Senses working overtime: paramedic practice as sensory knowledge generation

<p dir="ltr">In recent times, there has been a notable emphasis on the study of human perception and sensory experiences within the humanities. Anthropologists working in this field have been interested in the senses from cross-cultural perspectives and at the level of groups or communities. My research focuses on paramedicine, a relatively new health care profession that has as its defining attribute the practice of health care in environments that require patient care with limited diagnostic technology. My research seeks to understand how the Covid-19 pandemic affected paramedics’ assessment routines and sensory information and impacted their practice and decision making. I hope to gain insight into what this can tell us about Paramedic Decision making processes. I interviewed nine experienced paramedics who worked during the Delta Wave Lockdowns in Western Sydney in 2021. I asked them to compare their assessment routines prior to Covid-19 with their practice during the most intense period of Covid-19 infections, ambulance use, and PPE requirements during the Delta Wave Lockdown. Paramedics found themselves in a unique situation as they were mandated to carry out their duties while being fully enveloped in personal protective equipment (PPE) from head to toe, and this protocol applied uniformly to all patients they encountered. Through my research, I aim to shed light on the significance of sensory input in the practice of paramedicine. My research will enhancing our comprehension of the importance of human interaction in healthcare in an era marked by the increasing reliance on technology and a shift away from traditional face-to-face medical consultations.</p>