Faculty
Health Science
Supervisor Name
Dr. Elysée Nouvet
Description
Paramedics on the front lines of Ontario’s COVID-19 pandemic response play an imperative role in patient care and infection management. They take measures to limit risks of contamination to themselves, other patients and providers while delivering this essential healthcare service but are often less recognized for their efforts. From 21 interviews conducted between April to June 2020, a secondary analysis on specific mental health concerns and stressors was completed. Preliminary findings include several pandemic related stressors and long-term occupational health and safety risks. This leads to further discussion on moral distress, and the possible risks of burnout. For public health, it is salient to acknowledge and understand the inherently risky and unique role and experiences of paramedics, so that future actions can be proactive and realistic.
Acknowledgements
This presentation is based on data collected for a primary study led by Dr. Elysée Nouvet, Dr. Cathy Faulds and Allyson Oliphant.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Document Type
Poster
Included in
Mental Health and Paramedics
Paramedics on the front lines of Ontario’s COVID-19 pandemic response play an imperative role in patient care and infection management. They take measures to limit risks of contamination to themselves, other patients and providers while delivering this essential healthcare service but are often less recognized for their efforts. From 21 interviews conducted between April to June 2020, a secondary analysis on specific mental health concerns and stressors was completed. Preliminary findings include several pandemic related stressors and long-term occupational health and safety risks. This leads to further discussion on moral distress, and the possible risks of burnout. For public health, it is salient to acknowledge and understand the inherently risky and unique role and experiences of paramedics, so that future actions can be proactive and realistic.