Ambulance personnel and critical incidents - Impact of accident and emergency work on mental health and emotional well-being

Background The association between mental health and occupational factors a mong ambulance personnel has not been thoroughly investigated in the UK. Aims To identify the prevalence of psychopathology among ambulance personne l and its relationship to personality and exposure to critical incidents. Method Data were gathered from ambulance personnel by means of an anonymous questionnaire and standardised measures. Results Approximately a third of the sample reported high levels of general psychopathology, burnout and posttraumatic symptoms. Burnout was associate d with less job satisfaction, longer time in service. less recovery time be tween incidents, and more frequent exposure to incidents. Burnout and GHQ-2 8 caseness were more likely in those who had experienced a particularly dis turbing incident in the previous 6 months. Concerns about confidentiality a nd career prospects deter staff from seeking personal help. Conclusions The mental health and emotional well-being of ambulance personn el appear to be compromised by accident and emergency work. Declaration of interest Grant received from the Chief Scientist Office of t he Scottish Office Home and Health Department.