Participation of Polish paramedics in missions abroad - selected issues

Abstract

Aim: Assesment of the preparedness of paramedics for mission trips. Evaluation of the mission as a place for professional development of paramedics. Assesment of the usefulness of the experience gained by paramedics on missions in working conditions in Poland. Analysing the attendance of paramedics on missions. Learning about personal opinions and experi¬ences of selected participants of missions. Material and Methods: The study was conducted between 01.2020 and 08.2020. The research group consisted of 20 paramedics of different ages. Data were collected using an electronic survey consisting of 22 questions and extended tel¬ephone interviews consisting of 33 questions. Statistical data obtained from the Redemptoris Missio Foundation were used to analyse attendance. Results: The majority of survey participants rated their preparation for their first mission at a score of 3 (f=0.45) or 4 (f=0.35) on a 5-point scale. The most frequently used skill was foreign language, with 9 (f=0.45) respondents using it all the time and 9 (f=0.45) using it frequently. The paramedics experienced the greatest development in the area of non-medical skills (f=0.6) and in foreign language use (f=0.5). Most of the respondents rated the usefulness of the experience gained as 5 (f=0.35) or 4 (f=0.25) on a 5-point scale. Analysis of the obtained statistical data showed very low attendance of paramedics on missions compared to other medical professions. The interviews provided an in-depth look into the feelings and opinions of selected paramedics regarding missions, which were mostly consistent or similar. Conclusions: The paramedics believe that they are sufficiently prepared to go on missions. Thanks to missions: they gain new experience, consolidate their knowledge and skills, exchange experience with medical personnel from all over the world. However, missions do not allow one to fully utilize their expertise in emer¬gency medicine. Experience gained abroad is proved to be useful for paramedics in working conditions of Polish health care system. Attendance of paramedics on missions is very low, but there are a lot of potential areas where their knowledge and skills could be used.