Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: paramedic understanding of a neglected condition

Background: Paramedics frequently attend people who misuse alcohol but are often poorly prepared to manage them. Aims: The literature is void of paramedic-specific research on alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). This study aims to address this, with an objective of developing recommendations for improvement. Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted, with practising paramedics completing digital surveys. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Findings: Four main themes were identified, which strongly suggest that training is insufficient regarding paramedic management of AWS. This results in a poor knowledge base regarding the topic, causing feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty, which are experienced in the context of NHS system-wide pressures. Conclusion: The evidence base supporting paramedic practice regarding AWS is poor and sparse. This results in paramedics using guidelines and sources of information not specific to their role to provide evidence-based practice. Paramedics are ill equipped to assess, treat and manage a patient subset they encounter frequently.