Narrative Analysis of Autoethnography from a Pre-Hospital Healthcare Provider
Abstract
First responders are struggling with compassion fatigue, burnout, and mental health issues leading to prolonged emotional, physical and mental distress at alarming rates. While a significant number of studies have been performed to better understand burnout in high-stress occupations as a whole, little research seems to specify the intricacies of burnout among emergency service personnel (to include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, law enforcement, etc.). As a current paramedic with over twelve years of experience in the pre-hospital setting, my work on this paper will convey detailed qualitative analysis of case-specific nuances that can lead to burnout among first responders. This research is derived from the use of autoethnography and associated narrative analysis after reviewing approximately thirty different personal anecdotes procured from patient interactions. This “privileged knowledge” allows for pattern recognition that emphasizes attributes associated with the occupation of a first responder and how it leads to eventual burnout. Attributes discussed within this research include examples of perfectionism, empathy, confidence and self-control. Through narrative analysis, I contend that burnout is a risk for any first responder, regardless of the amount of time spent within the career. Furthermore, I determined that the detrimental compassion fatigue and burnout can lead to life-long emotional and physical struggles if not mitigated appropriately. The importance of this mitigation is discussed, as well as what steps are beneficial in supporting emergency service personnel. Moving forward, this type of continued qualitative analysis can help to extend the career of a first responder through appropriate identification and subsequent handling of potentially triggering patient interactions.
Keywords
privileged knowledge, autoethnography, health narrative, narrative analysis, vignette, emergency services, burnout, compassion fatigue
Narrative Analysis of Autoethnography from a Pre-Hospital Healthcare Provider
CASB 103
First responders are struggling with compassion fatigue, burnout, and mental health issues leading to prolonged emotional, physical and mental distress at alarming rates. While a significant number of studies have been performed to better understand burnout in high-stress occupations as a whole, little research seems to specify the intricacies of burnout among emergency service personnel (to include paramedics, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, law enforcement, etc.). As a current paramedic with over twelve years of experience in the pre-hospital setting, my work on this paper will convey detailed qualitative analysis of case-specific nuances that can lead to burnout among first responders. This research is derived from the use of autoethnography and associated narrative analysis after reviewing approximately thirty different personal anecdotes procured from patient interactions. This “privileged knowledge” allows for pattern recognition that emphasizes attributes associated with the occupation of a first responder and how it leads to eventual burnout. Attributes discussed within this research include examples of perfectionism, empathy, confidence and self-control. Through narrative analysis, I contend that burnout is a risk for any first responder, regardless of the amount of time spent within the career. Furthermore, I determined that the detrimental compassion fatigue and burnout can lead to life-long emotional and physical struggles if not mitigated appropriately. The importance of this mitigation is discussed, as well as what steps are beneficial in supporting emergency service personnel. Moving forward, this type of continued qualitative analysis can help to extend the career of a first responder through appropriate identification and subsequent handling of potentially triggering patient interactions.