Dr Elizabeth Donnelly1, Dr. Justin Mausz2,3, Dr. Alan Batt5,6, Dr. Meghan McConnell4, Dr. Walter Tavares2,5
1University Of Windsor, Windsor, Canada, 2Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 3Paramedic Services, Region of Peel, Brampton, Canada, 4University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Canada, 5Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, 6Queens University, Kingston, Canada
Biography:
Elizabeth Donnelly, PhD, MPH, LICSW, NREMT is a Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor in Ontario.
Dr. Alan Batt is Associate Professor (adjunct) at Monash University, and Paramedicine Program Lead at Queen's University.
Abstract:
Introduction
Community Paramedics (CPs) may experience unique stressors from prolonged relationships with clients while navigating complex care dynamics. Although paramedics in general are at increased risk of posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSI), the mental health of CPs remains underexplored.
Methods
Paramedics from two services in Ontario, Canada were surveyed during compulsory in-person continuing medical education sessions. Surveys included validated screening tools for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, insomnia, alcohol use disorder, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, and ANOVA tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results
A total of 996 paramedics (96.6% of eligible), including 63 CPs (6.3%) participated. CPs were more likely to be women (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.06, p=0.005), older (40.85 vs. 35.79 years, p<0.001), and more experienced (14.95 vs. 10.74 years, p<0.001).
The prevalence of any positive PTSI screen was 46% for CPs compared to 54% for paramedics in emergency response roles (OR=0.71, p=0.208). CPs had lower prevalence of major depressive disorder (12.6% vs. 24.5%, OR=0.49, p=0.024). Other outcomes, including alcohol use, anxiety, and insomnia showed directionally lower prevalence but the differences were not statistically significant. CBI scores were similar for CPs compared to paramedics in emergency response roles across personal (46.23 vs. 42.39), work (46.09 vs. 46.18), and client-related (37.52 vs. 37.63) burnout (all p>0.05).
Conclusion
This study suggests CPs may experience a lower risk of PTSI compared to paramedics in emergency response roles. While these preliminary findings align with conceptual expectations, the small group limits statistical power.