Mental health in emergency care

The BBC recently reported that work-related stress levels in Welsh emergency personnel workers were at their highest levels. A resource aimed at supporting mental health in 999 workers was established by mental health charity, Mind. One aspect of its ‘Blue Light Champion’ programme identifies ‘Champions’—volunteers or peers who can support their colleagues during periods of stress. The programme also aims to destigmatise mental health—encouraging individuals to recognise and act on symptoms, avoiding the traditional ‘stiff upper lip’ approach.

Increases in call volume, long shifts and traumatic cases, often with little opportunity to debrief between distressing events, have reportedly left some emergency workers with a number of mental health issues. Quaile (2016) highlighted that 67% of ambulance staff considered leaving their jobs as a result of poor mental health. Research by Mind concluded that approximately 90% of emergency workers have experienced stress while, alarmingly, 25% have contemplated suicide. It appears that emergency service workers are at greater risk for experiencing mental health issues, but are also less likely to seek help, feeling that they are able to cope with any situation presented to them (Mildenhall 2012).