Gender (in)equality in nordic ambulance services: do ambulances have glass ceilings?

Abstract

Political efforts in the Nordic countries aim to promote gender equality. However, an assumption is that patriarchal structures remain embedded in EMS organizations, often leading to a 'glass ceiling' effect for women. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS), generally positioned at the intersection of safety authorities and healthcare, operates within environments often shaped by masculine values and norms. Concurrently, the service also connects strongly to compassion, caring and nursing, which have been historically female-dominant professions and working environments. In recent decades, more females have entered the EMS. Despite the growing number of female paramedics, challenges persist, particularly in relation to gender inequality and workplace culture. Females in EMS field continue to face gender stereotypes, which may contribute to inequality. Gender stereotypes, combined with research describing sexual harassment and bias, underscore the need for further discussions and research on the impact of gender on paramedic work environments and career pathways for women working in the service.