References
Fit for duty: shedding light on paramedics' health via research methodologies
An increase in capability and community expectation coupled with an increase in demand has placed both external and internal pressures on paramedics with discernible similarities between Australia and the UK (Armitage, 2010; Mahtani et al, 2018). Where paramedic performance is measured, paramedic wellbeing has been less considered (Gayton and Lovell, 2012). Ongoing caseloads, daily exposure to human suffering and continual shift extensions or missed meals can cause a physical and emotional toll (Armitage, 2010; Gayton and Lovell, 2012; Mahtani et al, 2018).
A recent review of paramedicine personnel determined that paramedic stress and burnout are among the highest within the emergency service network when compared with police and fire (Maguire et al, 2014; Varker et al, 2018). Further data conclude that ongoing exposure to traumatic events coupled with broken rest can lead to psychological impairment (Bradford, 2002; McFarlane, 2010).
Subscribe to get full access to International Paramedic Practice
Thank you for visiting International Paramedic Practice and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the only journal dedicated to those working in emergency care, you can start your subscription today for just £48.
What's included
-
CPD Focus
-
Develop your career
-
Stay informed