Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Polish Paramedics: A Pilot Study.
BACKGROUND
Working as a paramedic carries the risk of witnessing events and personal experiences associated with emergency life-threatening circumstances that may result in symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress. This problem is well known but still underestimated.


OBJECTIVE
The specific study objectives were to 1) assess the influence of sociodemographic and occupational factors on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among paramedics, and 2) suggest preventive strategies in this population.


METHODS
This prospective, descriptive study examined a sample of 100 paramedics who agreed to complete the Author Questionnaire comprising demographic questions and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.


RESULTS
The total prevalence of PTSD in the examined group was 40.0% (women = 64.3%, men = 36.1%). It was more frequently reported in paramedics working under an employer's contract than among those who were self-employed. It occurred less frequently in persons with more education. Other sociodemographic factors studied showed no significant impact. A statistically significant effect of exposure to certain types of traumatic events on the incidence of PTSD was found. There was no significant correlation between the prevalence of PTSD and the occurrence of problem situations in respondents' workplaces.


CONCLUSIONS
Polish paramedics who agreed to take part in the survey were shown to have a high rate of PTSD. Multi-center screening and early supportive management is recommended.
Department of Expert Medical Assistance with Emergency Medicine Unit, Medical University, Lublin, Poland; Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Children's University Hospital of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Beata
B
Rybojad
Department of Nursing Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
Anna
A
Aftyka
(post-graduate student), Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
Michalina
M
Baran
Department of Expert Medical Assistance with Emergency Medicine Unit, Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
Patryk
P
Rzońca
D000328:Adult; D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
medical emergency team; paramedic; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)