Exploring paramedics’ and first aid responders’ mental health literacy and attitudes towards psychiatric patients: A cross-sectional qualitative study on South African paramedics, using semi-structured in-depth interviews.

Abstract

South African paramedics and first aid responders frequently encounter psychiatric patients in a high-pressure, stressful emergency setting, yet are limited by mental health literacy and societal stigma significantly affecting the quality of care provided. The study sets out to examine paramedics’ attitudes, perceptions, and depth of mental health literacy concerning psychiatric patients to shed light on gaps in their understanding and approach. Through semi-structured interviews with participants, the thematic analysis revealed a complex interplay of empathy, frustration, and stigma in their responses. Participants describe challenges in categorising and managing psychiatric patients due to limitations of mental health education and legislation, often resorting to quick wit and simple labels, which affects their approach to care. Despite these limitations, many paramedics expressed a strong commitment to patient welfare, coupled with a desire for better training and resources to handle psychiatric emergencies more effectively. The findings contribute to the academic understanding of mental health literacy in South African pre-hospital care, offering insights that highlight the importance of target education and training to enhance patients’ outcomes. This study provides a foundation for further research and practical interventions that could bridge the gaps in emergency mental health response, ultimately fostering more informed and compassionate care in the field.