The Association Between Emergency Medical Service Technicians', Medical Engineers', and Nurses' Knowledge of Emergency Preparedness and Their Practices in Promoting Community Resilience in KSA: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Emergency preparedness and community resilience are critical aspects of healthcare that require the involvement of various healthcare professionals. This qualitative study explores the association between emergency medical service technicians', medical engineers', and nurses' knowledge of emergency preparedness and their practices in promoting community resilience in Saudi Arabia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants, including nine emergency medical service technicians, nine medical engineers, and nine nurses, to gain insights into their knowledge, experiences, and perceptions related to emergency preparedness and community resilience. Thematic analysis of the data revealed four main themes: (1) the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in emergency preparedness and community resilience, (2) the need for ongoing education and training in emergency preparedness, (3) the role of technology and innovation in enhancing emergency response and community resilience, and (4) the challenges and opportunities for promoting community engagement and empowerment. The findings suggest that while healthcare professionals have varying levels of knowledge and experience in emergency preparedness, they recognize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and community engagement in promoting resilience. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills in emergency preparedness, as well as strategies to foster community participation and ownership in building resilience. The insights gained from this study can inform the development of policies and programs to strengthen emergency preparedness and community resilience in Saudi Arabia and beyond.