The Exploration of Physical Fatigue, Sleep and Depression in Paramedics: A Pilot Study

Abstract

<jats:p>Introduction Ambulance paramedics are members of a discipline that forms a unique part of the emergency services. As pre-hospital providers they are constantly and increasing faced with heavy workloads that are physically, mentally and emotionally tiring. Fatigue and sleep disturbance are factors which can compromise the effectiveness of these workers, and as a result not only hamper patient safety but can have detrimental consequences on the paramedics‟ health and overall well-being. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact shift work on physical fatigue, sleep and psychological factors among paramedics in Australia. Methods A convenience sample of paramedics was asked to complete a number of self-reporting standardised questionnaires: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (8-items), Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) (10-items), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (19-items) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (21-items). Ethics approval was granted. Results The study recruited 60 participants, the majority of which were male 77% (n=46), &gt; 45 years of age 31% (n=19), and having worked shift work between 5-10 years 35% (n=21). Nine out of ten (92%, n=55) of paramedics reported having experienced fatigue in the last 6 months, with 88% (n=53) believing it had affected their performance at work. The ESS reported 30% (n=18) of people had excessive daytime sleepiness, and 10% (n=6) being dangerously sleepy. Statistical significance was observed in the ESS items „chance of dozing while sitting and talking to someone‟ (p</jats:p>

Transportation-Related Injuries and Fatalities among Emergency Medical Technicans and Paramedics

“…23 Sofianopoulos et al found that "almost half of paramedic (respondents) answered yes to having nodded off or fallen asleep whilst driving". 27 Studnek and Fernandez found that the two variables associated with increased risk of ambulance collision were young age and fatigue. 28 Gender-Fifty-three percent of the cases in this study involved females, yet females make up just 27% of the study population.…”

Fatigue and mental health in Australian rural and regional ambulance personnel

“…Australian ambulance personnel play a key role in the Australian health system, providing clinical care and specialised transport . However, there is significant evidence of high levels of stress, fatigue and the frequent experience of emotionally traumatic events for this population . These risks have primarily been categorised for metropolitan ambulance personnel, while rural and regional ambulance personnel in Australia have been largely overlooked.…”

What paramedics think about when they think about fatigue: Contributing factors

“…Existing research reveals that paramedic fatigue is associated with worker burnout and attrition, sick leave and work disability, health complaints, such as headaches and gastrointestinal illness, depression, anxiety and stress . Paramedic fatigue also impacts upon operational performance and patient and public safety.…”

“…Paramedic fatigue also impacts upon operational performance and patient and public safety. In one study, 88% of a sample of paramedics reported experiencing fatigue that affected their work performance and almost half of the respondents reported falling asleep while driving . Difficulty remembering emergency service protocol, difficulty operating the ambulance and increased risk of being involved in an ambulance accident have also been identified as a result of paramedic fatigue.…”

“…7 Existing research reveals that paramedic fatigue is associated with worker burnout and attrition, 9,10 sick leave and work disability, 3 stress. 11,12 Paramedic fatigue also impacts upon operational performance and patient and public safety. In one study, 88% of a sample of paramedics reported experiencing fatigue that affected their work performance and almost half of the respondents reported falling asleep while driving.…”