EMS-SHIELD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Study Title: Supporting Health, Improving Employee Life and Duty (SHIELD): a protocol for a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of dedicated time at work for improving Emergency Medical Service worker mental health
IRAS ID
354334
Contact name
Sasha Johnston
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers, including paramedics, experience higher rates of mental ill health and suicide than the general population in connection with the unique demands of their roles. While support is available, uptake remains low. A systematic review found barriers such as stigma, workplace culture, concerns about seeking help, and a lack of time or person-centred options suited to the EMS environment. Enablers include genuine organisational care, dedicated time and training, symptom recognition, and normalising help-seeking behaviours.
The EMS-SHIELD trial aims to improve mental health support by testing a workplace intervention designed for EMS employees. Four ambulance stations, located in urban and suburban areas, will take part. Two stations will be randomly selected to implement the intervention, while the other two will continue their usual support practices.
The intervention introduces "time-to-talk" sessions, where trained EMS workers provide one-hour peer-to-peer support during work hours. Carefully developed with input from EMS staff, patient representatives, and subject-matter experts, it builds on insights from previous research. Participants will have options to attend, reschedule, or decline their session, and all workers will still have access to usual services.
The study will help researchers understand how well this intervention works in real-life settings. They will assess how many paramedics take part, how the sessions are perceived, and how practical it is to run this type of support programme. Questionnaires will measure changes in participants' well-being, attitudes to seeking help, and overall experiences.
Findings will shape a larger future trial, ensuring the intervention is effective for supporting EMS worker mental health, ethical, and ready for broader implementation. Ultimately, EMS-SHIELD aims to create better workplace support, helping EMS workers feel healthier, valued, and prepared for the challenges of their vital roles.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0682
Date of REC Opinion
24 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion