| Exploring Stress in EMS A Challenge, Occupational Hazard, and Barrier: A Qualitative Study Paramedics are exposed on a daily basis to stressors as they perform their duties of tending to the ill, injured, or deceased. They face significant occupational stressors that may result in physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between personal, environmental, and organizational stress in EMS, specifically the paramedics employed by the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), Division of EMS.;There is a dearth of literature on paramedic stress, on the essence of their experiences while at work and home. A wider than normal scope of literature was examined to ascertain what is known and unknown regarding stress in paramedics and theories that may be relevant in this search for mitigation of the deleterious effects of stress.;The use of grounded theory enabled the researcher to gain a better understanding of the perceived impacts of the stressors felt by paramedics who are employed by CFD. Data were collected through focus groups, in-depth interviews, as well as observation, and document reviews. These processes allowed for greater involvement from the members and presented an opportunity to build on the information collected from the different perspectives within the field.;The findings signify a need to develop and utilize stress management and prevention programs to educate paramedics to increase awareness, recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and learn coping techniques to mitigate the effects encountered. The proposed theory, the Paramedic Stress Triad, is an occupationally-specific format that recognizes the uniqueness of the culture, the personnel, their work tasks, and the environment in which they function. The theory advocates an appropriate fit to interpret EMS stress in paramedics.;This research enhances the paramedic practice. EMS benefits by expanding the knowledge base from which evidence-based practices may be developed. The Paramedic Stress Triad Theory is focused on the multi-pronged attack agencies would use to lessen stress in personal, environmental, and organizational areas of the paramedics' lives and the problem-solving processes they would use to deal with their care-problem stress. |
