CompletedInterventional

A study on providing time at work to support the mental health and well-being of emergency ambulance paramedics

Paramedics often face tough situations, which can affect their mental health. While support is available, many don't use it, sometimes due to lack of time or concerns about speaking up. This study, called EMS-SHIELD, wants to find out if providing dedicated 'time-to-talk' sessions at work can make a difference. Four ambulance stations will be involved. Two will offer volunteer paramedics one-hour supportive chats with trained colleagues during work hours. The other two will continue with their usual support methods. Researchers will check how many paramedics take part, what they think, and if it helps their well-being. This will help decide if a bigger study is needed to improve mental health support for ambulance staff.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Mental health

What is this study about?

Working as a paramedic can be very demanding, and unfortunately, ambulance staff are more likely to experience mental health problems than people in other jobs. Although there is support available, many paramedics don't use it. This might be because they feel there's a stigma around asking for help, they're worried about how it might affect their job, or simply because they don't have enough time to seek support during their busy workdays. Previous research has found that when staff are given time, training, and a workplace culture that genuinely cares, they are more likely to get help when they need it.

This study, called EMS-SHIELD, wants to see if giving paramedics dedicated time at work for a supportive chat can improve their mental health and well-being. It will involve four ambulance stations. At two of these stations, volunteer paramedics will be offered special one-hour 'time-to-talk' sessions during their work shifts. These chats will be with a trained colleague and are designed to give paramedics a chance to think about their job and how it impacts them. The other two stations will continue with their current ways of providing support, which helps the researchers compare the new approach.

The main goal is to figure out if this idea is practical and if paramedics would find it helpful. The researchers will count how many paramedics choose to take part and how many complete the study. They will also collect feedback through interviews and questionnaires to understand paramedics' experiences and see if there are any changes in their well-being or their willingness to ask for help. This information will help decide if this approach should be explored in a larger, longer-term study across more ambulance services.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates dedicated 'time-to-talk' sessions for paramedics' mental health.
It aims to see if this support is helpful and practical to set up in ambulance workplaces.
Participation involves optional one-hour chats during work and completing three questionnaires.
Support is provided by trained colleagues in a confidential setting.
You can withdraw at any time, and your information is kept private.
This research could improve future mental health support for ambulance staff.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You must also be a registered paramedic with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This includes those working bank shifts or on light duties.

Your main workplace, at least 50% of your shifts, needs to be at one of the specific ambulance stations taking part in the study. You also need to be willing and able to understand and agree to take part in the study after being fully informed about it.

Unfortunately, if you are not a paramedic (for example, a student paramedic) or if you have already taken part in earlier discussions about this study (called 'focus groups'), you won't be able to join this specific trial.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you an HCPC-registered paramedic?
Do you work mostly (50% or more) at one of the participating ambulance stations?
Are you willing to give your informed consent to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study involves a few steps. First, trained ambulance staff (who have received special training in 'clinical supervision') will be ready to provide supportive one-hour sessions. If you are at a station chosen to offer the new support, you would be offered 'protected time' during your work hours for a chat with one of these trained colleagues. This session is designed to help you think about your job, how it makes you feel, and to learn about mental health support available from your employer. You can choose to join these sessions, reschedule, or decline if you prefer.

Whether you are at a station offering the new sessions or a station continuing with usual practice, all participating paramedics will be asked to fill out three questionnaires at different times during the study period. These questionnaires will ask about your well-being and your feelings about seeking help. As a thank you for completing all three forms, you will receive a £30 gift voucher. Some participants, including those who deliver the sessions and managers, will also be invited for an interview after the sessions have been provided, and they will receive a £40 gift voucher for their time. The study will run for about six months at your station.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits. It might give you a valuable opportunity to reflect on your work and well-being, while helping to shape better support for all ambulance staff in the future. You'll also receive thank-you vouchers for completing questionnaires or interviews. The study is designed to be supportive, with trained staff creating a safe and private space. If the questionnaires suggest you might be struggling, you'll be offered guidance and further support. However, thinking about challenging work experiences and your mental health might be upsetting for some people. You can pause or stop a session at any time if you feel uncomfortable. In rare cases, a session might be interrupted by an emergency call, but arrangements would be made to reschedule. While there are some emotional risks, strong support and safety measures are in place to keep them to a minimum, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Bristol ambulance station (urban)
City only
Bristol, England
Keynsham ambulance station (suburban)
City only
Bristol, England
Weston-Super-Mare ambulance station (urban)
City only
Weston-Super-Mare, England
Nailsea ambulance station (suburban)
City only
Bristol, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if giving paramedics dedicated time during work for supportive chats helps their mental health and if it's practical to do in ambulance stations.

Will I have to take time off work to participate?

No, if your station is one of those offering the new support, the dedicated 'time-to-talk' sessions would happen during your regular work hours.

What happens if I feel upset during a session?

The sessions are led by trained staff in a safe, confidential space. You can pause or stop at any time if you feel upset or uncomfortable.

Will my participation be kept private?

Yes, your information will be handled confidentially. The supportive sessions are private and designed to be a safe space.

Is this study making medical recommendations?

No, this study is exploring a new way of providing support. It does not make medical recommendations. If you have medical concerns, you should speak to a healthcare professional.

How to find out more

Sasha Johnston

sasha.johnston@psy.ox.ac.uk +44 (0)7825826250 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.