Table II.

Quotes related to the novelty of the threat

Factor	Interview	Quote
Formation of the Ebola team: voluntary or mandatory	Male ambulance nurse	‘I think that refusing to transport a patient with suspected Ebola would have resulted in a service request. Refusing a service request has consequences or has consequences in the future. And I definitely considered: am I willing to accept the consequences?’
Availability of protocols and clear task descriptions	Male nurse in university hospital	‘Everything was in protocols. We had task cards and protocols of everything so there was no discussion how something should be done. That was simply pre-defined.’
	Male ambulance nurse	‘First they say, “This is sufficient”. And two weeks later it is completely different. Then you think: are the current equipment and the current procedures for donning PPE good enough?’
Briefing and debriefing	Male ambulance nurse	‘Well, we had the team ready and the team came here, and the team was briefed. Whatever you do – Well, this is how we are going to do it. This is the plan, this can be expected, you should do this and you shouldn't do that; this is what we have practised.’
Training and information	Female nurse in university hospital	‘Well, we are well-trained. Bring it on!’
Working environment	Female nurse in university hospital	‘If you are in the Ebola group, then food and drink are taken care of. You can rest; there are beds. And people walk in all the time and ask, “How are you?”, “Is everything okay?” and “How are you feeling?” In that respect it is a reassuring experience.’