experiences and who will always be there for each other. My skills will always be in demand and my horizons will be unlimited.

In my opinion there’s more to being a paramedic than just blood and guts, its also about the compassion and caring that you show to patients, yes paramedics do save lives, but they should also make positive lasting impression on people they come into contact with.

I believe that I have the skills required to become a confident, autonomous paramedic working within the emergency environment. Mentally I am a strong and stable person who is quick thinking, decisive and able to provide immediate professional assistance to patients in all sorts of scenarios. I feel I can react well to stressful situations, and possess excellent interpersonal skills that will allow me to reassure people whilst dealing with difficult circumstances tactfully and diplomatically. Apart from being emotionally resilient, I am also physically fit and possess a serious interest in the care and well-being of patients.

I regularly read related medical journals, as this helps me to keep up to date with the professional issues that surround paramedic practice and the research based theories that underpin paramedic practice.

To gain more experience of this field I currently work as a volunteer for St Johns Ambulance. Whilst on duty I use my advanced first aid skills to treat people with injuries. On some occasions my team would be the first person on the scene of an accident dealing with unconscious patients, or those who are not breathing or bleeding heavily. I have received advanced training from them and have the certificates to prove it. Their training facilities were superb, and included specialised manikins, which could be programmed to simulate numerous conditions. These provided me with provide real-time clinical scenarios where I had to find pulses, blood pressure and respiratory sounds, etc.

After visiting many campuses, researching and talking to quite a few learned people, I have come to the conclusion that your university is ideal for me and my ambitions. I feel that your combination of classroom study and work-based practice is just right, as it allows a student to apply new knowledge and practise new skills on the road as they progress through the course. It is perfect for me because I will get to be placed with working paramedics who will guide me on fundamental points, such as how not to panic in emergency situations. Your course also offers a comprehensive range of support services in addition to the teaching programme.”

More medical degrees Medical degree Medicine degree

Personal statements Biomedical science personal statement Medical personal statement Personal statement examples

More science degrees Actuarial science degree Animal science degree Biomedical science degree Computer science degree Forensic science degree Medical science degree Neuroscience degree Political science degree Social science degree Sports science degree Veterinary science degree Veterinary degree

More degrees University courses

Training Paramedic training courses

Student resources Essay writing Graduate internships Introduction to graduate  fasttrack schemes Revision timetable Revision tips Student accommodation Student loan company Study skills UCAS  personal statement University interview questions University open days

Student CV examples Student CV templates  (over 30 free professional written examples)

More career resources Cover letter examples  (over 50 expertly cover letter examples) CV templates  (over 300 free professionally written samples) Medical CV template examples

Username or email  *

Password  *

Forgotten password?

[email protected]

+44 (0)20 8834 4579

Medicine Personal Statement Examples

Get some inspiration to start writing your Medicine Personal Statement with these successful examples from current Medical School students. We've got Medicine Personal Statements which were successful for universities including Imperial, UCL, King's, Bristol, Edinburgh and more.

Personal Statement Examples

• Read successful Personal Statements for Medicine
• Pay attention to the structure and the content
• Get inspiration to plan your Personal Statement

Personal Statement Example 1

Check out this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for Imperial, UCL, QMUL and King's.

Personal Statement Example 2

This Personal Statement comes from a student who received Medicine offers from Bristol and Plymouth - and also got an interview at Cambridge.

Personal Statement Example 3

Have a look at this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for Imperial, Edinburgh, Dundee and Newcastle.

Personal Statement Example 4

Take a look at this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for King's, Newcastle, Bristol and Sheffield.

Personal Statement Example 5

Pick up tips from this Medicine Personal Statement which was successful for Imperial, Birmingham and Manchester.

Personal Statement Example 6

This Personal Statement comes from a student who got into Graduate Entry Medicine at King's - and also had interviews for Undergraduate Medicine at King's, QMUL and Exeter.

Loading More Content

• (888) 381-9509
• [email protected]
• Book a Meeting
• student login
• Student Login
• Our Services
• Our Story How it started
• Our Team Meet Our Advisors & Tutors
• Our Services How we can help you
• Our Difference Learn why we stand out
• Success Stories & Testimonials Hear the stories
• For Parents Learn why you should trust us
• In the News Read Our Stories
• Frequently Asked Questions Find answers
• MCAT Tutoring One-on-One Personalized Help
• MCAT Go An Audio Learning Experience
• MCAT Practice Exams Boost Your Score
• MCAT Prep App Videos, Flashcards & Q-Bank
• MCAT CARS Mastery Top-Rated CARS Video Course
• Pre-Med Coach Early High School Roadmap Planning
• College Admissions 11th & 12th Grade Pre-Med Consulting
• Direct Med Advising BS/MD Application Support
• Interview Preparation BS/MD Candidates
• Pre-Med Coach Pre-Application Development
• Application Advising Med School Admissions Support
• Personal Statement Editing Refine Your Narrative
• AMCAS Editing Application Editing
• Secondary Editing Secondary Application Editing
• Interview Preparation Realistic Practice
• CASPer Preparation Simulation & Coaching
• Ontario Application Support OMSAS Application
• Residency Advising Complete Match Support
• Residency Interview Preparation
• ERAS Personal Statement Refine Your Story
• USMLE STEP 1 Pass Your First Step
• Shelf Exams Ace your rotations
• USMLE STEP 2 Shine on your boards
• USMLE STEP 3 Conquer your final hurdle
• COMLEX LEVEL 1 and 2 Score higher
• Institutional Partners Enhance your student offering
• Organizational Partners Provide value to your students
• Virtual Shadowing Explore Medical Specialties
• Extracurricular Activities Apply now!
• Under the Stethoscope Admissions Video Course
• Research Roadmap Master Clinical Research
• MSC Score Calculate Your Chances
• Guidebooks Comprehensive Guides
• Med School Explorer Find Your School
• MCAT Masterclass Videos, Questions, Notes
• Anatomy Anki Deck Practice with 4,000+ Flaschards

The Only 3 Medical School Personal Statement Examples You Need to Read

Posted in: Applying to Medical School

Table of Contents

The personal statement is one of the most important parts of the med school application process because t his mini-essay is a critical opportunity for you to stand out from other prospective medical students by demonstrating your passion and personality, not just your grades.

Admissions committees receive hundreds or more AMCAS medical school applications , so yours should be unique and captivating. Your medical school personal statement shows admissions officers who you are beyond your high school or pre-med GPA , extracurriculars , and MCAT score . 

The best personal statements are… well, personal . This is your chance to share what life experiences have compelled you toward a career in healthcare or the medical field , and how those experiences shape the picture of your ideal future.

MedSchoolCoach has crucial advice for writing your personal statement . 

Read these examples of personal statements for prospective med students.

Writing a great medical school personal statement is a lot easier with the right support. We’ve helped numerous med school applicants craft top-notch personal statements and can do the same for you.

But first: 7 steps to writing an engaging personal statement.

Before you read these excellent examples, you need to understand the process of writing a personal statement.  

Include these in your medical school personal statement:

• Why you’re passionate about becoming a doctor
• Your qualities that will make you a great physician
• Personal stories that demonstrate those qualities
• Specific examples of the communities you want to serve as a member of the medical field

What are the most important things to remember when writing a medical school personal statement ?

• Begin the writing process early: Give yourself plenty of time for brainstorming and to revisit your first draft, revising it based on input from family members and undergrad professors. Consult the application timeline for your target enrollment season.
• Choose a central theme: An unfocused essay will leave readers confused and uninterested. Give your statement a clear thesis in the first paragraph that guides its formation.
• Start with a hook: Grab the reader’s attention immediately with your statement’s first sentence. Instead of opening with a conventional introduction, be creative! Begin with something unexpected.
• Be the you of today, not the you of the future: Forecasting your future as a physician can come across as empty promises. Don’t get caught up in your ambitions; instead, be honest about your current situation and interest in the field of medicine.
• Demonstrate your passion: It’s not enough to simply state your interest in becoming a doctor; you have to prove it through personal stories. Show how your perspectives have been shaped by formative experiences and how those will make you an effective physician.
• Show, don’t tell : Avoid cliches that admissions committees have heard hundreds of times, like “I want to help people.” Make your writing come alive with dynamic, persuasive storytelling that recounts your personal experiences.
• Tie everything together: Conclude by wrapping up your main points. Reiterate your passion for the medical profession, your defining personal qualities, and why you’ll make a good doctor.

You can read more about our recommended method in our step-by-step guide , but those are the major points.

Example 1 — From the Stretcher to the Spotlight: My Journey to Becoming an Emergency Medicine Physician

Another siren shrieks as the emergency room doors slide open and a team of EMTs pushes a blood-soaked stretcher through the entrance. It’s the fifth ambulance to arrive tonight — and only my first clinical shadowing experience in an emergency medicine department since my premed education began.

But it wasn’t my first time in an emergency room, and I knew I was meant to be here again.

In those crucial moments on the ER floor, many of my peers learned that they stumble in high-pressure environments. A few weeks of gunshot wounds, drug overdoses, broken bones, and deep lacerations in the busiest trauma bay in the region were enough to alter their career path.

They will be better practitioners somewhere predictable, like a pediatrician in a private practice where they choose their schedules, clients, and staff.

Every healthcare provider has their specialties, and mine are on full display in those crucial moments of lifesaving care. Why am I pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine? Because I’ve seen firsthand the miracles that Emergency Medicine physicians perform.

12 years ago, I was in an emergency room… but I was the one on the stretcher.

A forest-green Saturn coupe rolled into my parent’s driveway. The driver, my best friend Kevin, had just passed his driving test and was itching to take a late-night run to the other side of town. I had ridden with Kevin and his father many times before when he held his learner’s permit. But this time, we didn’t have an adult with us, and the joyride ended differently: with a 40-mph passenger-side collision, T-boned by a drunk driver.

I distinctly recall the sensation of being lifted out of the crumpled car by a paramedic and laid onto a stretcher. A quick drive later, I was in the care of Dr. Smith, the ER resident on call that night. Without missing a beat, he assessed my condition and provided the care I needed. When my mom thanked him for saving my life, he simply responded, “It’s what he needed.”

Now I’m watching other doctors and nurses provide this life-saving care as I observe as a premed student. I see the way the staff works together like a well-oiled machine, and it reminds me of my time in high-school theater.

Everyone has a role to play, however big or small, to make the show a success. All contributions are essential to a winning performance — even the technicians working behind the scenes. That’s what true teamwork is, and I see that same dynamic in the emergency department.

Some actors freeze during performances, overcome by stage fright. Other students are too anxious to even set foot in front of an audience; they remain backstage assisting with split-second costume changes.

Not me. I felt energized under the spotlight, deftly improvising to help my co-stars when they would forget their lines. Admittedly, I wasn’t the best actor or singer in the cast, but I provided something essential: assurance under pressure. Everyone knew me as dependable, always in their corner when something went awry. I had a reputation for remaining calm and thinking on my feet.

