Fit to practise: does more need to be done to improve the health and wellbeing of paramedics?
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Abstract
Abstract published with permission.
Paramedics are exposed to both physiological and psychological stressors that the
general population does not typically face. Although there is evidence to show
that paramedics can be resilient to these, cardiovascular disease, mental health
problems and musculoskeletal injuries are still prevalent among paramedics.
Exercise has been shown to reduce the physical demands of lifting for paramedics,
but data on the effects in other areas of paramedic life are limited. In the general
population, exercise is becoming a popular treatment option for mental health
problems. However, the methodologies used are inconsistent and it is difficult to
draw definitive conclusions from the data available. A more thorough examination
of how regular exercise could positively impact the health and well-being of
paramedics, who are key, front-line personnel in the medical services, is an area
that requires crucial further research.