Paramedics' experiences of trauma and its processing: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract Paramedics routinely work under conditions of extreme stress, which heightens their vulnerability to psychological trauma. From a psychological perspective, key questions concern how they define and interpret potentially traumatic events, how individual experiences of trauma are transformed into narratives that become integrated into personal and professional identity, and what self-protective strategies they develop to cope with emotionally demanding situations. This qualitative study explored these questions through semi-structured interviews with six Hungarian paramedics. The interview data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), following the updated terminology of Smith and Nizza (2021), to examine how trauma is experienced in emergency contexts and how individual meaning-making and processing unfold. The analysis revealed key Group Experiential Themes (GETs) encompassing emotionally overwhelming situations, personal involvement, symptoms of traumatization, and memories. Early-career experiences emerged as particularly vulnerable periods, when idealism and the absence of protective strategies heightened susceptibility to trauma. The GETs of trauma processing included the need of individual strategies, strategies helping closure, emotional regulation, and the role of social sharing in integrating traumatic experiences. These findings highlight the complex interplay between trauma, identity, and meaning-making in emergency work. Understanding these processes contributes to the design of trauma-informed psychological support and preventive interventions aimed at strengthening resilience and professional identity among ambulance personnel.