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Often these statements and discussions vary in the detail provided, with many paramedic research outputs not including any discussions around the researcher’s positionality and reflexivity. We found several examples of positionality statements and reflexivity considerations in published articles and masters/doctoral theses by paramedics conducting research ( Eaton-Williams et al., 2020 Horrocks, 2020 Mausz et al., 2022 Whitley, 2020 Wolff, 2019). However, in the limited body of evidence pertaining to paramedic research methods, these concepts are only briefly mentioned ( Williams, 2012). Positionality and reflexivity are concepts that are discussed in great detail in research methods literature and are widely acknowledged to be an important consideration when planning and conducting research ( Huberman & Miles, 2002 Savin-Baden & Major, 2013). Throughout this article, we provide examples of how these concepts have been considered and applied by a research paramedic while conducting their PhD research studies within a pre-hospital setting, to illustrate how they can be applied practically. The researcher must reflect upon the way the research is carried out and explain to the reader how they moved through the research processes to reach certain conclusions, with the aim of producing a trustworthy and honest account of the research. While positionality is concerned with the researcher clearly stating their assumptions relating to the research topic, the research design, context and process, as well as the research participants reflexivity involves the researcher questioning their assumptions and finding strategies to address these. We discuss that the ‘insider’ position of paramedics conducting research with other paramedics or within their specific clinical setting has considerable benefits to participant access, understanding of data and dissemination, while highlighting the difficulties of role duality and power dynamics.

We outline how a researcher’s identity and positionality can influence all aspects of research, including the research question, study design, data collection and data analysis. This article introduces the reader to the concepts of identity, positionality and reflexivity and outlines their relevance to research paramedics.

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