STRESS AND EMS
As many of us know when treating high-anxiety patients, stress can be dangerous for their health. And yet, why do so many of us choose to ignore the danger signals of our own stress levels? Broken sleep patterns, erratic schedules, emotional outcomes and even the invasion of our own home life can all lead us to anxiety’s edge. It is our duty and responsibility to each patient, but don’t we also have a responsibility to ourselves… and if not us, then how about our families?
If we don’t take care of ourselves, then how can we be there for our patients? It’s important to find ways to treat US whether it’s meditation, having fun with mind-numbing and HEALTHY activities (ie: not just drinking all night!) Our schedules can be erratic, so be sure to get rest when you can. Make sure to schedule family and friends time into your week. Be sure to get enough sleep. Eat healthy. Relax “with your feet up” now and then. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And never criticize your fellow crew members for their emotions… just as you need them to respect yours.
Especially in recent years, many ambulance squads have been much more mindful of their providers’ mental health. Attend scheduled debriefing sessions after stressful calls, make use of mental health services (many corps have resources for their member’s uses), always get enough sleep… try to anyway, attend debriefing sessions, and keep your own lifestyle in balance and harmony. Using online therapy may also be a more comfortable and private way of handling your mental stress.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing sessions are very thorough and, in many cases, helpful. However not every responder is ready to process their experiences so soon after an incident… supervisors need to understand that some merely need more time to digest what they have experienced. Open doors for all providers should always be made available with assurances that no one will be ridiculed for needing that time. And while it may FEEL comfortable just talking with friends, often it is more helpful to have a mental health representative help you deal with issues.
No one knows what you are going to see when you start your tour, no one can predict the age of patients you’ll deal with, and try as you might, you won’t always walk away with a save. You are trained to give the best care that you can, and you are part of a crew that will hopefully back each other up… hopefully things go well and sometimes they don’t. If you fall apart, it will only hurt your next patient… and it will hurt you. Reliance on drugs or alcohol may help numb some of the pain, but in the long run it can destroy you and your healthy relationships.
If you need help coping, it doesn’t make you weak. Knowing that you need help and accepting (professional) help that is offered will keep you stronger and healthier and make you a better provider.
I'm a former NYS EMT and still part of an EMS & FD family. I like to think I can write ;)
