Ambulance personnel's experiences of, and lessons learned from, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest missions during the COVID-19 pandemic: An interview study

Abstract

During COVID-19, an increased incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests was seen, resulting in decreased outcomes. In addition, altered attitudes to performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation among first responders were reported. The aim of this study was to explore ambulance personnel's experiences of, and lessons learned from, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest missions during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a Swedish context. Nine Swedish ambulance personnel were interviewed, and the data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The analysis illuminated professional, personal and relational consequences as well as lessons learned reported by the informants. The COREQ guideline was used to report the important aspects of the study. The ambulance personnel experienced several challenges, mainly due to the personal protective equipment. To enhance patient safety, they strived to remain resilient despite the challenges. The informants also expressed positive aspects of their experiences, such as having acquired increased competence through working under these circumstances. To strive for resilience and competence became the overarching theme. The experiences and the lessons learned described in the study, could contribute to helping ambulance organisations initiate new routines and/or improve existing ones, as well as developing a protective equipment that does not obstruct any aspect of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest mission.