Positivity in the paramedic workplace: pathways to flourishing amidst adversity
- 1Vaal University of Technology, Human Resource Management
Abstract
Background Paramedic practice is evolving worldwide. Frequent exposure to traumatic and stressful incidents, combined with demanding workplace conditions, significantly affects the well-being of paramedic personnel. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of flourishing among private-sector paramedics in post-COVID-19 South Africa. Methods The theoretical foundation of this study is rooted in phenomenology. This qualitative approach seeks to explore the lived experiences of individuals willing to share first-person accounts of being paramedics in a post-COVID work context. To address the research problem, a purposive sample of 13 private sector paramedics was selected. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions, encouraging rich, reflective accounts of their lived experiences. Thematic analysis in MAXQDA software was used to identify recurring patterns, emergent themes, and unique perspectives. Results Workplace flourishing was experienced as a dynamic, interconnected process in the work environment. Findings demonstrated an ongoing interplay between emotional regulation, vocational meaning and relational embeddedness within a high-risk operational context. Flourishing emerged through internal emotional steadiness, professional engagement, and supportive social environments. These findings indicate that flourishing is possible even in high-stress paramedic environments. Conclusion Outcomes revealed that promoting well-being among paramedics in the post-COVID period requires integrating emotional support, satisfying psychological needs, meaningful learning opportunities, relational connections and enabling working conditions.
Related
- The Use of Situational Judgement Tests for Paramedic Selection in Canada: A National Cross-Sectional Survey
- Toward Caregiver Flourishing: A Framework for Sustainable Capacity in Dementia Care
- Paramedic attitudinal profiles regarding pediatric pain management: A latent class analysis in a standardized emergency medical services system
- Criterion‐Related Validity of the Couple Flourishing Measure in a Spanish Population: Distinguishing Outpatients From Community Participants
- Measuring the policy citation rate of United Kingdom (UK) paramedic and ambulance service research: a bibliometric evaluation using BMJ Impact Analytics and the amber repository
BibTeX
@article{rensburg2026positivity,
title = {{Positivity in the paramedic workplace: pathways to flourishing amidst adversity}},
author = {Christine Janse van Rensburg and Marais Christel},
journal = {BMC Health Services Research},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s12913-026-15117-6},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-026-15117-6},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Positivity in the paramedic workplace: pathways to flourishing amidst adversity
AU - Christine Janse van Rensburg
AU - Marais Christel
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - BMC Health Services Research
DO - 10.1186/s12913-026-15117-6
UR - https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-026-15117-6
AB - Background Paramedic practice is evolving worldwide. Frequent exposure to traumatic and stressful incidents, combined with demanding workplace conditions, significantly affects the well-being of paramedic personnel. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of flourishing among private-sector paramedics in post-COVID-19 South Africa. Methods The theoretical foundation of this study is rooted in phenomenology. This qualitative approach seeks to explore the lived experiences of individuals willing to share first-person accounts of being paramedics in a post-COVID work context. To address the research problem, a purposive sample of 13 private sector paramedics was selected. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions, encouraging rich, reflective accounts of their lived experiences. Thematic analysis in MAXQDA software was used to identify recurring patterns, emergent themes, and unique perspectives. Results Workplace flourishing was experienced as a dynamic, interconnected process in the work environment. Findings demonstrated an ongoing interplay between emotional regulation, vocational meaning and relational embeddedness within a high-risk operational context. Flourishing emerged through internal emotional steadiness, professional engagement, and supportive social environments. These findings indicate that flourishing is possible even in high-stress paramedic environments. Conclusion Outcomes revealed that promoting well-being among paramedics in the post-COVID period requires integrating emotional support, satisfying psychological needs, meaningful learning opportunities, relational connections and enabling working conditions.
SN - 1472-6963
ER -