A study of emotion work in student paramedic practice

Emergency resuscitation and getting on with the job emerged as a priority in a number of the experiences and subthemes included control and suppression of emotion, 'got to deal with it' and 'don't see them as a person'. Students struggled to deal with patients' and relatives' emotions and their own in some situations and subthemes included 'not sure of what to say', 'stop myself crying', and 'personal links'. The findings provide evidence of the emotional demands of student paramedic practice and have important implications for the curriculum content which must prepare and support students to perform emotion work effectively.