Current state of knowledge of post-traumatic stress, sleeping problems, obesity and cardiovascular disease in paramedics

Abstract

More studies are needed to characterise paramedics' behaviour at work. These studies could allow the development of targeted strategies to prevent health problems reported in paramedics.

Qualitative study of Queensland paramedics' perceived influences on their food and meal choices during shift work

“…Protected meal breaks may also enable healthier food choices. The ability to make healthier food choices, conducive to their working environment, will assist with lowering the burden of nutrition‐related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which have been identified in this population …”

‘You're never making just one decision’: exploring the lived experiences of ambulance Emergency Operations Centre personnel

“…The effects of stress, if not well managed can lead to health issues in EMS personnel. The short-term and long-term impacts of these stressors are well documented 2 15–17. However, less is known about the experience of working in the ‘back office’ as an EOC call operative, and even less as an EMS dispatcher, and the lack of research in this area has been highlighted 14…”

Impact of combat events on first responders: Experiences of the armed conflict in Uruzgan, Afghanistan

“…Lastly, the questionnaires and cut off values used are only tools to score PTSD, and might have resulted in under-or overestimation of the post deployment impact. The PTSD rate was low compared to governmental organisations [30,31], and warrants further assessment. This study represents the first assessment of the effects of combat events in a combined (bottom-up) approach (research on pre-deployment preparation, physical, and mental health) evaluating the direct circle around battle casualties in both the pre-hospital phase and its impact on the (long term) postdeployment phase.…”