How Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Work is Understood: A Study of Public Perceptions and Provider Perspectives

Lisel Keller
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:15:00 PDT

This project aims to examine whether a gap exists between how the general public perceives Emergency Medical Services (EMS) work and how EMS providers experience it. EMS is widely recognized as a stressful profession, and public narratives often focus on the emotional intensity without an understanding of the different sources of stress. Providers work extended shifts, respond to unpredictable incidents, are frequently woken from sleep, and complete operational tasks while fatigued. Although these demands are expected, their cumulative impact shapes the day-to-day reality of the profession. While stress in EMS work has been discussed broadly, less attention has been given to how the public understands the operational structure of the job. This study uses a mixed-methods design with two surveys, one disturbed to EMS providers and one to members of the general public. The surveys include rating-scale and open-ended responses to compare perceptions of workload, shift structure, operational responsibilities, and overall job demands. Data collection and analysis are currently in progress. I hypothesize that the public will underestimate the full scope of EMS work, particularly the amount of non-patient responsibilities and the degree of fatigue involved in shifts. I also expect EMS providers to describe the cumulative stress resulting from sustained, fast-paced work across long shifts, rather than accute stress tied to major emergencies. By identifying where perceptions align or differ, this project aims to clarify misconceptions and encourage more accurate understanding of EMS work and provider well-being.