An exploration of violence against paramedics, burnout and post-traumatic symptoms in two Australian ambulance services

Nualnong Wongtongkam

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    14 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Purpose

    Violence directed at ambulance paramedics has attracted increasing public attention because of its major negative impact on the physical and psychological well-being of victims and productivity of organisations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of violent incidents, contributing factors, burnout and post-traumatic symptoms among paramedics.

    Design/methodology/approach

    A cross-sectional survey was distributed in two ambulance services in Tasmania and South Australia, with self-administered instruments completed online. In total, 48 respondents completed questionnaires.

    Findings

    There were no significant differences between sites in timing of violent incidents, consequences of traumatic events or organisation provision. Surprisingly, over 90 per cent of paramedics had not been pushed, slapped, beaten, scratched or spat on in the previous month. There was a statistically significant difference between genders for being yelled at or verbally abused (p=0.02). When considering burnout, female paramedics showed significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion t(37)=–2.32, p=0.02 and lower levels of career satisfaction than their male counterparts, t(37)=3.32, p=0.00.

    Originality/value

    Although prevalence rates of violent incidents seemed lower than expected, policy interventions to encourage female paramedics to display their professional identities and steps to enhance well-being and safety while on duty should be considered.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)134-146
    Number of pages13
    JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Services
    Volume6
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2017

    Grant Number

    • None

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