| As Emergency Medical Services (EMS) moved into a health care environment and culture, this project investigated what leadership strategies are required for suburban and rural EMS practitioners to transition into a professional practice model. Within an action research framework, a focus group and survey were used to explore the knowledge and perceptions of EMS leaders and practitioners. The findings indicate strong perceptions of what professionalism is; cultural differences between the EMS and health care cultures; the roles, behaviours, and attributes needed for EMS professional development are not clear; and leadership is required for professionalism. The recommendations reflect a need to release a vision, engage in honest conversations about professionalism, generate opportunities to learn and develop professional behaviours through communities of practice and mentoring relationships, and ensure that leaders have the means to gain a deeper appreciation of leadership and nurture opportunities to support future leaders. |
