A mixed-methods assessment of the impact of the opioid epidemic on first responder burnout

Pike, Erika; Tillson, Martha; Webster, J. Matthew; Staton, Michele

doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107620

Cited by 42 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Furthermore, this study details experiences from a region with markedly high overdose rates relative to both Canadian and North American averages [2,13,27]. Pike (2019) found that, compared to law enforcement officers, EMS providers were more likely to believe the overdose crisis has contributed to burnout in their field. One suggested explanation from the authors was that the advanced medical involvement of paramedics could lead them to experience more traumatic events during overdose response.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…The purpose of this study was to explore the ways in which paramedics working within an urban center experience overdose response. Whereas similar qualitative studies to date have included paramedics within a larger pool of emergency personnel [15,26], this study brings a singular focus onto the perspectives of paramedics specifically. Furthermore, this study details experiences from a region with markedly high overdose rates relative to both Canadian and North American averages [2,13,27].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As front-line healthcare workers, paramedics are directly impacted by the overdose crisis. Qualitative studies have noted that heightened incidence of opioid overdose has led to feelings of increased professional demand amongst first responders [15]. The workload associated with overdose response can be significant; BC paramedics attended 13,500 overdose events in 2019, a value which has more than doubled since 2015 [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The workload associated with overdose response can be significant; BC paramedics attended 13,500 overdose events in 2019, a value which has more than doubled since 2015 [13]. Overdose response, as well as the associated overdose crisis, has been linked to burnout amongst paramedics and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers [15,16]. This emotional strain is occurring on an already at-risk population, as paramedics exhibit markedly higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As the primary providers of pre-hospital medical care, paramedics are uniquely situated amongst other emergency personnel. Differences have been noted between paramedics, fire fighters, and law enforcement officers regarding attitudes towards overdose response, and this has led to a call for occupation-specific investigations [15,26]. Understanding the unique challenges and concerns of paramedics can inform the types of support provided to these frontline workers amidst an ongoing public health emergency.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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‘You’re not just a medical professional’: Exploring paramedic experiences of overdose response within Vancouver’s downtown eastside

et al. 2020

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Background Overdose response has become an increasingly relevant component of paramedic practice, particularly in light of increased opioid overdose globally. Previous studies have noted gaps in our understanding regarding the unique challenges which paramedics face during this form of pre-hospital emergency care. The aim of this study is to explore and describe the ways in which paramedics experience overdose response, specifically within a community markedly affected by the overdose crisis. Methods Ten participants were recruited from a single ambulance station located in an urban center in Western Canada. Two rounds of semi-structured individual interviews were conducted, and data saturation was found to have been reached. Verbatim transcripts were produced and subject to two rounds of descriptive and pattern coding. A second researcher reviewed all of the codes, with disagreements being handled by discussion until agreement was obtained. Themes were identified, along with a Core Category which seeks to describe the underlying dynamics of overdose response represented in our data. The concept of a Core Category was borrowed from Grounded Theory methodology.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

‘You’re not just a medical professional’: Exploring paramedic experiences of overdose response within Vancouver’s downtown eastside

et al. 2020

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Compassion, stigma, and professionalism among emergency personnel responding to the opioid crisis: An exploratory study in New Hampshire, USA

et al. 2022

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Objective Drug overdoses are the leading cause of death in the United States for those under 50 years of age, and New Hampshire has been disproportionately affected, resulting in increased encounters with the emergency response system. The ensuing impact on emergency personnel has received little attention. The present study aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of emergency personnel responding to the opioid crisis in NH, with a focus on their views toward people who use opioids. Methods Thirty‐six emergency personnel (emergency department clinicians, n = 18; emergency medical service providers, n = 6; firefighters, n = 6; and police officers, n = 6) in 6 New Hampshire counties were interviewed about their experiences responding to overdoses and their perspectives on individuals who use opioids. Directed content analysis was used to identify themes in the transcribed, semistructured interviews. The results were reviewed for consensus. Results Several categories of themes were identified among emergency personnel's accounts of their overdose response experiences and perspectives, including varied degrees of compassion and stigma toward people who use opioids; associations between compassion or stigma and policy‐ and practice‐related themes, such as prehospital emergency care and the role of emergency departments (EDs); and primarily among personnel expressing compassion, a sense of professional responsibility that outweighed personal biases. Conclusions Despite the magnitude of the ongoing opioid crisis, some emergency personnel in New Hampshire have sustained or increased their compassion for people who use opioids. Others’ perspectives remain or have become increasingly stigmatizing. The associations of compassion and stigma with various policy‐ and practice‐related themes warrant further investigation.

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Under fire: Meta‐dehumanization and burnout among first responders

Mika‐Lude,

Degges‐White,

Isawi

2023

Journal of Employment Couns

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A study of 211 first responders was conducted to examine the correlation between first responders’ perceptions of dehumanization (i.e., meta‐dehumanization and organizational meta‐dehumanization) and burnout. Results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed a significant, positive relationship with large effect size between meta‐dehumanization and burnout when controlling for time in the profession. These findings indicate that first responders may need assistance coping with normal stressors of the job as well as the harm that can result from public perceptions. Implications at the professional and systemic levels are shared.

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A mixed-methods assessment of the impact of the opioid epidemic on first responder burnout

Cited by 42 publications

References 12 publications

‘You’re not just a medical professional’: Exploring paramedic experiences of overdose response within Vancouver’s downtown eastside

‘You’re not just a medical professional’: Exploring paramedic experiences of overdose response within Vancouver’s downtown eastside

Compassion, stigma, and professionalism among emergency personnel responding to the opioid crisis: An exploratory study in New Hampshire, USA

Under fire: Meta‐dehumanization and burnout among first responders

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