Saving lives: an unsustainable profession–a study of transformative learning at work

Abstract

The emergency industry has always been an important and challenging profession. Paramedics and firefighters are exposed on a daily basis to potentially traumatic situations with some of what they experience leading to transformations, changing them deeply and fundamentally. These transformative experiences (Paul [2016]. Transformative Experience. Oxford: Oxford University Press) where they are required to navigate life and death as part of their profession provide a clear need for transformative learning (Mezirow [1991]. Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass; Mezirow [2012]. “Learning to Think Like an Adult: Core Concepts of Transformation Theory.” In The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research, and Practice, edited by Edward W. Taylor, and Patricia Cranton, 73–95. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass) in order to improve their professional and private lives. The study uses a qualitative approach where 57 paramedics and firefighters reflected on their experiences working in the field and on the impact these experiences had on them and their private lives. In empirically charting, the transformative experiences and learning processes, the data support the theories of Paul (2016) and Mezirow (1991; 2012) and show there is a need to provide support for existing workers and better preparation before they enter a career. It raises the question whether saving lives is currently a sustainable profession and how it can become a more sustainable profession.