How do paramedics cope? A scoping review

Matthew Warren-James; Natalie Dodd; Chantal Perera; Lisa Clegg; Helen M Stallman

doi:10.1016/j.auec.2021.12.003

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How do paramedics cope? A scoping review

Journal article

Peer reviewed

How do paramedics cope? A scoping review

Matthew Warren-James, Natalie Dodd, Chantal Perera, Lisa Clegg and Helen M Stallman

Australasian Emergency Care, Vol.25(3), pp.191-196

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.auec.2021.12.003

PMID: 35000895

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Abstract

Mental health

Ambulance

First responders

Stress

Wellbeing

Exposure to repeated trauma is an inherent component of paramedicine. Additionally, paramedics are exposed to threats that can undermine healthy workplaces, social connectedness, and health behaviour, predisposing them to overwhelming distress and unhealthy coping, including suicidality and psychiatric disorders. This scoping review aimed to identify how paramedics cope. PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched between January 1, 2010, to April 21, 2021. Studies were included if they used any research design to identify specific coping strategies used by paramedics. Three studies met the inclusion criteria—two qualitative and one cross-sectional survey design. There was a high risk of bias across all studies. Studies were conducted in Israel, Poland, and the UK, primarily with males. Two studies only identified healthy coping strategies—self-soothing and social and professional support. Unhealthy strategies identified in the third study were limited to negative self-talk and alcohol use, with no mention of other harmful behaviours, social withdrawal, or suicidality. There is limited research describing how paramedics cope, and in particular , how female paramedics cope. Further research exploring the breadth of coping strategies used by paramedics is needed to understand the impact of the work paramedics undertake on coping and inform prevention and support activities.

Details

Title: How do paramedics cope? A scoping review
Authors: Matthew Warren-James (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
Natalie Dodd (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
Chantal Perera (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
Lisa Clegg (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
Helen M Stallman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Publication details: Australasian Emergency Care, Vol.25(3), pp.191-196
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Date published: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2021.12.003
PMID: 35000895
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Paramedicine
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99596708702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Emergency Medicine; Nursing

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