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Stressors That Paramedics Face

Did you know that 51% of reported stressors amongst emergency workers are experiences of traumatic events? This exposure to traumatic events increases risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological distress. Front line workers have an increased risk of developing mental health problems due to the combination of work-related and nonwork-related stressors. Paramedics are subjected to a number of different exposures to traumatic events including disasters, violence, injuries, high work demand, and witnessing death. Stressors for emergency workers not only include re-exposure to traumatic events, but also workplace factors such as lack of support, resource shortages, discrimination, and conflict with management, which additionally increase the risk of depression and PTSD (Kyron, et al., 2019).

Kyron, M. J., Rikkers, W., LaMontagne, A., Bartlett, J., & Lawrence, D. (2019). Work-related and nonwork stressors, PTSD, and psychological distress: Prevalence and attributable burden among Australian police and emergency services employees. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000536.supp


In my experience, stressors involved with paramedicine include rapid decision making and actions under complex conditions, shift work causing rapid switching between rest and activity, time management issues, and an unhealthy work-life balance. All this stress and worry isn’t good for my health, so I like to use an app called Worrydolls to help process and relieve any concerns or stress. 

This app offers a variety of different dolls to talk, vent, and express my concerns and feelings towards, whilst journalling my thought processes and life to overcome stress. I find this outlet of worries very magical with a sense of calming and mindful cognitive results. Other resources I find myself using when stressed include socialising with family and friends, effective time management, a healthy diet and frequent exercise, daily affirmations, listening to music, and lots of sleep. WorryDolls





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