Paramedic and EMT Stress: Combating Job-Related Physical and Mental Health Issues
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), including paramedics, are often the critical link between the site of an emergency and the hospital. Being among the first healthcare professionals to arrive on the scene, they provide crucial assistance in emergency medical care and transportation. However, their roles come with various challenges and hazards, exposing them to multiple rigors and risks.
It’s no wonder there are such high levels of EMT stress reported among those in the profession. In fact, EMTs are prone to some of the highest rates of work-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they are 3x more likely to experience an injury while on the job than the national average.
In this article, we’ll examine the physical and mental stressors encountered by EMTs, explore effective strategies to safeguard their body and mind, and consider ways to enhance our support for their overall well-being.
EMT & Paramedic Stress: Mental and Physical
Physical EMT Stress
An EMT’s main responsibility is to swiftly respond to different emergency situations, which can potentially expose them to hazardous environments and activities. These types of high-stress, fast-paced circumstances can lead to a number of physical injuries, with the top five most common being:
- Overexertion & Body Motion Injuries (28%) – Back injuries from stooping, kneeling, and lifting are particularly common and often lead to chronic pain
- Falls, Slips, or Trips (16%) – Wet or slick walkways, steep staircases, and dark conditions make sprains and strains quite common
- Motor Vehicle Incidents (8%) – Bad weather, congested roads, inattentive drivers, and excessively high speeds can all be hazardous to EMS providers
- Assault & Violence (5%) – Often the first to arrive at the scene of a traumatic event, EMTs are especially vulnerable to potentially violent interactions
Mental EMT Stress
Paramedics and first responders are constantly exposed to high-stakes, stressful events, ranging from gruesome sports injuries to tragic auto accidents. And because of that, they’re at a heightened risk for PTSD, burnout, other severe mental health struggles, and drug or alcohol dependence.
- PTSD – PTSD in EMTs is a significant and pressing concern. Research indicates that between 80-100% of EMTs and paramedics report being exposed to such events, with up to 20% experiencing some form of PTSD afterward.
- Burnout – It’s not uncommon for EMS burnout to spur a career change. The demanding nature of the job, both physically and emotionally, can take a toll on first responders, leading to fatigue, burnout, and decreased job satisfaction and performance.
- Mental Health Issues – Research shows that EMTs and paramedics are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety than the general population. In fact, studies indicate that up to 37% of EMS workers struggle with depression, a great cause for concern.
- Drug and/or Alcohol Dependence – According to a study, nearly 40% of EMTs and paramedics resort to alcohol or other substances to cope with the stress associated with their job. This highlights the urgent need for healthcare organizations to provide adequate support and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of these frontline healthcare workers.
EMS Stress Management: What lifestyle choices would most benefit your physical and mental health working in EMS?
EMS healthcare workers understand the physical and emotional risks that come with their profession. Yet, knowing how to manage and combat these dangers is a challenging task. This battle is typically fought on two fronts: prevention and support.
Preventative Measures:
- Physical fitness programs
- Safety equipment and training
- Ergonomic adjustments to equipment
Supportive Measures:
- Time off and rest periods
- Recognition and appreciation
- Professional counseling services
The Importance of Addressing the Physical and Mental Stress of EMS Providers
Due to the physical and mental demands of their profession, paramedics and EMTs frequently report high levels of stress. Although seeking help from mental health professionals can be the most effective way to prevent job burnout, there are currently limited resources available, particularly those that address job-related issues.
Retreat Behavioral Health’s Healing Our Heroes program has specific tracks for EMS professionals, including EMTs and paramedics. Our treatment centers offer a comprehensive range of care options tailored to the unique needs of EMS professionals, including structured programs and holistic therapies that focus on treating PTSD, depression, substance use disorder, and co-occurring disorders.
Get in touch with us today to start addressing the emotional and physical strain that comes with being an EMS provider.
Sources:
https://www.mdc.edu/emt/physical-demands.aspx
https://www.unitekemt.com/blog/5-most-common-emt-injuries/
https://www.retreatbehavioralhealth.com/ems-mental-health/
https://frontlinerehab.com/paramedic-stress-dont-let-become-emergency/
