Collaboration among emergency first responders at major incidents – an explorative focus group study

BACKGROUND: In the event of a major incident, collaboration between the ambulance service, fire brigade and police is common. Effective collaboration requires teamwork, with communication between the three organisations being crucial. Leadership functions should be integrated in a way that leverages organisation-specific capabilities, enabling interprofessional collaboration where diverse professional roles complement each other. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of collaboration among emergency first responders during major incidents. METHODS: Data were collected through four focus group interviews involving ambulance nurses, firefighters and police officers, each with a minimum of one year of operational experience. The data were analysed using content analysis inspired by Krueger and Casey. RESULTS: Three categories emerged from the analysis; Coordinated communication as a foundation for collaboration, Structured interprofessional collaboration through leadership and shared understanding and Relational conditions for sustained interprofessional collaboration. Each category comprises two subcategories that reflect the participants' experiences. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight that collaboration among emergency first responders during major incidents is shaped by coordinated communication, structured leadership and mutual understanding of organisational roles. Communication challenges, leadership demands and safety considerations in complex incidents were described as influencing collaboration. Joint training and interprofessional interaction may support preparedness and strengthen collaboration across emergency service organisations.