Violence Against Out‐Of‐Hospital Emergency Healthcare Professionals: A Qualitative Exploration of Lived Experiences, Microaggressions, and Coping Mechanisms

AIM: To explore experiences of workplace violence among nurses and drivers working in prehospital emergency medical services in northeastern Italy. DESIGN: A qualitative interpretative study. METHODS: A qualitative interpretative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with a group of Italian healthcare professionals involved in out-of-hospital emergency care. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and included nurses and ambulance drivers who had experienced at least one episode of workplace violence. Data were collected between May and August 2025 and analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen participants were interviewed. Three main themes were developed: 'Violence is taken home', 'Microaggressions: the invisible violence', and 'Strategies: Si vis pacem, para violentiam'. Workplace violence had lasting emotional and professional consequences including fear, helplessness, and reduced well-being. Microaggressions, often normalized and influenced by gender and cultural factors, were under-recognized forms of violence. Participants described using communication and de-escalation techniques, situational awareness, and peer support, while perceiving organizational support as insufficient. CONCLUSION: Workplace violence in prehospital emergency care has significant emotional and professional consequences and may be underreported. Microaggressions represent an important, often overlooked dimension requiring recognition and intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Targeted training in communication and violence management, improved reporting systems, and structured psychological support are essential to mitigate the impact of workplace violence. Promoting a supportive organizational culture and addressing microaggressions may enhance staff well-being, patient safety, and quality of care. IMPACT: Addressing both overt violence and normalized microaggressions, alongside strengthening organizational support, is essential to safeguarding healthcare professionals in prehospital emergency settings. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution. REPORTING METHOD: The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist was used.