My ability to stay unruffled under pressure was first discovered on stage, but I can use it on a very different platform providing patient care. Now, when other people freeze under the intensity of serving public health on the front lines, I can step in and provide my calm, collected guidance to see them through.

As an ER doctor, I will have to provide that stability when a nurse gets flustered by a quarrelsome patient or shaken from an irreparably injured infant. When you’re an Emergency Medicine physician, you’re not following a script. It takes an aptitude of thinking on your toes to face the fast pace and unpredictable challenges of an emergency center.

During my time shadowing, I saw experienced physicians put those assured, gentle communication skills to use. A 13-year-old boy was admitted for a knife wound he’d received on the streets. He only spoke Spanish, but it was clear he mistrusted doctors and was alarmed by the situation. In mere minutes, one of the doctors calmed the patient so he could receive care he needed.

Let me be clear: I haven’t simply gravitated toward Emergency Medicine because I liked it most. It’s not the adrenaline or the pride that compel me. I owe Emergency Medicine my life, and I want to use my life to extend the lives of other people. Every person brought into the trauma bay could be another me , no matter what they look like.

People are more than their injury, health record, or circumstances. They are not just a task to complete or a challenge to conquer.

My childhood injury gave me an appreciation for the work of ER doctors and a compassion for patients, to foster well-being when people are most broken and vulnerable. I already have the dedication to the work and the heart for patients; I just need the medical knowledge and procedural skills to perform life-saving interventions. My ability to remain calm, think on my toes, be part of a team, and work decisively without making mistakes or overlooking critical issues will serve me well as an Emergency Medicine physician.

Some ER physicians I spoke with liked to think that they’re “a different breed” than other medical professionals — but I don’t see it that way. We’re just performing a different role than the rest of the cast.

Breaking It Down

Let’s look at what qualities make this a great personal statement for med school.

• Engaging opening: The writer painted a vivid scene that immediately puts the reader in their shoes and leaves them wanting more.
• Personal examples: The writer demonstrated his ability to stay calm, work as a team, and problem-solve through theater experience, which he also uses as a comparison. And, he explained his passion for Emergency Medical care from his childhood accident.
• Organized: The writer transitions fluidly between body paragraphs, connecting stories and ideas by emphasizing parallels and hopping back and forth between time.
• Ample length: Makes full use of the AACOMAS and AMCAS application personal statement’s character limit of 5,300 characters (including spaces), which is about 850-950 words.

Unsure what traits and clinical or research experience your preferred medical school values ? You can research their admissions requirements and mission statement using the MSAR .

Example 2 — Early Clinical Work For Empathetic Patient Care

The applicant who wrote this personal statement was accepted into University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, and Tufts University School of Medicine.

As I walked briskly down the hall to keep up during our daily rounds in the ICU, I heard the steady beeping of Michelle’s cardiac monitor and saw a ruby ornament twinkling on the small Christmas tree beside her. She was always alone, but someone had decorated her room for the holidays.

It warmed my heart that I wasn’t the only one who saw her as more than a patient in a coma. I continually felt guilty that I couldn’t spend more time with her; her usual companions were ventilators, IV bags, and catheters, not to mention the golf ball-sized tumors along her spine. Every day, I thought about running to Michelle’s bedside to do anything I could for her.

Thus, I was taken aback when my advisor, who was visiting me that day, asked me if I was okay. It never crossed my mind that at age 17, my peers might not be able to handle the tragedies that healthcare workers consistently face. These situations were difficult, but they invoked humanity and compassion from me. I knew I wanted to pursue medicine. And I knew I could do it.

From my senior year of high school to my senior year of college, I continued to explore my passion for patient interaction.

At the Stepp Lab, I was charged with contacting potential study participants for a study focusing on speech symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. The study would help future patients, but I couldn’t help but think: “What are we doing for these patients in return?” I worried that the heart and soul behind the research would get lost in the mix of acoustic data and participant ID numbers.

But my fears were put to rest by Richard, the self-proclaimed “Parkinson’s Song & Dance Man,” who recorded himself singing show tunes as part of his therapy. Knowing that he was legally blind and unable to read caller ID, I was always thrilled when he recognized my voice. The spirit in his voice indicated that my interest in him and his journey with Parkinson’s was meaningful. Talking with him inspired me to dive deeper, which led to an appreciative understanding of his time as a sergeant in the U.S. military.

It was an important reminder: my interest and care are just as important as an effective prescribed treatment plan.

Following graduation, I began my work as a medical assistant for a dermatologist. My experience with a patient, Joann, validated my ability to provide excellent hands-on patient care. Other physicians prescribed her painkillers to relieve the excruciating pain from the shingles rash, which presented as a fiery trail of blisters wrapped around her torso. But these painkillers offered no relief and made her so drowsy that she fell one night on the way to the bathroom.

Joann was tired, suffering, and beaten down. The lidocaine patches we initially prescribed would be a much safer option, but I refused for her to pay $250, as she was on the brink of losing her job. When she returned to the office a week later, she held my hand and cried tears of joy because I found her affordable patches, which helped her pain without the systemic effects.

The joy that pierced through the weariness in her eyes immediately confirmed that direct patient care like this was what I was meant to do. As I passed her a tissue, I felt ecstatic that I could make such a difference, and I sought to do more.

Since graduation, I have been volunteering at Open Door, a small pantry that serves a primarily Hispanic community of lower socioeconomic families. It is gut-wrenching to explain that we cannot give them certain items when our stock is low. After all, the fresh fruits and vegetables I serve are fundamental to their culturally-inspired meals.

For the first time, I found myself serving anguish rather than a helping hand. Usually, uplifting moments strengthen one’s desire to become a physician, but in this case, it was my ability to handle the low points that reignited my passion for aiding others.

After running out of produce one day, I was confused as to why a woman thanked me. Through translation by a fellow volunteer, I learned it was because of my positivity. She taught me that the way I approach unfavorable situations affects another’s perception and that my spirited attitude breaks through language barriers.

This volunteer work served as a wake-up call to the unacceptable fact that U.S. citizens’ health suffers due to lack of access to healthy foods. If someone cannot afford healthy foods, they may not have access to healthcare. In the future, I want to partner with other food banks to offer free services like blood pressure readings. I have always wanted to help people, but I now have a particular interest in bringing help to people who cannot afford it.

While the foundation of medicine is scientific knowledge, the foundation of healthcare is the word “care” itself. I never found out what happened to Michelle and her Christmas tree, but I still wonder about her to this day, and she has strengthened my passion to serve others. A sense of excitement and comfort stems from knowing that I will be there for people on their worst days, since I have already seen the impact my support has had.

In my mind, becoming a physician is not a choice but a natural next step to continue bringing humanity and compassion to those around me.

How did this personal statement grab and sustain attention so well?

• Personalization: Everything about this statement helps you to understand the writer, from their personal experiences to their hope for how their future career will look.
• Showing, not telling: From the first sentence, the reader is hooked. This prospective medical student has plenty of great “on paper” experience (early shadowing, clinical experience, etc.), but they showed this with storytelling, not by repeating their CV.
• Empathy: An admissions committee reading this personal statement would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this student cares deeply about their patients. They remember first names, individual details, and the emotions that each patient made them feel.
• A clear path forward: The writer doesn’t just want to work in the medical field — they have a passion for exactly how they want to impact the communities they serve. Outside of strictly medical work, they care about the way finances can limit access to healthcare and the struggle to find healthy food in food deserts around the US .

Read Next: How Hard Is It to Get Into Medical School?

Example 3 — Beyond the Diagnosis: The Importance of Individualized Care in Medicine

The applicant who wrote this personal statement was accepted into Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Nova Southeastern University College Of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Haywood sighs and shakes her head upon opening the chart. “I was worried about her A1C. It’s up again. Hypertension, too. Alright, let’s go.”

As we enter the patient’s room, I’m expecting the news about her blood sugar and pressure to fill the room. Instead, Dr. Haywood says, “Roseline! How are you doing? How’s your girl, doing well?”

Dr. Haywood continues to ask questions, genuinely interested in Roseline’s experience as a new mother. If not for the parchment-lined examination chair and anatomy posters plastered to the wall, this exchange could be happening in a grocery store. What about her A1C? Her blood pressure? Potential Type II diabetes?

As I continue to listen, Dr. Haywood discovers that Roseline’s mother moved in with her, cooking Haitian meals I recognize as high on the glycemic index. Dr. Haywood effortlessly evolves their conversation to focus on these. Being Haitian herself, she knows some traditional dishes are healthier than others and advises Roseline to avoid those that might exacerbate her high blood sugar and blood pressure. Dr. Haywood also suggests Roseline incorporate exercise by bringing her baby on a walk through her neighborhood.

During my shadowing experience, I observed one of the core components of being a physician through several encounters like this one. By establishing a relationship with her patient where Roseline was comfortable sharing the details of new motherhood, Dr. Haywood was able to individualize her approach to lowering the patient’s A1C and hypertension. Inspired by her ability to treat the whole person , I began to adopt a similar practice as a tutor for elementary kids in underserved areas of D.C.

Shaniyah did not like Zoom, or math for that matter. When I first met her as a prospective tutee online, she preferred to keep her microphone muted and would claim she was finished with her math homework after barely attempting the first problem. Realizing that basing our sessions solely on math would be fruitless, I adapted my tutoring style to incorporate some of the things for which she had a natural affinity.

The first step was acknowledging the difficulties a virtual environment posed to effective communication, particularly the ease at which distractions might take over. After sharing this with Shaniyah, she immediately disclosed her struggles to share her work with me. With this information, I found an online platform that allowed us to visualize each other’s work.

This obstacle in communication overcome, Shaniyah felt more comfortable sharing details about herself that I utilized as her tutor. Her love of soccer gave me the idea to use the concept of goal scoring to help with addition, and soon Shaniyah’s math skills and enthusiasm began to improve. As our relationship grew, so did her successes, and I suspect the feelings I experienced as her tutor are the same as a physician’s when their patient responds well to prescribed treatment.

I believe this skill, caring for someone as a whole person , that I have learned and practiced through shadowing and tutoring is the central tenet of medicine that allows a doctor to successfully treat their patients.

Inspired by talking with patients who had received life-altering organ transplants during my shadowing experience, I created a club called D.C. Donors for Georgetown University students to encourage their peers to register as organ donors or donate blood. This experience taught me that to truly serve a person, you must involve your whole person, too.

In starting this club to help those in need of transplants, I had to dedicate my time and effort beyond just my physical interactions with these patients. For instance, this involved reaching out to D.C.’s organ procurement organization to inquire about a potential partnership with my club, to which they agreed. In addition, I organized tabling events on campus, which required significant planning and communication with both club members and my university.

