Medical personnel are affected by us, as we are affected by them.
They help us when we are in critical conditions, when we need them the most. But what if we can’t help them when they need us?
With the current rise of disasters occuring, such as COVID, floods and forest fires, we all turn to the support of first responders such as firemen and paramedics. With their help, we are kept safe within our community. However, these responses come with consequences.
According to Abdullah Abdulaziz Alghamdi from the National Library of Medicine, paramedics often face struggles with depression, anxiety, PTSD and burn out. These psychological struggles aren’t stressed enough, with no support provided.
As much as COVID or natural disasters have impacted us, they also put the emergency medical services (EMS) in a vulnerable position as they are exposed to illnesses and high pressure to ensure we recover.
By saying this, there has been more research being done to investigate the psychological challenges that the EMS are facing.
Another article from the National Library of Medicine, written by Sharon Gallagher and Sinéd McGilloway, shows a study being conducted to assess the nature of EMS workers and their attitudes towards their job. This study consisted of 27 participants who had experienced critical incidents (CIs) during their previous 12 months. The critical incidents they witnessed included: children, suicides, and grotesque mutilation, which was said to be the most distressing. They had experienced physical and mental drainage with trouble sleeping to alienation due to this.
With this, you can presume that the nursing shortages, especially in the area of critical care, preoperative care and emergency services, would be down to an all-time low and you would be absolutely correct.
According to a federal estimate, EMS providers could be 40,000 workers short by 2030. This can be because of the insufficient pay they are receiving as many EMS agencies are run by the government or private organizations with very limited budgets, according to JEMS. This also takes a toll on the economy, as the price of vehicles and equipment are increasing drastically.
However, there has been attention brought to this issue, as fundings have been made in order to boost medical reimbursement; local communities, including communal leaders, have been stepping up to fund for modern equipment and transportation.
It is encouraged that more people support this, through organizations such as NAEMT, IAFC, AAA and NAEMSP.
With everyone, we can help our community flourish :)
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