Factors Associated with Psychiatric Morbidity, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Growth in Paramedic First Responders: The Role of Core Beliefs

Abstract

<jats:p>IntroductionParamedics are routinely exposed to traumatic events. This study describes the rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychiatric morbidity and levels of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in New Zealand first responder paramedics, exploring a mix of demographic, professional, crewing status and exposure risk factors associated with these outcomes and their associations with core belief disruptions.MethodsA cross-sectional study recruited paramedics (N=579) working in a first responder role. Univariate and multivariate logistic and linear regressions were conducted to identify predictors of PTSD, non-specific psychiatric morbidity and PTG in trauma-exposed participants.ResultsTwo-thirds (66.3%) reported significant psychiatric morbidity, with volunteer paramedics being significantly less at risk when compared with professional paramedics (OR=0.52; 95% CI: 0.31-0.87; p&lt;0.01). Probable PTSD was reported by 14.6% of participants. Older age reduced the odds of this (OR=0.94; 95% CI: 0.92-0.98; p&lt;0.01) while experiencing greater disruptions in core beliefs increased the odds (OR=2.75; 95% CI: 2.00-3.77; p&lt;0.01). Being female (t=4.70; p&lt;0.01) and experiencing greater core belief disruption (t=7.54; p&lt;0.01) (adjusted R2=0.27) independently contributed to PTG. ConclusionAlthough PTSD rates were typical of first responders generally, psychiatric morbidity rates were high and may be more prevalent in professional staff. Contextual and methodological factors may have influenced these outcomes. Core belief disruptions predict both negative and positive emotional states, suggesting their important role in workplace interventions. </jats:p>

The Role and Value of Chaplains in an Australian Ambulance Service: A Comparative Study of Chaplain and Paramedic Perspectives

“…Additionally, research by Tedeschi et al ( 2017 ) demonstrates the essential role of spiritual change and core beliefs in posttraumatic growth (PTG). Another study exploring the role of core beliefs in paramedic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and PTG further stressed the importance of organisations providing workplace interventions in support of bettering these outcomes (Surgenor et al, 2020 ). Consequently, more healthcare groups are acknowledging the importance of offering and providing high-quality spiritual care to consumers as part of an holistic approach to enhancing health outcomes (Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, 2018 ; World Health Organization, 2021 ; World Psychiatric Association, 2019 ).…”