Stress Levels in EMS Personnel: A National Survey

Abstract

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate stress levels in emergency medical services personnel across the United States.Design:Confidential, 20-question survey tool, Medical Personnel Stress Survey-Abbreviated (MPSS-R). A total score of 50 indicates average stress levels. A score of 12.5 on the subset measurements of somatic distress, job dissatisfaction, organizational stress, and negative attitudes towards patients indicates average levels of stress. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and t-test.Interventions:None.Results:A total of 658 of 3,000 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) (22%) completed the survey. The mean value of 69.3±6.3 for the total stress scores was very high Mean values for the subset scores were: somatic distress = 19.6±3.3; organizational stress = 17.3±2.4; job dissatisfaction = 17.0±2.6; negative attitudes towards patients = 15.5±2.3. Characteristics predicting higher stress were EMT-basic (A) licensure, basic life support (BLS) only service provider, volunteer status, new employee working in a small EMS organization, and providing service to a small town.Conclusion:Stress levels in EMS personnel were very high, were manifested primarily as somatic distress, secondarily as organizational stress and job dissatisfaction, and lastly as negative patient attitudes. Stress levels and subset manifestations of occupational stress among EMS personnel varied depending on gender, marital status, age, level of training and function, on salaried or volunteer status, length of time as an EMT, and size of the organization, city, and population served. Care should be taken to address stresses peculiar to individual EMS system needs.

Secondary traumatic stress and resilience among EMS

“…Years of experience showed no relationship to any of the attributes studied in this group of EMS. Previous data reported by EMS in national surveys have shown mixed results (Cydulka et al, 1997;Bentley et al, 2013). Notably, prolonged traumatic exposure can still result in long-lasting personal growth.…”

“…A large body of literature reports the detrimental effects which impact EMS professionals (Cydulka et al, 1989;Figley, 1995;Cydulka et al, 1997;Bennett et al, 2005;Bentley et al, 2013;Newland et al, 2015). The traditional approach of restorative intervention focused on wellbeing has now shifted to preventative care.…”

“…When trying to remedy stress among EMS, typical programmes like support groups, debriefing, and counselling are beneficial. However, the EMS culture is a more influential factor (Cydulka et al, 1997;Mildenhall, 2012). In a review of literature, most paramedics preferred to manage feelings of distress informally within their own work environment (Mildenhall, 2012).…”

“…Vicarious post-traumatic growth (PTG) and vicarious dramatisation are two potential outcomes of working with trauma patients. Vicarious E mergency medical service (EMS) professionals have one of the most stressful occupations in health care (Cydulka et al, 1997). EMS responders are often exposed to tragic death, suffering patients, and dangerous environments.…”

Measuring Teamwork and Conflict among Emergency Medical Technician Personnel

“…Stress, fatigue, and frequent turnover in partnerships are common characteristics of EMS work that may threaten teamwork between EMT partners. 10-14 …”