The Role of Resilience Among Emergency Medical Service Personnel and its Relationship with their Adaptive Performance in Riyadh-Saudi Arabia.

Authors

• Abdullah Alabdali, King Saud bin Abdulaziz UniversityFollow
• Majed Althagafi, King Abdulaziz Medical CityFollow
• Malak Alharbi, King Abdulaziz Medical CityFollow
• Amera Almutere, King Abdulaziz Medical CityFollow
• Alanoud Almawzan, King Abdulaziz Medical CityFollow
• Nourh Aljaber, King Saud Medical CityFollow
• Reem Muafa, Alpha Star Aviation ServicesFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Healthcare workers, particularly Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, are frequently exposed to traumatic physical and psychological events. EMS personnel regularly encounter critical incidents that challenge their resilience, adaptive performance, and overall quality of life. Understanding the factors that support resilience is essential to maintaining workforce well-being and performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 348 EMS personnel employed by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between September 2020 and October 2021. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing resilience, adaptive performance, coping mechanisms, and demographic variables. Results: EMS personnel demonstrated higher resilience levels compared to adaptive performance. Resilience was strongly associated with family support (52.14%), financial reward (42.86%), peer support (37.14%), and religious beliefs (35%). In contrast, formal coping strategies such as attending courses (13.57%) and visiting psychologists (7.86%) showed weaker associations. Conclusion: Key personal and social factors significantly influence resilience among EMS personnel working in Saudi Arabia. Targeted organizational and psychosocial strategies are recommended to strengthen resilience and support pre-hospital practitioners

Author Bio(s)

Abdullah Alabdali, PhD, is the Dean of the College of Applied Medical Sciences and an Associate Professor of Emergency Medical Services, with expertise in prehospital care and resuscitation.

Majed Althagafi, MBBS, is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Malak Alharbi, BEMS, is a Paramedic in the Department of Emergency Medical Services at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Alanoud Almawzan, BSEMS, is a Paramedic in the Department of Emergency Medical Services at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Nourh Aljaber, BSEMS, is a Paramedic in the Emergency Department at King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Reem Muafa, BSEMS, is a Flight Paramedic  at Alpha Star Aviation Services, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Acknowledgements

None

Recommended Citation

Alabdali A, Althagafi M, Alharbi M, Almutere A, Almawzan A, Aljaber N, et al. The Role of Resilience Among Emergency Medical Service Personnel and its Relationship with their Adaptive Performance in Riyadh-Saudi Arabia.. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Sep 01;24(3), Article 26.