The mental health and stress impacts of COVID19 for police and paramedics (ambulance)

The delivery of essential frontline services in times of crisis or major disruption presents major challenges to ‘on-the-ground’ staff. They have to manage the direct client contact and essential service provision, within the context of changing operational directives, while continuing to work in partnership with other local services (who also have the same challenges). The impact of COVID-19 has led to a range of stressors and demands on the mental health and wellbeing of frontline human service staff. This presentation describes the initial results of a national survey on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing of police and ambulance personnel. In particular, it will outline the level of work-related stress with a focus on the issues staff found most difficult to cope with. Finally, it will outline the implications for executive leaders, frontline and HR managers for equipping and supporting staff in times of major service disruption and crisis response.