Though exciting, starting a club was also a difficult process, especially given the limitations the pandemic imposed on in-person meetings and events. To adapt, I had to plan more engaging meetings, designing virtual activities to make members more comfortable contributing their ideas. In addition, planning a blood drive required extensive communication with my university to ensure the safety of the staff and participants during the pandemic.

Ultimately, I believe these behind-the-scenes actions were instrumental in addressing the need for organ and blood donors in the D.C. area.

From these experiences, I have grown to believe that good medicine not only necessitates the physician cares for her patient as a whole, but also that she fully commits her whole person to the care of the patient. Tutoring and starting D.C. Donors not only allowed me to develop these skills but also to experience such fulfilling emotions: the pride I had in Shaniyah when her math improved, the gratefulness I felt when she confided in me, the steadfast commitment I expressed to transplant patients, and the joy I had in collaborating with other passionate club members.

I envision a career as a physician to demand these skills of me and more, and I have confirmed my desire to become one after feeling so enriched by practicing them.

Here’s what makes this personal statement such a good example of what works:

• Desirable qualities: The student clearly demonstrates qualities any school would want in an applicant: teachability, adaptability, leadership, organization, and empathy, to name a few. This again uses the “show, don’t tell” method, allowing the readers to understand the student without hand-holding.
• Personalized storytelling: Many in the healthcare profession will connect with experiences like the ones expressed here, such as addressing patient concerns relationally or the lack of blood donors during the recent pandemic. The writer automatically makes a personal link between themselves and the admissions committees reading this statement.
• Extensive (but not too long): Without feeling too wordy, this personal statement uses nearly all of the 5,300 characters allowed on the AMCAS application. There’s no fluff left in the final draft, only what matters.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

You can learn a lot from those personal statements. They avoid the most common mistakes that med school applicants make when writing the medical school personal statement.

Here are some things you should avoid in your personal statement if you want to be a doctor:

• Name-dropping: Admissions counselors won’t be impressed when you brag about your highly regarded family members, associates, or mentors. You need to stand on your own feet — not someone else’s.
• Dishonesty: Lies and exaggerations can torpedo your application. And they’re bad habits for anyone entering the medical field. Don’t do it.
• Unedited AI content: Artificial intelligence can help you edit and improve your writing, but don’t let it do the work for you. Your statement needs to be authentic, which means in your voice! A chatbot can’t feel or adequately convey your own empathy, compassion, trauma, drive, or personality.
• Grammatical errors and typos: Have someone reliable proofread your essay and scour it for typos, misspellings, and punctuation errors. Even free grammar-checking apps can catch mistakes!
• Telling without showing: I’ll reiterate how important it is to prove your self-descriptive statements with real-life examples. Telling without showing won’t persuade readers.
• Too many examples: Have 3-4 solid personal stories at most; only include a few that are crucial for providing your points. The more experiences you share, the less impact they’ll make.
• Fluff and filler: Cut all fluff, filler words, and irrelevant points. There are many other places you can include information in your application, such as secondary essays on your clinical experience, volunteer work, and research projects . 

You can find more valuable do’s and don’ts in our in-depth guide to writing your best personal statement .

Need extra help? We’ve got you covered.

Schedule a meeting with medschoolcoach for expert support on writing and editing your personal statement. we’re here to help you impress medical school admissions committees .

Renee Marinelli, MD

Dr. Marinelli has practiced family medicine, served on the University of California Admissions Committee, and has helped hundreds of students get into medical school. She spearheads a team of physician advisors who guide MedSchoolCoach students.

See How We Can Help

Search for:, recent posts, dr. ken tao, medschoolcoach, recent blog posts.

US News Rankings for Medical School – What Does the Future Hold

The US News Rankings for Medical School are omnipresent when students consider medical schools (and college, as well as other[...]

December 9, 2022

The Future Physicians for Change Conference: A Must-Attend Event for Aspiring Doctors

Explore Dr. Annelise Silva's medical journey to becoming AMSA President, preview the Future Physicians for Change Conference, and learn about[...]

May 15, 2024

Webinar: Navigating the Medical School Application Process

  Free Webinar: Navigating the Medical School Application Process October 23rd at 9 pm EST Register Today for the Free Webinar[...]

October 12, 2017

The Pre-Med Journey: What it Takes to Get into Medical School

Thinking about applying to medical school? Discover what high school students need to know about obtaining a career in medicine.

Successfully Planning for the USMLE Step 1 and 2 CK

Get ready for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 with this free guide to study planning and resource utilization.

100 MCAT Study Tips

Taking the MCAT? These 100 tips and tricks will help you ace the MCAT.

Call us at (888) 381-9509

Call Us Now

Or, Schedule a Meeting Below

• Ask a question Ask
• go advanced Search
• Please enter a title
• Please enter a message
• Your discussion will live here... (Start typing, we will pick a forum for you) Please select a forum Change forum View more forums... View less forums... GCSEs A-levels Applications, Clearing and UCAS University Life Student Finance England Part-time and temporary employment Chat Everyday issues Friends, family and work Relationships Health News Student Surveys and Research
• post anonymously
• All study help
• Uni applications
• University and HE colleges
• University help and courses
• University student life

Postgraduate

• Careers and jobs
• Teacher training
• Finance and accountancy
• Relationships
• Sexual health
• Give feedback or report a problem
• University and university courses
• Universities and HE colleges
• Life and style
• Entertainment
• Debate and current affairs
• Careers and Jobs
• Scottish qualifications
• Foreign languages
• GCSE articles
• A-level articles
• Exam and revision articles
• What to do after GCSEs
• What to do after A-levels
• When is A-level results day 2024?
• When is GCSE results day 2024?
• Studying, revision and exam support
• Grow your Grades

Exam results articles and chat

• Exam results homepage
• A guide to GCSE and A-level grade boundaries
• Year 13 chat
• Year 12 chat
• Year 11 chat

A-level results

• Guide to A-level results day
• Get help preparing for results day
• A-level retakes and resits
• Exam reviews and remarks
• Here’s what to expect on A-level results day
• Six ways to help results day nerves
• Understanding your A-level results slip

GCSE results

• Guide to GCSE results day
• How GCSE combined science grades work
• Stressed about GCSE results day?
• Understanding your GCSE results slip

Finding a uni in Clearing

• Clearing articles and chat
• UK university contact details
• Guide to Clearing
• Seven things people get wrong about Clearing
• How to make a great Clearing call
• Finding accommodation after Clearing
• How Clearing can help you prepare for results day
• All universities
• Applying through Ucas
• Student finance
• Personal statement
• Postgraduate study
• Uni accommodation
• University life
• All uni courses
• Apprenticeships
• Arts and humanities courses
• Stem courses
• Social science courses

Universities by region

• North of England
• South of England
• Greater London
• Distance learning
• International study

University guides and articles

• All university articles
• Applying to uni articles
• Personal statements
• Personal statement examples
• University open days
• Studying law at university
• Student life at university
• Careers and jobs discussion
• Apprenticeships discussion
• Part-time and temp jobs
• Career forums by sector
• Armed forces careers
• Consultancy careers
• Finance careers
• Legal careers
• Marketing careers
• Medicine and healthcare careers
• Public sector careers
• Stem careers
• Teaching careers
• General chat
• Relationships chat
• Friends, family and colleagues
• Advice on everyday issues
• General health
• Mental health
• UK and world politics
• Educational debate

Undergraduate

• Postgraduate Master’s Loan
• Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
• Disabled Students’ Allowances
• Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Further information

• Parents and partners
• Advanced Learner Loan
• Medicine personal statements

Personal Statement:Paramedic Science 4

Paramedic Science Personal Statement

I would really appreciate the opportunity to study to become a Paramedic; since I joined St John Ambulance I have enjoyed working as part of a team to help people and to deal with their injuries, the training has been inspirational as well as valuable to me. Apart from basic first aid, I have learned how to use an AED and how to deal with people who are either difficult, stressed or have various mental health problems such as schizophrenia. I feel that by studying to become a Paramedic I can build on the skills that I have learned in St John Ambulance and use them much more regularly. I have read several books about life as a paramedic and feel that the vast amount of different situations and people that one meets as a paramedic makes the job varied, challenging and interesting.

Learning about Anatomy and Physiology has always fascinated me so I will find the science aspects of the course extremely interesting. I also look forward to placements with an ambulance service trust as I feel that I will enjoy the work and the opportunity to practise and develop skills that I will learn on the course, or already possess due to my St John Ambulance voluntary work.

As I was not aware that I wanted to become a paramedic when I started the IB I chose to do Chemistry and Physics at higher level, as opposed to Biology. I have enjoyed both of these sciences and am enjoying studying Biology AS and A2 in a year. The IB has helped to teach me not only the subjects to a high level, but also how to deal with heavy workloads and manage my time more effectively. Studying English and History to this level have allowed me to improve my vocabulary and analytical skills. As I did my extended essay in a subject that I was not studying, I was able to develop my independent learning and research skills. As part of the IB I had to do at least 50 hours of work in the community, I decided that joining St John Ambulance would be a good way of doing this; it is that that has made me want to become a paramedic. Within St John Ambulance I have helped at events of varying sizes, from V festival with over 50 members ranging from first aiders to paramedics, nurses and doctors as well as smaller events with only 2 first aiders. The larger events have allowed me to develop my patient managing skills as I had to deal with multiple patients at the same time. The smaller events have shown me that while, as a first aider, I might not be needed for a long period of time, I must be ready to apply my skills at a moment's notice.

Since I was 12, I have taken part in a weeklong extracurricular learning course each summer with a company called GIFT. These courses have helped shape me as a person by providing stimulating and enjoyable courses as well as providing a good environment to meet new people and make friends. In the courses I have had to use people skills in order to communicate my point to people of varying ages, from 12 right the way through to 18 as well as the lecturers. Throughout my time in secondary and further education these courses have helped me to think critically and further engage with my subjects. During the summer holidays since I left secondary school I have been employed by them, helping in the IT department. During these periods I have helped to set up the new computers as well as assist with any IT problems that have arisen, this has helped to develop my problem solving skills, something that I feel is important for a paramedic to have. My experience with solving computer problems has helped me think logically, as well as to think about causes of problems that may not be immediately obvious. I am very determined to become a paramedic as I feel that I will be able to make a huge difference in people's lives.

Universities Applied to:

• University of Hertfordshire - Offer, Unconditional Firm (Required me to have a full, clean UK driving license with provisional category C1 prior to August 16th)
• University of Surrey - Rejection (post interview)
• University of Plymouth - Rejection (post interview)
• University of Brighton - Withdrawn
• University of the West of England, Bristol - Withdrawn

Got interviews for all universities, withdrew from brighton before attending the interview and UWE after the interview due to already having an unconditional offer for Hertfordshire.

