High-Stakes training: New Study Reveals Stress Levels in Emergency Medical Professionals
A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine delves into the intense psychobiological demands faced by pre-hospital emergency medical professionals during high-fidelity training. Researchers sought to understand the physiological and psychological responses to the pressures of simulated real-life scenarios.
Real-world assessments of stress responses in emergency situations are inherently difficult. This study cleverly utilized a high-fidelity training program—a realistic simulation mirroring actual emergency environments—to gain valuable insights into how individuals function under pressure. The program, run by the Great North Air Ambulance Service, provided an ideal setting for observation.
“The training course is designed to be challenging and high fidelity,” explained the lead researcher, Wetherell. “We know that these scenarios would lead to increases in physiological responding, so we were expecting to observe high levels of biological (heart rate and cortisol) and psychological (anxiety, demand) markers. Situations where levels of demand are high, but people do not feel in control, tend to be perceived as more stressful. We were therefore expecting to see higher levels of physiological responding on demanding days with lower perceived control.”
The demanding nature of emergency medicine is well-documented. While the dedication and skill of these professionals are undeniable, the profession is notorious for high stress levels and burnout.
“We therefore need to have a better understanding of how the demands of this job can impact on psychological and physical wellbeing,” Wetherell noted. “As I live in the Northeast, I was interested in the work of the Great North Air Ambulance Service. When I learnt about their high-fidelity training,I saw a great opportunity to assess the demands of emergency medicine in a realistic surroundings that wouldn’t impact on patient care. I worked alongside the course directors to see how we could most effectively assess functioning without impacting on the training.”
Wetherell’s research protocol involved measuring heart rate via smartwatches (monitoring the nervous system) and salivary cortisol levels (assessing the endocrine system). Participants also completed daily diaries, providing a comprehensive picture of their biological and psychological states throughout the training. This data was then analyzed in relation to the daily training scenarios.
“The physiological and psychological responses demonstrated that the course is demanding and is a good representation of how people would function in real life emergency situations,” Wetherell reported. “The greatest levels of physiological responding and highest levels of stress were observed on those days perceived as the most demanding and with the lowest level of perceived control.”
Interestingly, the lowest stress and physiological responses were observed on non-training days, reinforcing the critical role of recovery.
“This in itself is not surprising, but the lower levels of physiological responding on rest days clearly demonstrates the importance of recovery,” Wetherell emphasized. “When people have the opportunity for recovery, their physiological systems can rest and reset, and this may prevent the negative effects of stress and burnout that are observed in this profession.”
The study’s findings highlight that physiological responses to stress aren’t inherently negative; they’re essential for effective functioning in high-demand situations. “This is exactly what we need in those delivering emergency medical care,” wetherell stated. “But the results also highlight the importance of recovery. We can’t continually respond and need opportunities for recovery. This is known by those in the profession, but it needs to be supported.”
The use of readily available technology like smartwatches offers a practical and efficient way to monitor stress levels in this high-pressure field, paving the way for better support and preventative measures for emergency medical professionals across the U.S.
The Hidden Toll: How Stress Impacts Emergency Medical Professionals
Emergency medicine is a high-pressure field, demanding quick thinking and decisive action under intense circumstances. While the physical demands are well-known, the profound physiological impact of chronic stress on these professionals is only beginning to be fully understood. A groundbreaking research initiative is shedding light on this critical issue, offering potential for improved training and recovery strategies.
Researchers are employing cutting-edge technology to continuously monitor the physiological responses of emergency medical personnel during training and real-world scenarios. This detailed analysis goes beyond simply observing performance on specific training days.The next phase of the study will delve into the physiological changes occurring *before* and *after* stressful events, examining how anticipatory anxiety and post-event processing affect the body.
“So far, they have analyzed what responding looks like on particular training days, but next they will analyze what physiological responding looks like before and after training events – if people are worried about what is going to happen, or what has happened, what impact does this have on their physiological responses,” explains a lead researcher involved in the project. This crucial next step will provide invaluable insights into how individuals prepare for and recover from the intense emotional and physical demands of their profession.
Understanding the body’s response to stress in this context is vital. The research could lead to the advancement of targeted interventions to mitigate the negative effects of chronic stress, potentially reducing burnout and improving overall well-being among emergency medical professionals. This is particularly relevant in the U.S., where healthcare worker burnout is a significant concern.
The implications extend beyond individual well-being. By improving the mental and physical resilience of emergency medical personnel, we can enhance the quality of care provided to patients and strengthen the overall healthcare system. This research promises to be a significant step forward in supporting the brave individuals who dedicate their lives to saving others.
About the Author: Patricia Tomasi is a mother, maternal mental health advocate, journalist, and speaker. She writes regularly for the Huffington Post Canada, focusing on maternal mental health after experiencing severe postpartum anxiety twice. You can find her Huffington Post biography here. Patricia is also a Patient Expert Advisor for the North American-based Maternal Mental Health Research Collective and founded the online peer support group, Facebook Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Support Group, with over 1500 members worldwide. Blog: www.patriciatomasiblog.wordpress.com Email: tomasi.patricia@gmail.com
