Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Date of Award

8-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.P.A.

Department

Public Administration

Committee Chair

Thomas Shaw, Ph.D.

Abstract

Employee resilience and mental health have become critical concerns in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as workforce shortages increasingly threaten staffing stability and patient care. National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) data indicates that more than 30% of eligible EMS providers did not recertify between 2020 and 2023, raising concerns about workforce sustainability. This study examines EMS providers’ intentions to leave the profession and identifies workplace factors associated with turnover. A statewide survey of more than 1,200 licensed EMS providers in Alabama was analyzed using regression techniques to evaluate the relationship between workplace conditions and turnover intentions. Results demonstrate that occupational stressors, including poor workplace conditions, inadequate organizational support, fatigue, and mental health challenges, are significantly associated with an increased likelihood of leaving the profession. The findings suggest that organizational investments in employee wellness, resilience, mental health support, fatigue management, and improved scheduling practices may strengthen workforce retention while enhancing employee well-being, workforce stability, and the quality and safety of patient care.

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