Work-related psychosocial hazards among emergency medical responders (EMRS) in Mansoura city

Abstract

Purpose:This research was done to assess levels of psychosocial stress and related hazards [(burnout, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)] among emergency medical responders (EMRs).Materials and Methods:A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted upon (140) EMRs and a comparative group composed of (140) nonemergency workers. The groups studied were subjected to semistructured questionnaire including demographic data, survey for job stressors, Maslach burn out inventory (MBI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and Davidson Trauma scale for PTSD.Results:The most severe acute stressors among EMRs were dealing with traumatic events (88.57%), followed by dealing with serious accidents (87.8%) and young victims (87.14%). Chronic stressors were more commonly reported among EMRs with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) except for social support with colleagues and supervisors. EMRs had statistically significant higher levels of emotional exhaustion (EE) (20%) and depersonalization (DP) (9.3%) compared with comparative group (4.3%, 1.4% respectively). Also, there was no statistically significant difference between two groups as regards lower personal achievement or depression symptoms (P > 0.05). There was increased risk of PTSD for those who had higher stress levels from death of colleagues [odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 2.2 (0.7-7.6), exposure to verbal or physical assault OR (95% CI) = 1.6 (0.5-4.4) and dealing with psychiatric OR (95% CI) 1.4 (0.53.7) (P > 0.05)Conclusion:EMRs group had more frequent exposure to both acute and chronic work-related stressors than comparative group. Also, EMRs had higher levels of EE, DP, and PTSD compared with comparative group. EMRs are in need for stress management program for prevention these of stress related hazards on health and work performance.

First look at emergency medical technician wellness in India: Application of the Maslach Burnout Inventory in an unstudied population

“…A study of 260 prehospital providers in Iran demonstrated 47% of EMTs with high levels of emotional exhaustion and 39% with high levels of depersonalization [20]. A similar study in 140 EMTs in Egypt demonstrated 20% with high emotional exhaustion and 9.3% with high depersonalization [21]. Comparing total MBI scores among prehospital providers in LMICs (Romania and Turkey), Indian EMTs appear to demonstrate a higher sense of personal accomplishment, but higher rates of depersonalization and emotional exhaustion.…”

“…Only a handful of these include EMTs in LMIC. Studies of EMTs internationally, including varied burnout assessments such as the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, report work-related burnout rates ranging from 19%-84% [16][17][18][19][20][21]. High intensity work with little control, overwhelming quantity and pace of work, and administrative burdens appear to be key factors contributing to burnout in this "front lines" population [22].…”

The relationship between burnout syndrome and empathy among nurses in emergency medical services

“…No significant difference in PA was found between the two groups of nurses. A high value of emotional exhaustion is characteristic of people who have lost their motivation and energy for activities [32]. The higher EE rate of nurses working in UHOL standard wards may be due to the higher proportion of women working there.…”

Resilience in Emergency Medical Responders: A Pilot Study of a Reflective Journal Intervention Using a Mixed Methods Approach

“…Resilience in Emergency Medical Responders: A Pilot Study of a Reflective Journal Intervention Using a Mixed Methods Approach to adverse psychological conditions, predominantly to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD;Bennet, Williams, Page, Hood, & Woollard, 2004;Kleim & Westphal, 2011;Khashaba, El-Sherif, Ibrahim, & Neatmatallah, 2014). A study by Bennett and colleagues (2004) examining the prevalence of PTSD among 617 British ambulance workers (i.e., paramedics and emergency medical technicians [EMTs]) suggested that two thirds of them were experiencing intrusive and distress-causing memories as a result of job-related content, while an average of 22% (21.8% for paramedics and 22.2% for EMTs; 95% CI 19-26) were meeting the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis (Bennett et al, 2004).…”