Exploring the experiences and challenges of motorcycle ambulance personnel in pre-hospital emergency healthcare services: A qualitative study

BACKROUNDMotorcycle ambulances are particularly useful in navigating narrow and congested areas during premium hours due to their ability to provide rapid access to patients in pre-hospital emergency healthcare services (PHEHS), possessing suitable and necessary advanced life support accessories, and their speed, flexibility, and ease of maneuverability.OBJECTIVEThis study aims to examine the experiences and challenges encountered by motorcycle ambulance workers in PHEHS.METHODSThis study adopts a qualitative research methodology, specifically employing a phenomenological approach within the framework of a case study. The research sample consists of 19 paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) working on motorcycle ambulances. Purposeful sampling method, specifically the snowball sampling technique, was employed in selecting the sample. Research data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted using a semi-structured interview form, from August 2022 to February 2023. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed using the MAXQDA program.RESULTSParticipants shared their experiences and the problems they encountered while performing their duties across four themes: purpose of motorcycle ambulances, most frequently assigned cases, challenges encountered, and the importance of teamwork.CONCLUSIONSIt is crucial to ensure personnel safety by forming the motorcycle ambulance team from selected individuals, subjecting the selected personnel to the same standard and comprehensive advanced driving and technical training, regulating working hours, increasing the number of personnel, and fostering teamwork. Further efforts are needed to improve the working conditions of motorcycle ambulance services.