Grades Achieved:

• A Level Biology - A* (taken in 1 year)
• AS Level Politics - A
• AS Level Electronics - A
• IB HL Physics - 6
• IB HL History - 5
• IB HL Maths - 4
• IB HL Chemistry - 4
• IB SL English - 4
• IB SL Spanish ab initio - 3
• Share this story :
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on Pinterest
• Latest Latest
• Trending Trending
• create my feed
• Edit my feed
• 0 new posts
• Started by: Anonymous
• Forum: Durham University
• Last post: 1 minute ago
• Forum: Relationships
• Started by: djjcismfj246
• Forum: University of Oxford
• Replies: 60
• Started by: Doones
• Forum: University of Cambridge
• Replies: 9724
• Started by: RevisionIsFun
• Forum: Chemistry
• Replies: 13
• Forum: Health
• Started by: Lawrence8076
• Started by: Wired_1800
• Forum: Forum games
• Replies: 7032
• Started by: 04MR17
• Forum: University of Manchester
• Replies: 545
• Last post: 2 minutes ago
• Started by: xchxlsx
• Forum: Ask Student Finance England
• Started by: Talkative Toad
• Replies: 2424
• Started by: Adam Woodbridge
• Forum: Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Last post: 3 minutes ago
• Started by: AbbyG16
• Started by: scar-the-queen
• Forum: Grow your Grades
• Started by: hh1209
• Replies: 233
• Forum: UK and World Politics
• Replies: 4472
• Started by: elegoo
• Forum: University of Kent
• Started by: anjali_
• Forum: Coventry University
• Last post: 4 minutes ago
• Started by: RubyLam1
• Forum: Queen Mary University of London
• Started by: aaboni
• Forum: Applications, Clearing and UCAS
• Started by: Scotland Yard
• Forum: Medicine
• Replies: 540
• Last post: 22 minutes ago
• Started by: maiarhysdavies
• Forum: King's College London
• Replies: 796
• Last post: 1 hour ago
• Started by: ma_they
• Forum: University of Bristol
• Replies: 117
• Last post: 4 hours ago
• Forum: Advice on everyday issues
• Replies: 190
• Last post: 8 hours ago
• Started by: Saracen's Fez
• Replies: 834
• Last post: 14 hours ago
• Started by: Miss.fcxxx
• Forum: Civil service, public sector and public services
• Replies: 313
• Last post: 18 hours ago
• Started by: Lazlay
• Replies: 828
• Last post: 19 hours ago
• Started by: PileaP
• Forum: GCSEs
• Replies: 209
• Last post: 20 hours ago
• Started by: Sandtrooper
• Forum: Cambridge Postgraduate
• Replies: 8246
• Last post: 1 day ago
• Started by: Blinkr
• Replies: 383
• Started by: Lc627183
• Replies: 280
• Started by: Durham University
• Replies: 1577
• Started by: MOZSH
• Forum: Medical Schools
• Replies: 497
• Started by: KA_P
• Replies: 1125
• Last post: 3 days ago
• Started by: emm4nuella
• Replies: 973
• Last post: 4 days ago
• Started by: aishaslm
• Forum: Legal careers and training
• Replies: 176
• Last post: 5 days ago
• Started by: shooks
• Forum: Secondary school, sixth form and FE college
• Last post: 6 days ago
• Started by: ...hehe
• Replies: 59
• Replies: 800
• Great! I exceeded my expectations
• Good, I got what I expected
• Not so good, I didn't get everything I expected
• Terrible, I didn't get any of the grades I wanted
• Tell us more about your answer in the thread

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group.

• Main topics
• GCSE and A-level
• Exam results
• Life and relationships

Get Started

• Today's posts
• Unanswered posts
• Community guidelines
• TSR help centre
• Cookies & online safety
• Terms & conditions
• Privacy notice

Connect with TSR

© Copyright The Student Room 2023 all rights reserved

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd.

Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB

• +919946991401
• [email protected]

University Personal Statement for Paramedical Science

Troubling with creating an inventive and focused personal statement for paramedical science? Are you not sure if the sample university personal statement for paramedical science can help you meet the challenges of other candidates? Worried about getting admission to your dream university for a paramedical science program?

Do not worry anymore as we can help you take care of all your concerns regarding writing a university personal statement for paramedical science. We are a team of professional writers having extensive experience in the field.

We have helped numerous students get admission to renowned universities in the world for different levels of paramedical science courses. The experience of creating a range of university personal statements for paramedical sciences makes us one of the most reliable names in the domain to work in your statement, too.

Paramedical Science Personal Statement Example

I never imagined working in the paramedical field and to my amazement, it all started with a straightforward tale I had heard from my cousin’s brother. I have always wanted to be of service. I appreciated it, whether it was through tutoring or just offering a helping hand. I considered taking a course that would enable me to assist people even more when I finished grade 12. I didn’t want to learn anything that wasn’t interesting to me. I discovered the Human Kinetics course after doing a lot of research. I was enthralled by the term, which propelled me to find out more. Presently, I feel that was something to be thankful for. I couldn’t ever have found my actual interest and aim if I hadn’t studied it.

My fascination with the human body and my fixation on injury treatment and aversion were both started by this. My cousin told me a story concerning how his paramedic companion helped the patient and kept them alive until the rescue vehicle showed up when I was exploring this course. My life changed after that. I came to see that turning into a paramedic would be the best way for me to satisfy my objective of supporting others, treating wounds, and giving them hope. Working in demanding circumstances that call for quick reaction and being affected by individuals’ lives energizes me without question. I made the choice to seek out paramedics to satisfy my interest in paramedicine.

I went with an emergency mobile facility, which gave me my most memorable practical experience. A man in his 90s had collapsed at home, as per many calls we got. Besides, the fire that began in the house from the gas stove annihilated a portion of it. He had support from the firefighters and paramedics. He resided alone in the house, as per the neighbours, and a servant came in during the day to help him with duties. Our crew was happy when he opened his eyes after we helped him and provided emergency treatment for him. He articulated the words “thank you” in my ears when we took him to the hospital nearby. I will constantly recollect what this taught me about life. It caused me to understand that paramedicine includes something beyond the breath, treatment, and medicine. The focus is on how we treat people, which is more important. It may very well be simpler to ignore the way that a sincere smile and attentive ears can frequently have the most effect on a patient.

I have been working at the local kids’ community centre for two years. Alongside learning different things, I additionally enhanced two different capacities that are viewed as fundamental in any field: compassion and correspondence. I figured out how to have sympathy and graciousness for others through the children. The best way of supporting another person is by lending a hand to them.

I see both my scholarly and extracurricular exercises as strategies to learn various things. I have acquired information and experience thanks to the degree I have finished, and I have likewise worked on my interactive abilities through games, painting, and photography. All that I did turned out to be more helpful than I had expected. Beside that, I also trust that I will be a strong choice for the paramedic course because of the experience and exposure I have received through my life. My long-term objective is to be a flight paramedic. I also know that it is difficult to foresee the future and that I still have a long road ahead to follow this path.

We Also offer Personal Statement For

Personal statement for masters.

• personal statement for mBA
• personal statement for masters in finance
• personal statement for master of psychology
• personal statement for masters in public health
• personal statement for masters in public administration

University Personal Statement

• postgraduate personal statement
• civil engineering personal statement
• ucas personal statement
• Imperial college Personal statement
• kings college personal statement
• harvard university personal statement
• College admission personal statement
• graduate school personal statement
• oxford personal statement
• UC History Personal Statement

Medical School Personal Statement

• Residency Personal Statement
• Internal Medicine Residency Personal Statement
• aacomas Personal Statement
• crna personal statement
• family medicine residency personal statement
• eras residency personal statement
• anesthesiology residency personal statement
• emergency medicine residency personal statement
• nurse practitioner personal statement
• personal statement for nursing school
• mental health psychiatric nursing personal statement
• psychiatry residency personal statement
• pediatrics residency personal statement
• amcas personal statement
• paramedic science personal statement
• physiotherapy personal statement

personal statements for Subjects

• architecture personal statement
• economic personal statement

Law school personal statement

• criminology personal statement
• nyu law personal statement
• georgetown law personal statement
• harvard law personal statement
• columbia LLM personal statement
• LLM Law School

PhD Programs personal statement

• Phd in Computer Science Personal Science
• PhD in Biological Science Personal Science
• PhD in Clinical Psychology Personal Statement

Fellowship Admission Personal Statement

• gi gastroenterology personal statement
• cardiology personal statement
• nephrology personal statement
• nsf grfp personal statement
• oncology personal statement
• critical care personal statement
• radiology personal statement
• hematology personal statement
• fulbright personal statement

How to Write a Personal Statement for Paramedical Science?

Although one may be able to find a lot of sample university personal statements for paramedical sciences online, it would be tough to write one yourself. The statement has to be both creative, insightful, and assertive to get the right results.This makes the entire process of writing a personal statement for paramedical science for admission in a university all the more challenging.However, if you are able to put together the right content and focus the statement on what makes you want to do the program, you can surely have a better shot at winning the admission. But that’s not an easy job. However, many students have no idea about writing a university personal statement and formatting it.

If that’s what’s holding you back, here is a list of tips that you can use:

• Give yourself ample time to prepare the statement before the deadline
• List the things that you want to talk about and not in the statement
• Understand what the university wants from the statement
• Finalize a statement that meets the guidelines of the university
• Make a blueprint of the statement first and then expand each element
• Ensure that the statement conforms to the word count requirements

You are probably wondering that these tips are nothing special. Of course, we agree that these are basic tips that most would follow. However, we have learned from our experience that most students fail to even follow these basics. Hence, these tips.

Why Should You Hire Us for A University Personal Statement for Paramedical Science?

Every student wants to submit the best university personal statement for paramedical sciences to their university. Whether the student is trying to get admission for a postgraduate program, undergraduate program, or a diploma course, they need the best. Hence, it is important that they associate with an experienced team.

Over the years of our experience, we have served tens of thousands of students looking to study paramedical sciences courses in universities from around the world. This has helped us become a trusted name in the field for personal statements.

During our professional experience in the field, we have kept the following service traits closer to our heart to deliver top-notch services to our students:

Team of Skilled Professionals

We are extremely proud of the team that we have. We do not just have the best writers in the industry. We also have the best editors and customer support agents. Each member of our team works together as a well-oiled machine to deliver the best university personal statements for paramedical sciences for our students at all times.

Diverse Quality Review Systems

Our students want us to write their personal statement for paramedical sciences for universities in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Ireland. As these countries are the best for higher education, the competition is tough. Hence, we have diverse quality assurance systems to meet the competition and deliver the best quality for all.

Customized Writing Services for All

We know that every student comes to us with a singular story and aspirations for their lives. Hence, we make it a point to capture that story with bespoke services. Such support helps us ensure that the stories of the students are told in the most unique way in the university personal statement for paramedical sciences.

Affordable Personal Statements

Although foreign education is an expensive thing to do no matter where you want to study, we have made our services highly economic. The services cost as per your unique requirements to deliver the best value. Even then, we will not cost you not more than a fifth of one percent of your academic expenses.

