Paramedics’ anxiety and concerns around traumatic events: a Delphi study

Introduction: Trauma is a major problem in Saudi Arabia and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. In 2018, road traffic injuries and trauma were the second-leading cause of death after ischaemic heart disease. There is a lack of research that explores the psychological effects on emergency medical service (EMS) professionals of providing prehospital care at trauma events. This study aims to identify which trauma cases cause the most anxiety and concern among EMS professionals. Methods: A study using a two-round Delphi method was undertaken online with EMS professionals working for the Saudi Red Crescent Authority. Results: In the initial round, one item—road traffic collision—achieved 70% consensus that it caused significant anxiety and concern; the second round did not achieve any consensus regarding other types of incident. Conclusion: Road traffic collisions are a leading cause of death and, based on the participants’ responses, they cause paramedics the most anxiety and concern of all case types.