Interventions for critical incident stress in emergency medical services: A qualitative study.

Controversy over the use of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing leaves Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations with little direction in preventing sequelae of Critical Incident Stress (CIS) in their employees. Objectives of the study were to explore and describe Emergency Medical Technicians’ (EMTs) experiences of critical incidents and views about potential interventions, in order to facilitate development of interventions that take into account EMS culture. We interviewed 60 EMT practitioners and supervisors, and examined interview transcripts using ethnographic content analysis. EMT practitioners want emotional support in their workplace soon after a critical incident, and welcome interventions that would enhance this. They also experience a brief timeout as important in preventing sequelae of CIS.