Multiple Formats and Samples

During our experience in the field, we have written numerous personal statements for university admission for paramedical sciences and other courses. Hence, we have a bevy of university personal statements samples and formats for paramedical sciences with us. Our clients can request these examples for review before associating with us.

Friendly Customer Care

In addition to delivering the best and comprehensive services for our students, we also go the extra mile to take care of their concerns as well. We know that students would be worried about the progress of the statement and how it goes. All these concerns can be addressed with our professional, friendly customer care.

Being an experienced and client-centric personal statement writing service provider for PhD in computer science, we tether each of these elements while writing the statement. This helps us cater to even the most stringent of needs of our clients.

Hire Us for the Best University Personal Statement for Paramedical Sciences

Getting admission to a paramedical sciences course from a venerated university is often the first step for many students towards their career goals. However, that step will not be successful without a creatively written university personal statement for a paramedical sciences course.

With our extensive experience in the field of creating personal statements, we have helped numerous students so far. With us, you are guaranteed to get:

• Creative university personal statement
• Assertive university personal statement
• Focused university personal statement
• Student-centric university personal statement
• Quality-checked university personal statement

Having written thousands of personal statements for students wanting to study in universities around the world, we know what the students want. We leverage these insights with each project that we undertake. Hence, as you need, we will deliver top university personal statements for paramedical sciences in PDF and Doc formats.

Just like any other student, you would have hundreds of questions regarding our services. And all your queries can be met by our client support team.

Contact our team and speak to them, now!

Vasuki Ram, senior writer and the founder of SOP Consultants is a B-tech Graduate who used to work in an MNC. Starting from 2013, she along with her team has assisted more than 10,000 students. Shift in her career was drastic. Read full story here.

• Chandigarh Patiala Amritsar
• Jammu & Kashmir
• SOP for MBA
• SOP for Law Internship
• SOP for Tourism
• SOP for Social Work
• SOP for Graduate School
• SOP for Phd
• SOP for Engineering
• SOP for Scholarship
• SOP for Computer Science

• +91 9946991401
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Refund Policy

© Copyright 2024 SOP Consultants | Designed by NS

© Copyright 2023 SOP Consultants | Designed by NS

• Open access
• Published: 26 August 2024

Paramedics’ experiences and observations: work-related emotions and well-being resources during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic—a qualitative study

• Henna Myrskykari 1 , 2 &
• Hilla Nordquist 3  

BMC Emergency Medicine volume  24 , Article number:  152 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

50 Accesses

1 Altmetric

Metrics details

As first responders, paramedics are an extremely important part of the care chain. COVID-19 significantly impacted their working circumstances. We examined, according to the experiences and observations of paramedics, (1) what kinds of emotions the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel experienced in their new working circumstances, and (2) what work-related factors became resources for the well-being of EMS personnel during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This qualitative study utilized reflective essay material written by experienced, advanced-level Finnish paramedics ( n  = 30). The essays used in this study were written during the fall of 2020 and reflected the period when Finland had declared a state of emergency (on 17.3.2020) and the Emergency Powers Act was implemented. The data was analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis.

The emotions experienced by the EMS personnel in their new working circumstances formed three themes: (1) New concerns arose that were constantly present; (2) Surviving without proper guidance; and (3) Rapidly approaching breaking point. Three themes were formed from work-related factors that were identified as resources for the well-being of the EMS personnel. These were: (1) A high level of organizational efficiency was achieved; (2) Adaptable EMS operations; and (3) Encouraging atmosphere.

Conclusions

Crisis management practices should be more attentive to personnel needs, ensuring that managerial and psychological support is readily available in crisis situations. Preparedness that ensures effective organizational adaptation also supports personnel well-being during sudden changes in working circumstances.

Peer Review reports

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare personnel across the globe faced unprecedented challenges. As initial responders in emergency healthcare, paramedics were quickly placed at the front lines of the pandemic, dealing with a range of emergencies in unpredictable conditions [ 1 ]. The pandemic greatly changed the everyday nature of work [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Those working on the front line were suddenly forced to adjust to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements [ 9 , 10 ] and rapidly changing instructions that caused significant adjustments to their job description [ 11 , 12 ]. For instance, it has been reported that during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, including paramedics working in prehospital emergency care, experienced a significant increase in stress [ 10 , 13 ] due to several reasons, such as the lack of protection and support, increased demands, lack of personnel, fear of exposure to COVID-19 during missions, concerns of spreading the virus to family members, and frustration over quickly changing work policies [ 11 , 14 , 15 ].

With the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, some research has been directed toward identifying available resources that help in coping with such situations. For example, Sangal et al. [ 15 ] underscored the association between effective communication and reduced work stress and burnout, and emphasized the critical need for two-way communication, consistent messaging, and the strategic consolidation of information prior to its dissemination. In parallel, Dickson et al. [ 16 ] highlight the pivotal role of leadership strategies in fostering a healthful work environment. These strategies include being relationally engaging, visibly present, open, and caring for oneself and others, while embodying core values such as compassion, empathy, courage, and authenticity. Moreover, Awais et al. [ 14 ] identify essential measures to reduce mental distress and support EMS personnel’s overall well-being in pandemic conditions, such as by providing accessible mental health and peer support, ensuring a transparent information flow, and the implementation of clear, best-practice protocols and guidelines. As a lesson learned from COVID-19, Kihlström et al. (2022) add that crisis communication, flexible working conditions, compensation, and allowing for mistakes should be part of crisis management. They also emphasize the importance of psychological support for employees. [ 12 ]

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic had a multifaceted impact on EMS personnel, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive support and resilience strategies to safeguard their well-being [ 11 , 17 , 18 ] alongside organizational functions [ 12 , 19 ]. For example, in Finland, it has been noted in the aftermath of COVID-19 that the availability and well-being of healthcare workers are key vulnerabilities of the resilience of the Finnish health system [ 12 ]. Effective preparedness planning and organizational resilience benefit from learning from past events and gaining a deeper understanding of observations across different organizational levels [ 12 , 19 , 20 ]. For these reasons, it is important to study how the personnel experienced the changing working circumstances and to recognize the resources, even unexpected ones, that supported their well-being during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 12 , 19 ].

The aim of this study was to examine the emotions experienced and the resources identified as supportive of work well-being during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, from the perspective of the paramedics. Our research questions were: According to the experiences and observations of paramedics, (1) what kinds of emotions did the EMS personnel experience in the new working circumstances, and (2) what work-related factors became resources for the well-being of EMS personnel during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic? In this study, emotions are understood as complex responses involving psychological, physiological, and behavioral components, triggered by significant events or situations [ 21 ]. Resources are understood as physical, psychological, social, or organizational aspects of the work that help achieve work goals, reduce demands and associated costs [ 22 ].

Materials and methods

This qualitative study utilized reflective essay material written in the fall of 2020 by experienced, advanced-level paramedics who worked in the Finnish EMS during the early phase of the pandemic, when Finland had declared (March 17, 2020 onward) a state of emergency and implemented the Emergency Powers Act. This allowed for new rules and guidelines from the government to ensure the security of healthcare resources. Some work rules for healthcare personnel changed, and non-urgent services were limited.

Data collection procedures

This study is part of a broader, non-project-based research initiative investigating the work well-being of paramedics from various perspectives, and the data was collected for research purposes from this standpoint. The data collection for this study was conducted at the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences as part of the Current Issues in EMS Management course. The course participants were experienced, advanced-level Finnish paramedics who were students of the master’s degree program in Development and Management of Emergency Medical Services. A similar data collection method has been utilized in other qualitative studies [for example, 23 , 24 ].

The South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences granted research permission for the data collection on August 20, 2020. The learning platform “Learn” (an adapted version of Moodle [ 25 ]) was used to gather the data. A research notice, privacy statement, and essay writing instructions were published on the platform on August 21, 2020. The paramedics were asked to write about their own experiences and observations regarding how the state of emergency impacted the work well-being of EMS personnel. They were instructed not to use references but only their own reflections. Three guiding questions were asked: “What kind of workloads did EMS personnel experience during the state of emergency?” “How has this workload differed from normal conditions?” and “What effects did this workload have on the well-being of the EMS personnel?”. The assignment did not refer solely to paramedics because the EMS field community may also include individuals with other titles (such as EMS field supervisors or firefighters performing prehospital emergency care); hence the term “EMS personnel” was used.

The essay was part of the mandatory course assignments, but submitting it for research purposes was voluntary. The paramedics were informed that their participation in the study would not affect their course evaluations. They had the freedom to decline, remove parts of, or withdraw the essay before analysis. None of the paramedics exercised these options. They were also informed that the last author removes any identifying details (such as names, places, and organizational descriptions that could reveal their workplace) before sharing the data with other, at the time unnamed, researchers. The last author (female) is a senior researcher specializing in EMS and work well-being topics, a principal lecturer of the respective course, and the head of the respective master’s program, and familiar to all of them through their studies. The paramedics were aware that the essays were graded by the last author on a pass/fail scale as part of the course assessment. However, comprehensive and well-reasoned reflections positively influenced the course grade. The evaluation was not part of this study. The paramedics had the opportunity to ask further questions about the study directly from the last author during and after the essay writing process and the course.

The paramedics wrote the essays between August 23, 2020, and November 30, 2020. Thirty-two paramedics (out of 39) returned their essays using the Learn platform during this timeframe. Thus, seven of the course completions were delayed, and the essays written later were no longer appropriate to include in the data due to the time elapsed since the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All 32 gave their informed consent for their essays to be included in the study. Essays written by paramedics who had not actively participated in EMS field work during exceptional circumstances were excluded from the material ( n  = 2), because they wrote the essay from a different perspective, as they could not reflect on their own experiences and observations. Thus, a total of 30 essays were included in the study. The total material was 106 pages long and comprised 32,621 words in Finnish.

Study participants

Thirty advanced-level paramedics from Finland participated in this study. They all had a bachelor’s degree in emergency care or nursing with additional emergency care specialization. At the time of the study, they were pursuing their master’s studies. Thirteen of them were women, and seventeen were men. The average age of the participants was 33.5 years among women and 35.9 years among men. Women had an average of 8.7 years of work experience, and men had 8.8 years. All the participating paramedics worked in EMS in different areas across Finland (except northern Finland) during their studies and the early phase of the pandemic.

