Australian Paramedics’ Experiences of Stressors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: Paramedics are exposed to significant job-related stressors, which have been exacerbated by the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the essential role that paramedics play in the health system, it is imperative that we understand how their health and wellbeing are affected by this range of stressors. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods, cross-sectional statewide survey of the Ambulance Organization workforce between August and November 2021. A total of 690 paramedics (i.e., operational staff) answered a quantitative question about operational and organizational job stressors, while a subset (N=151) provided a response to a free-text qualitative question about stress related to COVID-19. Results: Quantitative data revealed that COVID-19-related stressors were more stressful than all other job-related factors at that time. In addition, paramedics reported moderate to high levels of stress for nearly three quarters of all stressors listed. Thematic analysis of the qualitative question showed that paramedics experienced: stress related to operational changes; personal protective equipment related stress; the everyday life impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; work-related conflicts and concerns; exposure to COVID-19; vaccine-related stress; and issues with management and communication. Conclusions: Paramedics have been significantly affected by the unique stressors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have added strain onto an already stressful work environment. The stressors we have identified suggest that organizations should examine their internal practices and consider their impact on paramedics, along with offering mental health support to paramedics where appropriate.