Undergraduate paramedic students’ perceptions of a community volunteer placement

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to explore first year university paramedic students’ perceptions of volunteerism during a community placement. Methods In this exploratory study we employed a cross-sectional methodology utilising a convenience sample of first year undergraduate students. Administering a paper-based survey, we measured students’ perceptions of their experience of a 50-hour placement as a volunteer within a community organisation. Results Of the 191 students available to participate in the study, 88 completed the survey yielding a 46.1% response rate. Survey results were positive overall and indicated that students view volunteering in a community placement as a good experience. The majority of students signalled that they had a positive impact during their placement and were inclined towards future volunteering including as paramedic volunteers. Conclusion Our results suggest that paramedic students positively perceive volunteering during a community placement and may be predisposed to future volunteer opportunities.