Empowering women in emergency care: The roles of work-life balance and equal opportunity in navigating success in the paramedic profession

Background: Despite efforts to boost female workforce participation, there remains a shortage of female paramedics relative to Saudi Arabia's female population. Objective: This study explores how work-life balance and equal opportunities empower women in the paramedic profession, focusing on their roles in achieving success and overcoming challenges in emergency care settings. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive research was employed using a questionnaire survey conducted among paramedics in Saudi Arabia (n = 250) and a sample of the research (n = 197; response rate: 78.8%). An adapted instrument of the Culture Conducive to Women's Academic Success survey was used to collect data. Using statistical software (SPSS 29), data were coded numerically, and statistical analysis was performed for both descriptive and inferential purposes. In addition, independent samples t-test was used to analyzed data on variables including age, gender, job title, level of education, and years of experience. Results: Descriptive statistics revealed high agreement overall, particularly regarding salaries and professional social events. However, there was moderate disagreement about protected time for research. An independent t-test indicated significant gender differences, with female paramedics reporting less favorable experiences in access to opportunities and work-life balance support. Yet, demographic characteristics like age, gender, job title, education level, and experience did not significantly influence success factor scores. Conclusion: While female paramedics perceive high equality in career access and work-life balance support, areas for improvement exist, such as research time and reducing stigma around family responsibilities. Policymakers may consider interventions to address gender disparities and enhance female paramedics’ experiences.