Data analysis

The data was analyzed with a thematic analysis following the process detailed by Braun & Clarke [ 26 ]. First, the two researchers thoroughly familiarized themselves with the data, and the refined aim and research questions of the study were formulated inductively in collaboration based on the content of the data (see [ 26 ], page 84). After this, a thorough coding process was mainly carried out by the first author (female), who holds a master’s degree, is an advanced-level paramedic who worked in EMS during the pandemic, and at the time of the analysis was pursuing her doctoral studies in a different subject area related to EMS. Generating the initial codes involved making notes of interesting features of anything that stood out or seemed relevant to the research question systematically across the entire dataset. During this process, the original paragraphs and sentences were copied from the essay material into a table in Microsoft Word, with each research question in separate documents and each paragraph or sentence in its own row. The content of these data extracts was then coded in the adjacent column, carefully preserving the original content but in a more concise form. Then, the content was analyzed, and codes were combined to identify themes. After that, the authors reviewed the themes together by moving back and forth between the original material, the data in the Word documents, and the potential themes. During this process, the authors worked closely and refined the themes, allowing them to be separated and combined into new themes. For example, emotions depicting frustration and a shift to indifference formed their own theme in this kind of process. Finally, the themes were defined into main, major and minor themes and named. In the results, the main themes form the core in response to the research questions and include the most descriptions from the data. The major themes are significant but not as central as the main themes. Major themes provide additional depth and context to the results. One minor theme was formed as the analysis process progressed, and it provided valuable insights and details that deepened the response to the research question. All the coded data was utilized in the formed themes. The full content of the themes is reported in the Results section.

The emotions experienced by the EMS personnel in their new working circumstances formed three themes: New concerns arose that were constantly present (main theme); Surviving without proper guidance (major theme); and Rapidly approaching breaking point (major theme) (Fig.  1 ). Work-related factors identified as resources for the well-being of EMS personnel formed three themes: A high level of organizational efficiency was achieved (main theme); Adaptable EMS operations (major theme); and Encouraging atmosphere (minor theme) (Fig.  2 ).

Emotions experienced by the EMS personnel in their new working circumstances

Main theme: New concerns arose that were constantly present

The main theme included several kinds of new concerns. In the beginning, the uncertainty about the virus raised concerns about work safety and the means to prevent the spread of the disease. The initial lack of training and routines led to uncertainty. In addition, the decrease in the number of EMS missions raised fears of units being reduced and unilateral decisions by the management to change the EMS personnel’s work responsibilities. The future was also a source of uncertainty in the early stages. For example, the transition to exceptional circumstances, concerns about management and the supervisors’ familiarity with national guidelines and lack of information related to sickness absence procedures, leave, personal career progression, and even the progress of vaccine development, all contributed to this feeling of uncertainty. The initial uncertainty was described as the most challenging phase, but the uncertainty was also described as long-lasting.

Being on the front line with an unknown, potentially dangerous, and easily transmissible virus caused daily concerns about the personnel’s own health, especially when some patients hid their symptoms. The thought of working without proper PPE was frightening. On the other hand, waiting for a patient’s test result was stressful, as it often resulted in many colleagues being quarantined. A constant concern for the health of loved ones and the fear of contracting the virus and unknowingly bringing it home or transmitting it to colleagues led the EMS personnel to change their behavior by limiting contact.

Being part of a high-risk group , I often wondered , in the case of coronavirus , who would protect me and other paramedics from human vanity and selfishness [of those refusing to follow the public health guidelines]? (Participant 25)

The EMS personnel felt a weight of responsibility to act correctly, especially from the perspective of keeping their skills up to date. The proper selection of PPE and aseptic procedures were significant sources of concern, as making mistakes was feared to lead to quarantine and increase their colleagues’ workloads. At the same time, concerns about the adequacy of PPE weighed on the personnel, and they felt pressure on this matter to avoid wastage of PPEs. The variability in the quality of PPE also caused concerns.

Concerns about acting correctly were also tied to ethical considerations and feelings of inadequacy when the personnel were unable to explain to patients why COVID-19 caused restrictions on healthcare services. The presence of students also provoked such ethical concerns. Recognizing patients’ symptoms correctly also felt distressing due to the immense responsibility. This concern was also closely tied to fear and even made some question their career choices. The EMS personnel were also worried about adequate treatment for the patients and sometimes felt that the patients were left alone at home to cope. A reduction in patient numbers in the early stages of the pandemic raised concerns about whether acutely ill individuals were seeking help. At the same time, the time taken to put on PPE stressed the personnel because it increased delays in providing care. In the early phase of the pandemic, the EMS personnel were stressed that patients were not protected from them.

I’m vexed in the workplace. I felt it was immediately necessary to protect patients from us paramedics as well. It wasn’t specifically called for , mostly it felt like everyone had a strong need to protect themselves. (Participant 30)

All these concerns caused a particularly heavy psychological burden on some personnel. They described feeling more fatigued and irritable than usual. They had to familiarize themselves with new guidelines even during their free time, which was exhausting. The situation felt unjust, and there was a looming fear of the entire healthcare system collapsing. COVID-19 was omnipresent. Even at the base station of the EMS services, movement was restricted and social distancing was mandated. Such segregation, even within the professional community, added to the strain and reduced opportunities for peer support. The EMS personnel felt isolated, and thoughts about changing professions increased.

It was inevitable that the segregation of the work community would affect the community spirit , and a less able work community has a significant impact on the individual level. (Participant 8)

Major theme: Surviving without proper guidance

At the onset of the pandemic, the job description of the EMS personnel underwent changes, and employers could suddenly relocate them to other work. There was not always adequate support for familiarizing oneself with the new roles, leading to a feeling of loss of control. The management was described as commanding and restricting the personnel’s actions. As opportunities to influence one’s work diminished, the sense of job satisfaction and motivation decreased.

Some felt that leadership was inadequate and neglectful, especially when the leaders switched to remote work. The management did not take the situation seriously enough, leaving the EMS personnel feeling abandoned. The lack of consistent leadership and failure to listen to the personnel caused dissatisfaction and reduced occupational endurance. In addition, the reduced contact with colleagues and close ones reduced the amount of peer support. The existing models for psychological support were found to be inadequate.

Particularly in the early stages, guidelines were seen as ambiguous and deficient, causing frustration, irritation, and fear. The guidelines also changed constantly, even daily, and it was felt that the information did not flow properly from the management to the personnel. Changes in protection recommendations also led to skepticism about the correctness of the national guidance, and the lack of consistent guidelines perplexed the personnel. Internalizing the guidelines was not supported adequately, but the necessity to grasp new information was described as immense and cognitively demanding.

At times , it felt like the work was a kind of survival in a jungle of changing instructions , one mission at a time. (Participant 11)

Major theme: Rapidly approaching breaking point

Risking one’s own health at work caused contentious feelings while concurrently feeling angry that management could work remotely. The arrogant behavior of people toward COVID-19 left them frustrated, while the EMS personnel had to limit their contacts and lost their annual leave. There were fears about forced labor.

Incomplete and constantly changing guidelines caused irritation and indifference, as the same tasks had to be performed with different levels of PPE within a short time. Some guidelines were difficult to comply with in practice, which was vexing.

Using a protective mask was described as distressing, especially on long and demanding missions. Communication and operation became more difficult. Some described frustration with cleaning PPE meant for single use.

Ensuring the proper implementation of a work pair’s aseptic and equipment maintenance was burdensome, and explaining and repeating guidelines was exhausting. A feeling of indifference was emphasized toward the end of a long shift.

After the initial stage, many began to slip with the PPE guidelines and found the instructions excessive. COVID-19 information transmitted by the emergency center lost its meaning, and instructions were left unheeded, as there was no energy to believe that the patient would have COVID-19, especially if only a few disease cases had been reported in their area.

It was disheartening to hear personnel being labeled as selfish for demanding higher pay during exceptional circumstances. This lack of recognition eroded professionalism and increased thoughts of changing professions.

However , being a doormat and a human toilet , as well as a lack of appreciation , undermines my professionalism and the prolonged situation has led me to seriously consider a different job , where values other than dedication and constant flexibility carry weight. I have heard similar thoughts from other colleagues. None of us do this for money. (Participant 9)

Work-related factors identified as resources for the well-being of EMS personnel

Main theme: A high level of organizational efficiency was achieved

The main theme held several different efficient functions. In the early stages of the pandemic, some felt that the information flow was active. Organizations informed the EMS personnel about the disease, its spread, and its impact on the workplace and emergency care activities.

Some felt that managers were easily accessible during the pandemic, at least remotely. Some managers worked long days to be able to support their personnel.

The response to hate and uncertainty was that one of the supervisors was always present in the morning and evening meetings. Supervisors worked long hours so as to be accessible via remote access. (Participant 26)

The organizations took effective steps to control infections. Quick access to COVID-19 tests, clear guidelines for taking sick leave, and permission to take sick leave with a low threshold were seen as positive things. The consideration of personnel belonging to risk groups by moving them to other work tasks was also perceived as positive. In addition, efforts were made to prevent the emergence of infection chains by isolating EMS personnel in their own social facilities.

Established guidelines, especially on the correct use of protective measures, made it easier to work. Some mentioned that the guidelines were available in ambulances and on phones, allowing the protection guidelines to be checked before going on a mission.

The employers took into account the need for psychological support in a diverse manner. Some organizations provided psychological support such as peer debriefing activities, talking therapy with mental health professionals, actively inquiring about their personnel’s feelings, and training them as support workers. The pandemic situation also caused organizations to create their own standard operating models to decrease mental load.

Fortunately , the problem has now been addressed actively , as a peer-to-peer defusing model was built up at our workplace during the crisis , and group defusing has started , the purpose of which is to lighten the work-related mental load. (Participant 3)

Major theme: Adaptable EMS operations

There were several different resources that clarified mission activities. The amount of protective and cleaning equipment was ramped up, and the treatment equipment was quickly updated to meet the demands brought about by the pandemic and to enable safety distances for the EMS personnel. In addition, various guidelines were amended to reduce exposure. For example, personnel on the dedicated COVID-19 ambulances were separated to work without physical contact with others, and field supervisors joined the EMS missions less often than before. Moreover, people at the scene were contacted by phone in advance to ensure that there would be no exposure risk, which also allowed other occupational safety risks to be identified. New practices resulted from the pandemic, such as cleaning communication equipment during shift changes and regularly using PPE with infected patients. All of these were seen as positive resources for efficient work.

At the end of each shift , all keys , telephones , etc., were cleaned and handed over to the next shift. This practice was not previously established in our area , but this will become a permanent practice in the future and is perceived by everyone in our work community as a positive thing. (Participant 10)

Some stated that access to PPE was sufficient, especially in areas where the number of COVID-19 infections was low. PPE was upgraded to make it easier to wear. Further, organizations acquired a variety of cleaning equipment to speed up the disinfection of ambulances.

Organizations hired more employees to enable leave and the operation of dedicated COVID-19 ambulances. The overall number of ambulances was also increased. Non-urgent missions were handled through enhanced phone services, reducing the unnecessary exposure of EMS personnel to COVID-19.

Five extra holiday substitutes were hired for EMS so that the employer could guarantee the success of agreed leave , even if the Emergency Preparedness Act had given them opportunities to cancel or postpone it. (Participant 12)

Minor theme: Encouraging atmosphere

Peer support from colleagues, a positive, comfortable, pleasant work environment, and open discussion, as well as smooth cooperation with other healthcare employees were felt to be resources for work well-being by reducing the heavy workload experienced. Due to the pandemic, the appreciation of healthcare was felt to increase slightly, which was identified as a resource.

