Ambulance workplace stressors: The health impacts on our ambulance personnel
Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
First Supervisor
Natalie Ciccone
Second Supervisor
Lisa Holmes
Third Supervisor
Richard Brightwell
Fourth Supervisor
Peter Roberts
Abstract
Stress levels experienced by ambulance personnel have been reported as being high, with most of the published research depicting constant re-exposure to trauma as being the most significant stressor within this cohort. The focus of this report is posttraumatic stress disorder. This condition has been aligned with this population’s high suicide rate; it is a leading factor of numerous mental health conditions, and a causative factor for a multitude of issues ranging from fatigue and burnout to the lack of coping strategies and support networks an employee may possess.
This study investigated stresses within the ambulance profession with comparisons made to a control cohort. Validated surveys and specific questions for ambulance employees, regarding their profession, were utilised. For ambulance personnel there was a higher provisional diagnosis prevalence rate of post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder along with an increased risk of developing depression. Other stresses such as under resourcing, a lack of organisational support and a higher prevalence rate of workplace violence were also highlighted. Validated surveys were used to ascertain the required data. This multi-jurisdictional cross-sectional study aimed to establish the current acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder rates within Australasian ambulance personnel and identify specific causations. These findings may assist in improving organisational support within the ambulance industry in order to reduce mental illness across this cohort.
DOI
10.25958/faxh-tv26
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 21st December 2024.
Recommended Citation
Waller, L. (2023). Ambulance workplace stressors: The health impacts on our ambulance personnel. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/faxh-tv26