Self-harm is a common presentation in emergency services, and ambulance clinicians are often the first professionals involved. The aims of this study were to explore the experiences of Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) clinicians of caring for people who self-harm, and to seek their views of the care provided to this group in the pre-hospital setting.

This preliminary cross-sectional study involved a self-completed questionnaire using an online platform (Online Surveys, www.onlinesurveys.ac.uk). The questionnaire was designed by the research team, piloted by four academic paramedics, and shared with ambulance clinicians employed by YAS via social media and email bulletins. Multiple-choice answers were analysed using descriptive statistics, and two researchers (DR, EG) independently analysed free-text responses thematically. Participants could only proceed to the questionnaire if they agreed to an online consent statement. Ethical approval was granted by the University of Leeds.

26 clinicians responded to the questionnaire (1.0% response rate), of whom 17 (65%) were female and 16 (62%) were paramedics. 17 (65%) indicated that they had not received specific mental health training in their roles. Only nine (35%) respondents felt comfortable caring for this group, and four (15%) thought that their training had adequately prepared them.

Respondents identified the following as facilitators to high-quality clinical care for people who have self-harmed: previous clinical experience, training in mental health and injury management, availability of mental health advice and services, good communication skills, relevant online resources, and support from senior colleagues. Barriers identified included patient factors, a lack of mental health pathways, services and support and a lack of training and education in mental health. Suggested improvements to emergency services for self-harm were alternatives to emergency departments, greater availability of mental health support, more staff, mental health training for ambulance clinicians, and guidance for the management of patients declining to attend hospital.

Respondents generally felt unconfident and unprepared when called to assess and manage people who have harmed themselves. Improvements in mental health training for ambulance clinicians and greater availability of mental health services are needed to improve pre-hospital care for people who self-harm. Although the study was limited by a low response rate, it has begun to address the literature gap in paramedic care for self-harm. Questionnaire responses corroborate NICE recommendations that alternative services to emergency departments, where appropriate, could improve patient satisfaction and the quality of clinical care. This should be considered by commissioners and policymakers.