Lived experiences of prehospital care among road traffic accident survivors in Rwanda: a qualitative descriptive study.

introductionGlobally, road traffic accidents (RTAs) are reported as a major cause of death and disability in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although effective prehospital care can reduce these outcomes, such services remain insufficient in many LMICs. Improving prehospital care requires an understanding of RTA survivors’ experience, which is the aim of this study.

methodsA qualitative descriptive study with purposive sampling explored RTA survivors’ experience of prehospital care. A sample size of eighteen participants from urban and rural hospitals was determined by data saturation. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted in August 2025 using an interview guide written in Kinyarwanda. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti 24.

resultsThree main themes emerged from participants’ experiences. First, community awareness, encompassing activation of emergency services, bystander first aid, and post-RTA decision-making, highlighted both the potential and limitations of community involvement. Second, ambulance availability and response time revealed frequent delays and unavailability of ambulances. Third, professional prehospital care, including care provided at the scene, during transport, and decisions regarding the receiving health facility, varied in quality and consistency across cases.

conclusionInsights from RTA survivors’ experiences indicate that Rwanda’s prehospital emergency care is constrained by limited community awareness, inadequate ambulance availability and response times, and variable quality of care provided at the scene and during patient transport. Policymakers should consider these findings when designing strategies to ensure equitable and sustainable prehospital services.