Volunteering in Crisis: Exploring the Impact of the Humanitarian Experience in the Lebanese Red Cross Emergency Medical Services

This thesis investigates the motivations, mental impacts, ethical contemplations, and career influence of volunteers within the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) emergency medical services. The study addresses the central questions of what drives people to volunteer, how their motivations advance, the mental and emotional impacts of their roles, and the ethical suggestions of using volunteer paramedics. Existing writing highlights the need for a more profound understanding of these variables, particularly in high-stress situations like emergency services. This research fills a gap by utilizing a quantitative strategy, counting surveys, to gather comprehensive information. Discoveries reveal that volunteers are at first persuaded by altruism and personal development, but their motivations advance to incorporate a solid sense of community and belonging. Psychological impacts incorporate increased resilience but also dangers of burnout, requiring better support mechanisms. The study's noteworthiness lies in its recommendations for improving volunteer support, guaranteeing ethical practices, and impacting career pathways in healthcare and humanitarian fields.