Specialist ambulance nurses’ experiences of births before arrival

Abstract Background Working as an ambulance nurse means interacting with and caring for acutely ill and injured patients. It can even involve births before arrival to the hospital (BBA), which are rare but increasing due to the centralization of maternity wards. Aim This study describes the experiences of specialist ambulance nurses with BBA. Method A qualitative study was conducted, and nine specialist ambulance nurses who had assisted with one or more prehospital births were interviewed. Data were analysed with thematic content analysis. Findings The analysis revealed three categories that were compiled into a theme of feeling fright and exhilaration. The findings showed that BBA causes feelings of anxiety and stress. The experience is also associated with joy and relief when the baby is born. Childbirth is a situation for which specialist ambulance nurses feel less prepared, lack of knowledge, and wish for more education. Conclusion Specialist ambulance nurses face challenges in the pre-hospital care environment during BBA, with long distances, a lack of equipment aboard the ambulance, and no assistance from midwives. To feel secure in the complex role that is required when assisting with a BBA, specialist ambulance nurses should be given the opportunity to receive scenario training.