One factor affecting resilience in the healthcare sector is certainly that in exceptional circumstances , visibility and appreciation have somewhat increased. (Participant 23)

This study examined, according to the experiences and observations of paramedics, (1) what kinds of emotions the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel experienced in their new working circumstances, and (2) what work-related factors became resources for the well-being of EMS personnel during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each research question was answered with three themes.

Previous studies have shown that the pandemic increased the workload of paramedics, prompting changes in their operating models and the function of EMS to align with new pandemic-related requirements [ 9 , 27 ]. Initially, the paramedics in the current study described facing unclear and deficient guidelines and feeling obligated to follow instructions without adequate support to internalize them. Constantly changing instructions were linked to negative emotions in various ways. Moreover, the overwhelming flood of information was heavily connected to this, although the information flow was also perceived as a resource, especially when it was timely and well-structured. The study by Sangal et al. [ 15 ] has raised similar observations and points out the importance of paying special attention to the personnel working in the frontline, as in EMS, who might be more heavily impacted by too much information and anxiety about it. They also discovered that three factors are crucial for addressing the challenges of information overload and anxiety: consolidating information before distributing it, maintaining consistent communication, and ensuring communication is two-way. McAlearney et al. [ 11 ] found that first responders, including EMS personnel, reported frustration regarding COVID-19 information because of inconsistencies between sources, misinformation on social media, and the impact of politics. A Finnish study also recognized that health systems were not sufficiently prepared for the flood of information in the current media environment [ 12 ]. Based on these previous results and our findings, it can be concluded that proper implementation of crisis communication should be an integral part of organizations’ preparedness in the future, ensuring that communication effectively supports employee actions in real-life situations. Secondly, this topic highlights the need for precise guidelines and their implementation. With better preparedness, similar chaos could be avoided in the future [ 17 ].

Many other factors also caused changes in work. The EMS mission profile changed [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], where paramedics in this study saw concerns. To prevent infection risk, the number of pre-arrival calls increased [ 7 ], the duration of EMS missions increased [ 8 , 9 ], and the continuous use of PPE and enhanced hygiene standards imposed additional burdens [ 9 , 10 ]. In Finland, there was no preparedness for the levels of PPE usage required in the early stages of the pandemic [ 12 ]. In this study, paramedics described that working with potentially inadequate PPE caused fear and frustration, which was increased by a lack of training, causing them to feel a great deal of responsibility for acting aseptically and caring for patients correctly. Conversely, providing adequate PPE, information and training has been found to increase the willingness to work [ 28 ] and the sense of safety in working in a pandemic situation [ 29 ], meaning that the role of precise training, operating instructions and leadership in the use of PPE is emphasized [ 30 ].

The paramedics in this study described many additional new concerns in their work, affecting their lives comprehensively. It has been similarly described that the pandemic adversely affected the overall well-being of healthcare personnel [ 31 ]. The restrictions implemented also impacted their leisure time [ 32 ], and the virus caused concerns for their own and their families’ health [ 11 , 28 ]. In line with this, the pandemic increased stress, burnout [ 10 , 33 ], and anxiety among EMS personnel and other healthcare personnel working on the frontline [ 11 , 14 , 34 , 35 ]. These kinds of results underscore the need for adequate guidance and support, a lack of which paramedics reported experiencing in the current study.

Personnel play a crucial role in the efficient operation of an organization and comprise the main identified resource in this study. Previous studies and summaries have highlighted that EMS personnel did not receive sufficient support during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 11 , 14 , 17 , 18 ]. Research has also brought to light elements of adequate support related to the pandemic, such as a review by Dickson et al. [ 16 ] that presents six tentative theories for healthful leadership, all of which are intertwined with genuine encounter, preparedness, and information use. In this current study, the results showed numerous factors related to these contexts that were identified as resources, specifically underlined by elements of caring, effective operational change, knowledge-based actions, and present leadership, similarly described in a study by Eaton-Williams & Williams [ 18 ]. Moreover, the paramedics in our study highlighted the importance of encouragement and identified peer support from colleagues as a resource, which is in line with studies in the UK and Finland [ 12 , 23 , 37 ].

In the early stages of the pandemic, it was noted that the EMS personnel lacked adequate training to manage their mental health, and there was a significant shortage of psychosocial support measures [ 14 ], although easy access to support would have been significant [ 18 ]. In the current study, some paramedics felt that mental health support was inadequate and delayed, while others observed an increase in mental health support during the pandemic, seeing it as an incentive for organizations to develop standard operating models for mental support, for example. This awakening was identified as a resource. This is consistent, as providing psychological support to personnel has been highlighted as a core aspect of crisis management in a Finnish study assessing health system resilience related to COVID-19 [ 12 ]. In a comprehensive recommendation commentary, Isakov et al. [ 17 ] suggest developing a national strategy to improve resilience by addressing the mental health consequences of COVID-19 and other occupational stressors for EMS personnel. This concept, applicable beyond the US, supports the view that EMS organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the need to prepare for and invest in this area.

A fundamental factor likely underlying all the described emotions was that changes in the job descriptions of the EMS personnel due to the pandemic were significant and, in part, mandated from above. In this study, paramedics described feelings of concern and frustration related to these many changes and uncertainties. According to Zamoum and Gorpe (2018), efficient crisis management emphasizes the importance of respecting emotions, recognizing rights, and making appropriate decisions. Restoring trust is a significant challenge in a crisis situation, one that cannot be resolved without complete transparency and open communication [ 38 ]. This perspective is crucial to consider in planning for future preparedness. Overall, the perspective of employee rights and obligations in exceptional circumstances has been relatively under-researched, but in Australia, grounding research on this perspective has been conducted with paramedics using various approaches [ 39 , 40 , 41 ]. The researchers conclude that there is a lack of clarity about the concept of professional obligation, specifically regarding its boundaries, and the issue urgently needs to be addressed by developing clear guidelines that outline the obligation to respond, both in normal day-to-day operations and during exceptional circumstances [ 39 ].

Complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory recognizes that in a resilient organization, different levels adapt to changing environments [ 19 , 20 ]. Barasa et al. (2018) note that planned resilience and adaptive resilience are both important [ 19 ]. Kihlström et al. (2022) note that the health system’s resilience was strengthened by a certain expectation of crisis, and they also recognized further study needs on how effectively management is responding to weak signals [ 12 ]. This could be directly related to how personnel can prepare for future changes. The results of this study revealed many negative emotions related to sudden changes, but at the same time, effective organizational adaptation was identified as a resource for the well-being of EMS personnel. Dissecting different elements of system adaptation in a crisis has been recognized as a highly necessary area for further research [ 20 ]. Kihlström et al. (2022) emphasize the importance of ensuring a healthy workforce across the entire health system. These frameworks suggest numerous potential areas for future research, which would also enhance effective preparedness [ 12 ].

Limitations of the study

In this study, we utilized essay material written in the fall of 2020, in which experienced paramedics reflected on the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic from a work-oriented perspective. The essays were approached inductively, meaning that they were not directly written to answer our research questions, but the aim and the research questions were shaped based on the content [ 26 ]. The essays included extensive descriptions that aligned well with the aim of this study. However, it is important to remember when interpreting the results that asking specifically about this topic, for instance, in an interview, might have yielded different descriptions. It can be assessed that the study achieved a tentative descriptive level, as the detailed examination of complex phenomena such as emotions and resources would require various methods and observations.

Although the essays were mostly profound, well-thought-out, and clearly written, their credibility [ 42 ] may be affected by the fact that several months had passed between the time the essays were written and the events described. Memories may have altered, potentially influencing the content of the writings. Diary-like material from the very onset of the pandemic might have yielded more precise data, and such a data collection method could be considered in future research on exceptional circumstances.

The credibility [ 42 ] could also have been enhanced if the paramedics who wrote the essays had commented on the results and provided additional perspectives on the material and analysis through a multi-phase data collection process. This was not deemed feasible in this study, mainly because there was a 2.5-year gap between data collection and the start of the analysis. However, this also strengthened the overall trustworthiness of the study, as it allowed the first author, who had worked in prehospital emergency care during the initial phase of the pandemic, to maintain a distance from the subject, and enabled a comparison of our own findings with previously published research that investigated the same period in different contexts. The comparison was made when writing the discussion, with the analysis itself being inductive and following the thematic analysis process described by Braun & Clarke [ 26 ].

When evaluating credibility [ 42 ], it should also be noted that the participants who wrote the essays, i.e., the data for the study, were experienced paramedics but also students and one of the researchers was their principal lecturer. This could potentially limit credibility if the students, for some reason, did not want to produce truthful content for their lecturer to read. However, this risk can be considered small because the essays’ topics did not concern the students’ academic progress, the essays’ content was quite consistent, and the results aligned with other studies. As a strength, it can be considered that the students shared their experiences without holding back, as the thoughts were not for workplace use, and they could trust the data privacy statement.

To enhance transferability [ 42 ], the context of the study was described in detail, highlighting the conditions prevailing in Finnish prehospital emergency care during the early stages of the pandemic. Moreover, including a diverse range of perspectives from paramedics working in different regions of Finland (except Northern Finland) contributes to the transferability of the study, indicating that the results may be applicable and relevant to a wider context beyond a single specific region.

Dependability [ 42 ] was reinforced by the close involvement of two researchers from different backgrounds in the analysis of the material, but a limitation is that no separate analyses were conducted. However, the original data was repeatedly revisited during the analysis, which strengthened the dependability. Moreover, the first author kept detailed notes throughout the analysis process, and the last author supervised the progress while also contributing to the analysis and reporting. The research process is also reported in detail.

This study highlighted numerous, mainly negative emotions experienced by EMS personnel during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic due to new working circumstances. At the same time, several work-related factors were identified as resources for their well-being. The findings suggest that crisis management practices should be more attentive to personnel needs, ensuring that personnel have the necessary support, both managerial and psychological, readily available in crisis situations. Effective organizational adaptation in a crisis situation also supports personnel well-being, emphasizing the importance of effective preparedness. Future research should particularly focus on considering personnel well-being as part of organizational adaptation during exceptional circumstances and utilize these findings to enhance preparedness.

Data availability

The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to the inclusion of sensitive information and the extent of the informed consent provided by the participants.

Abbreviations

Complex Adaptive Systems (theory)

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Emergency Medical Services

Personal Protective Equipment

United Kingdom

Drennan IR, Blanchard IE, Buick JE. Opportunity for change: is it time to redefine the role of paramedics in healthcare? CJEM. 2021;23(2):139–40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43678-021-00105-y

Boechler L, Cameron C, Smith JC, Ford-Jones P, Suthers P. Impactful approaches to Leadership on the Front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic: lived experiences of Canadian paramedics. Healthc Q. 2021;24(3):42–7. https://doi.org/10.12927/hcq.2021.26620 .

