Abstract
Background
The combination of first-year placements, an increasing proportion of mental health
callouts, and the high incidence of mental illness in health-professional tertiary
students means standard curricula may not adequately prepare early-year paramedic
students for mental health challenges.
Methods
A retrospective online survey was used to explore the experiences of paramedic students
who have completed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training within their undergraduate
studies. The content-validated survey explored the relevance, appropriateness, and
novelty of MHFA training, and invited participants to reflect on the course strengths
and weaknesses.
Results
The majority of 102 respondents, predominantly female first- and second-year paramedic
students aged 18–24 years, agreed the content was relevant (86%) and appropriate (88%),
with 73% agreeing they would recommend to other university students. Thematic analysis
identified strengths of the course as perceived increases in mental health literacy
and empowerment to act on mental health concerns. A weakness was students perceived
the course did not prepare them adequately for clinical practice.
Conclusion
The inclusion of MHFA early in paramedic curricula is appropriate and relevant, increasing
mental health literacy and empowering students to recognise and act upon mental health
concerns. Application of practical scenarios may further enhance student learning
experiences.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 07, 2022
Accepted:
September 21,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 29,
2022
Received:
June 14,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 College of Emergency Nursing Australasia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
