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First Responders in Rescue-Based Work: A Phenomenological Case Study of Rural Rope and Rappel Rescue Workers

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2018, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Counselor Education (Education).
The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experiences of rural rope and rappel rescue workers. This research uses a phenomenological case study approach to look at meaning associated with the experience of rescue-based work for first responders. Furthermore, the research seeks to improve understanding on the impact of rescue work to rescue workers’ personal and work life as well as reactions and coping to providing emergency services. An extensive literature review was conducted on important components of first response and rescue work. Topics of interest to the research include development of meaning, resilience, adverse experiences and trauma, quality of life, and coping. Careers of first response associated with this study were also reviewed from the literature, such as law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics. A gap in the literature was identified as a lack of research related to the individual factors of first responders and a need for improved programs of care. This research study reviewed the lived experiences of 12 rural rescue workers who participate in the Rope Rescue Team at a state park in Ohio. The Rope Rescue Team provides emergency, first response services to victims of cliff falls which require the use of rope and rappel techniques to gain access to the victim. Each of the 12 participants in the study shared their experiences in semi-structured interviews with questions aimed at understanding the impact of rescue work on personal and work life as well as reactions and coping to providing emergency services. In addition, journal entries and an archive of historical information on the team was collected for more detailed information related to experiences. The phenomenological research method utilized for this study provided rich, detailed information on participants’ experiences in rescue work. The significance of this study was to fill the current gap in literature by exploring concepts associated with the experiences of first responders. The goal of this research is to enhance considerations for the further development of programs and resources available to first responders in rescue-based work. This research provides a starting point for future research on rural first responders’ experiences and the progression of literature to better understand their needs for work and personal life.
Yegan Pillay (Advisor)
Mona Robinson (Committee Member)
Cornelia Patterson (Committee Member)
Dwan Robinson (Committee Member)
312 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Prater, , A. M. (2018). First Responders in Rescue-Based Work: A Phenomenological Case Study of Rural Rope and Rappel Rescue Workers [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1521107236072826

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Prater, , Amberle. First Responders in Rescue-Based Work: A Phenomenological Case Study of Rural Rope and Rappel Rescue Workers. 2018. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1521107236072826.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Prater, , Amberle. "First Responders in Rescue-Based Work: A Phenomenological Case Study of Rural Rope and Rappel Rescue Workers." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1521107236072826

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)