Fit to practise: does more need to be done to improve the health and wellbeing of paramedics?

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.