Personality of a paramedic and his motivation to pursue the profession

The bachelor thesis "Personality of a paramedic and motivation for his profession" is divided into a theoretical and a practical part. The theoretical part deals with the characteristics of the paramedic and its legal background and the issue of the paramedic´s personality. The theoretical part then provides the definition of motivation and types of motives. Two goals were set for the practical part of the thesis. The first aim was set in order to map out what personality preconditions and qualifications are in paramedics´ opinion crucial for their profession. The second goal was to elicit the motivation of the interviewed paramedics to choose particular profession. Based on these goals, three research questions were set. Research Question #1 is: What personality preconditions and qualifications do paramedics consider to be crucial to their profession? Research Question #2 is: Why have the interviewed paramedics chosen this profession? Research Question #3 reads: How do the views of the paramedics and the students of this field differ? The method appied here was a qualitative research. Collection of data was carried through semi-structured interviews based on two thematic areas consisting of several questions. The research group consisted of 10 paramedics, working in medical rescue services in the South Bohemian region as well as Pilsen region, and 10 students of the paramedic. Data analysis suggests that in general respondents have consistent and corresponding ideas of a paramedic´s personality who should be physically fit, empathetic, able to make quick and correct decision, prepared for continuous education and be on good terms with their colleagues. The most frequently mentioned motivation for choosing this profession of both, the paramedics as well as students, was the desire to help people. The bachelor thesis could serve as an aid for the selection of applicants for the field of paramedics