References
Fit to practise: does more need to be done to improve the health and wellbeing of paramedics?
Abstract
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.
It has been well documented that paramedics around the world are exposed to, and suffer from, various physiological and psychological stresses, leading to physical injury and mental illness (Sterud et al, 2006; Betleham et al, 2014; Hegg-Deloye et al, 2014). This is exacerbated by the hectic and unpredictable day of a paramedic, which, coupled with the physically and emotionally strenuous shift patterns, often results in poor diets and erratic sleeping habits (Hegg-Deloye et al, 2014). The literature typically reports the paramedic population as being overweight, participating in little to no exercise (Sterud et al, 2006; Betleham et al, 2014; Hegg-Deloye et al, 2014). The aim of this review is to summarise the current literature on the physical and mental state of the paramedic population, critically discussing whether regular exercise could benefit the health and wellbeing of paramedics. The discussion will ask the question as to who is responsible for ensuring the paramedic population in the United Kingdom (UK) is fit to practise.
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