The Experiences of Psychological Well-Being Amongst Paramedics During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Paramedics are critical frontline healthcare providers during emergencies. However, they often work in high-stress environments with a myriad of challenges, which affect their psychological wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges, potentially worsening the paramedics’ mental health. Yet paramedics’ psychological experiences remain underexplored compared to other healthcare workers. This study sought to systematically review literature on the psychological wellbeing of paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify stressors, coping mechanisms, and assess the role of organizational support. The review synthesized four analytical themes. On the theme of psychological issues, it emerged that paramedics faced high rates of stress, anxiety, PTSD, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization. Major stress and risk factors included fear of infection, inadequate PPE, long shifts, social stigma, leadership failures, and poor communication. The study identified various protective factors and coping mechanisms including personal resilience, humor, exercise, therapy, supportive leadership, peer support, and incentives. However, some used maladaptive strategies like alcohol overuse. There was substantial variation of experience by role and context. Student and less-experienced paramedics, and older staff faced more severe impacts while frontline paramedics experienced higher distress compared to second responders. This study makes several recommendations for improving the mental wellbeing of paramedics during emergencies. Organizations should improve communication, ensure PPE supply, provide psychological screening, promote healthy coping strategies, and tailor support by role and demographic. Educational institutions should integrate stress management and ethics training into paramedics’ curricula. Strategic interventions are vital for enhancing resilience and reducing attrition in future public health crises.