Volunteer ambulance officers (VAOs) are vital to Australia’s healthcare system, particularly in rural and remote communities.
Although unplanned out-of-hospital births are rare (less than one per cent), VAOs must be prepared to provide critical care in these high-risk situations. However, new Edith Cowan University (ECU) research has revealed that many VAOs frequently feel unprepared and under-resourced when faced with such emergencies.
The study, led by ECU PhD Candidate Michella Hill, investigated Australian VAOs’ perceptions of their training, experience and confidence regarding unplanned out-of-hospital birth, and planned homebirth with obstetric emergencies where ambulance assistance is required.
“There are more than 7,000 volunteer ambulance officers in Australia. They are unsung heroes in rural and remote areas providing a vital service, with some communities relying solely on VAOs in medical emergencies,” Ms Hill said.
“However, our research has shown that these volunteers are facing significant challenges when attending unplanned out-of-hospital births.”
The study found many rural VAOs felt anxious and uncomfortable attending unplanned out-of-hospital births and obstetric emergencies, perceiving they may have limited ability to manage complications due to a lack of education, training, exposure to births, and a narrow scope of practice.
VAOs were also concerned about the availability of backup from a registered paramedic, and the reliability of telecommunications in remote areas for online clinical advice and support.
“Given the distances to hospital care in regional Australia, these findings have serious implications for patient safety,” Ms Hill said.