Author:
Wästerhed Jenny,Ekenberg Erika,Hagiwara Magnus Andersson
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Working in rural areas involves tackling long distances and occasional lack of supportive resources. Ambulance nurses are faced with the responsibility of making immediate autonomous decisions and providing extended care to critically ill patients during prolonged ambulance transport to reach emergency medical facilities. This study aims to expose the experiences of ambulance nurses acting as primary caregivers for critically ill patients during lengthy ambulance transfers in rural regions.
Method
Fifteen nurses employed in an ambulance service within sparsely populated rural areas were subjected to semi-structured interviews. The collected data underwent qualitative content analysis.
Result
The analysis resulted in one overarching theme with two categories. The theme is ‘Safety in the Professional Role,’ and the two categories are ‘Working in sparsely populated areas presents challenges’ and ‘Rare events: when routine cannot be established.’ The findings suggest that working as an ambulance nurse in a rural setting poses various challenges that can be highly stressful. Delivering care to critically ill patients during extended ambulance transports requires the knowledge, experience, and careful planning of the healthcare provider in charge.
Conclusions
The findings underscore the necessity for thorough planning and adaptable thinking when attending to critically ill patients during extended transport scenarios. The absence of supporting resources can render the task demanding. Nevertheless, participants reported an inherent tranquility that aids them in maintaining focus amid their responsibilities.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine,Emergency Medicine
Reference32 articles.
1. Mathiesen WT, Bjørshol CA, Kvaløy JT, et al. Effects of modifiable prehospital factors on survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in rural versus urban areas. Crit Care. 2018;22:99.
2. Ungerer MN, Busetto L, Begli NH, et al. Factors affecting prehospital delay in rural and urban patients with stroke: a prospective survey-based study in Southwest Germany. BMC Neurol. 2020;20:1–7.
3. Alanazy ARM, Wark S, Fraser J, Nagle A. A comparison of Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services’ response and Duration Times in Urban versus Rural areas of Saudi Arabia. Australas J Paramed. 2020;17:1–7.
4. Gunnarsson BM, Warrén Stomberg M. Factors influencing decision making among ambulance nurses in emergency care situations. Int Emerg Nurs. 2009;17:83–9.
5. Myndigheten för tillväxtpolitiska utvärderingar och analyser. Om Sveriges gles och landsbygder.https://www.tillvaxtanalys.se/download/18.62dd45451715a00666f2764f/1586367601582/fickfakta-om-gles-och-landsbygder-2007-07.pdf (2002, accessed 1 June 2023).