Article   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Lerner EB, Newgard CD, Mann NC. Effect of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the U.S. Emergency Medical Services System: a preliminary Report. Acad Emerg Med. 2020;27(8):693–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.14051 .

Article   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

O’Connor AW, Hannah HA, Burnor EA, Fukutaki KG, Peterson T, Ballard DW, et al. Emergency Medical Service Utilization and response following COVID-19 emergency and stay-at-home policies: an interrupted time-series analysis. Cureus. 2021;21(11). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.19794 .

Azbel M, Heinänen M, Lääperi M, Kuisma M. Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on trauma-related emergency medical service calls: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Emerg Med. 2021;9(1):102. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-021-00495-3 .

Article   CAS   Google Scholar  

Lane DJ, Blanchard IE, Buick JE, Shaw M, McRae AD. Changes in presentation, presenting severity and disposition among patients accessing emergency services during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Calgary, Alberta: a descriptive study. CMAJ Open. 2021;9(2):592–601. https://doi.org/10.9778/cmajo.20200313 .

Article   Google Scholar  

Shukla V, Lau CSM, Towns M, Mayer J, Kalkbrenner K, Beuerlein S, et al. COVID-19 exposure among First Responders in Arizona. J Occup Environ Med. 2020;62(12):981–5. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000002027 .

Article   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Andrew E, Nehme Z, Stephenson M, Walker T, Smith K. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand for emergency ambulances in Victoria, Australia. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2021;16:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2021.1944409 .

Eskol JR, Zegers FD, Wittrock D, Lassen AT, Mikkelsen S. Increased ambulance on-scene times but unaffected response times during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Denmark. BMC Emerg Med. 2022;9(1):61. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-022-00623-7 .

Schumann H, Böckelmann I, Thielmann B. Relaxation and strain among emergency medical service personnel and emergency control center dispatchers during the first two waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Med Pr. 2023;15(5):353–62. https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.01401 .

McAlearney AS, Gaughan AA, MacEwan SR, Gregory ME, Rush LJ, Volney J, et al. Pandemic experience of first responders: fear, frustration, and stress. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;13(8):4693. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084693 .

Kihlström L, Huhtakangas M, Karreinen S, Viita-Aho M, Keskimäki I, Tynkkynen LK. Local cooperation has been the cornerstone: facilitators and barriers to resilience in a decentralized health system during COVID-19 in Finland. J Health Organ Manag. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-02-2022-0069 .

Hendrickson RC, Slevin RA, Hoerster KD, Chang BP, Sano E, McCall CA, et al. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mental Health, Occupational Functioning, and Professional Retention among Health Care workers and First Responders. J Gen Intern Med. 2022;37(2):397–408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-021-07252-z .

Awais SB, Martins RS, Khan MS. Paramedics in pandemics: protecting the mental wellness of those behind enemy lines. Br J Psychiatry. 2021;218(2):75–6. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2020.193 .

Sangal RB, Bray A, Reid E, Ulrich A, Liebhardt B, Venkatesh AK, et al. Leadership communication, stress, and burnout among frontline emergency department staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods approach. Healthc (Amst). 2021;9(4):100577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hjdsi.2021.100577 .

Dickson CAW, Davies C, McCormack B, Westcott L, Merrell J, Mcilfatrick S, et al. UK nurses’ and midwives’ experiences of healthful leadership practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: a rapid realist review. J Nurs Manag. 2022;30(8):3942–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13790 .

Isakov A, Carr M, Munjal KG, Kumar L, Gausche-Hill MEMS. Agenda 2050 meets the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Secur. 2022;20(S1):S97–106. https://doi.org/10.1089/hs.2021.0179 .

Eaton-Williams PJ, Williams J. See us as humans. Speak to us with respect. Listen to us. A qualitative study on UK ambulance staff requirements of leadership while working during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMJ Lead. 2023;7(2):102–7. https://doi.org/10.1136/leader-2022-000622 .

Barasa E, Mbau R, Gilson L. What is resilience and how can it be nurtured? A systematic review of empirical literature on Organizational Resilience. Int J Health Policy Manag. 2018;7(6):491–503. https://doi.org/10.15171/ijhpm.2018.06 .

Coetzee C, Van Niekerk D, Raju E. Disaster resilience and complex adaptive systems theory: finding common grounds for risk reduction. Disaster Prev Manage. 2016;25(2):196–211. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-07-2015-0153 .

American Psychological Association. Emotion. APA Dictionary of Psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/emotion . Accessed on 26.6.2024.

Demerouti E, Bakker AB, Nachreiner F, Schaufeli WB. The job demands-resources model of burnout. J Appl Psychol. 2001;86(3):499–512.

Ericsson CR, Lindström V, Rudman A, Nordquist H. Paramedics’ perceptions of job demands and resources in Finnish emergency medical services: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022;22(1):1469. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08856-9 .

Rinkinen T, Kinnula M, Nordquist H. Technological development roles and needs in pre-hospital emergency care from the advanced level paramedics’ perspective. Int Emerg Nurs. 2024;73:101406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2024.101406 .

Moodle Pty Ltd. 2020. https://moodle.org/ . Accessed on date 17.6.2024.

Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual Res Psychol. 2006;3:2:77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa .

Prezant DJ, Lancet EA, Zeig-Owens R, Lai PH, Appel D, Webber MP, et al. System impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on New York City’s emergency medical services. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open. 2020;9(6):1205–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/emp2.12301 .

Alwidyan MT, Oteir AO, Trainor J. Working during pandemic disasters: views and predictors of EMS providers. Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2022;16(1):116–22. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2020.131 .

Rebmann T, Charney RL, Loux TM, Turner JA, Abbyad YS, Silvestros M. Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s pandemic influenza training received and willingness to work during a future pandemic. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2020;24(5):601–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2019.1701158 .

Article   CAS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

McCann-Pineo M, Li T, Barbara P, Levinsky B, Berkowitz J. Factors influencing Use of Personal Protective Equipment among Emergency Medical services Responders during the COVID-19 pandemic: a Retrospective Chart Review. West J Emerg Med. 2022;23(3):396–407. https://doi.org/10.5811/westjem.2022.2.55217 .

Vanhaecht K, Seys D, Bruyneel L, Cox B, Kaesemans G, Cloet M, et al. COVID-19 is having a destructive impact on health-care workers’ mental well-being. Int J Qual Health Care. 2021;20(1):mzaa158. https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzaa158 .

Zolnikov TR, Furio F. First responders and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Hum Behav Soc Environ. 2021;31(1–4):244–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2020.1811826 .

Spychała A, Piwowarska M, Piekut A. The COVID-19 pandemic as a stress factor in the work of a paramedic. Med Pr. 2023;8(1):9–17. https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.01278 .

Roberts R, Wong A, Jenkins S, Neher A, Sutton C, O’Meara P, et al. Mental health and well-being impacts of COVID-19 on rural paramedics, police, community nurses and child protection workers. Aust J Rural Health. 2021;29(5):753–67. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12804 .

Chang YT, Hu YJ. Burnout and Health issues among Prehospital Personnel in Taiwan Fire Departments during a Sudden Spike in Community COVID-19 cases: a cross-sectional study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;16(4):2257. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042257 .

Mausz J, Donnelly EA, Moll S, Harms S, McConnell M. Mental disorder symptoms and the relationship with resilience among paramedics in a single Canadian site. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;17(8):4879. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084879 .

Phung VH, Sanderson K, Pritchard G, Bell F, Hird K, Wankhade P, et al. The experiences and perceptions of wellbeing provision among English ambulance services staff: a multi-method qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res. 2022;15(1):1352. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08729-1 .

Zamoum K, Gorpe TS. Crisis Management: a historical and conceptual Approach for a better understanding of today’s crises. Crisis Manage - Theory Pract InTech. 2018. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76198 .

Anderson C, Pooley JA, Mills B, Anderson E, Smith EC. Do paramedics have a Professional Obligation to work during a pandemic? A qualitative exploration of Community Member expectations. Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2020;14(3):406–12. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2020.212 .

Smith E, Burkle FM, Gebbie K, Ford D, Bensimon C. Acceptable limitations on Paramedic Duty to treat during disaster: a qualitative exploration. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(5):466–70. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X18000857 .

Smith E, Burkle F, Gebbie K, Ford D, Bensimon C. A qualitative study of paramedic duty to treat during disaster response. Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2019;13(2):191–6. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2018.15 .

Cypress BS. Rigor or reliability and validity in qualitative research: perspectives, strategies, reconceptualization, and recommendations. Dimens Crit Care Nurs. 2017;36(4):253–63. https://doi.org/10.1097/DCC.0000000000000253 .

TENK. Guidelines for the responsible conduct of research and for handling allegations of misconduct in Finland [Internet]. Helsinki: Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK; 2023. https://tenk.fi/sites/default/files/2023-11/RI_Guidelines_2023.pdf . Accessed 13 Jan 2024.

TENK. Ethical review in human sciences [Internet]. Helsinki: Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK; 2020. https://tenk.fi/sites/default/files/2021-1/Ethical_review_in_human_sciences_2020.pdf . Accessed 13 Jan 2024.

Download references

Acknowledgements

We want to sincerely thank all the paramedics who participated in this study.

Open access funded by Helsinki University Library.

Open Access funding provided by University of Helsinki (including Helsinki University Central Hospital).

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

Henna Myrskykari

Emergency Medical Services, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland

Department of Healthcare and Emergency Care, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Kotka, Finland

Hilla Nordquist

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

Study design (HM, HN). Data collection (HN). Methodology (HN). Analysis (HM, HN). Writing (HM, HN). Review and editing (HM, HN). Supervision (HN). Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Henna Myrskykari .

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate.

The study followed the good scientific practice defined by the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK [ 43 ]. The study was conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and applicable national guidelines. Adhering to the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK) guidelines on ethical principles of research with human participants and ethical review in the human sciences in Finland, an ethical review statement from a human sciences ethics committee was not required for this type of study. The participants consisted of adult students engaged in regular employment. Their involvement in the research was grounded on informed consent. The study did not involve concerns regarding the participants’ physical integrity, nor were they subjected to exceptionally strong stimuli. The potential for causing mental harm was not beyond what is typically encountered in everyday life, and their participation did not pose any safety risks [ 44 ].

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ . The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver ( http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ ) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Myrskykari, H., Nordquist, H. Paramedics’ experiences and observations: work-related emotions and well-being resources during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic—a qualitative study. BMC Emerg Med 24 , 152 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-024-01072-0

Download citation

Received : 25 April 2024

Accepted : 13 August 2024

Published : 26 August 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-024-01072-0

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Emergency medical services
• Health personnel
• Qualitative research

BMC Emergency Medicine

ISSN: 1471-227X

• General enquiries: [email protected]