title: Cognitive appraisals, objectivity and coping in ambulance workers: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ambulance workers are regularly exposed to call-outs, which are potentially psychologically traumatic. The ability to remain objective and make adaptive appraisals during call-outs may be beneficial to this at-risk population. This pilot study investigated the links between cognitive appraisals, objectivity and coping in ambulance workers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-five ambulance workers from the London Ambulance Service, UK, were studied. Trauma exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms were assessed using self-report measures. Positive and negative appraisals were measured in relation to two previous call-outs: one during which they coped well and one during which they did not.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Enhanced coping was associated with making more positive appraisals during the call-out. Better coping was also related to greater levels of objectivity during these call-outs. Coping less well was associated with the use of more negative appraisals during the call-out.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ambulance workers may benefit from psychological interventions, which focus on cognitive reappraisal and enhancing objectivity to improve coping and resilience.
authors: Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology Department, , Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Shepherd
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Wild
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D000552:Ambulances; D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology
keywords: first responders; prehospital care; psychological conditions; psychology, staff support