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Cited by 529Occupational Health and BurnoutPosttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchStress and Burnout Research

Ambulance personnel and critical incidents: Impact of accident and emergency work on mental health and emotional well-being

Open access
Alexander, David A., Klein, Susan·2001·British Journal of Psychiatry
DOI 10.1192/bjp.178.1.76
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Abstract

Background: The association between mental health and occupational factors among ambulance personnel has not been thoroughly investigated in the UK. Aims: To identify the prevalence of psychopathology among ambulance personnel and its relationship to personality and exposure to critical incidents. Method: Data were gathered from ambulance personnel by means of an anonymous questionnaire and standardised measures. Results: Approximately a third of the sample reported high levels of general psychopathology, burnout and posttraumatic symptoms. Burnout was associated with less job satisfaction, longer time in service, less recovery time between incidents, and more frequent exposure to incidents. Burnout and GHQ–28 caseness were more likely in those who had experienced a particularly disturbing incident in the previous 6 months. Concerns about confidentiality and career prospects deter staff from seeking personal help. Conclusions: The mental health and emotional well-being of ambulance personnel appear to be compromised by accident and emergency work.

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  • Exposure to critical incidents is linked to an increased risk of mental health problems, notably PTSD and burnout, and this risk increases further with cumulative exposure to critical incidents.

    “Exposure to critical incidents is linked to an increased risk of mental health problems, notably PTSD and burnout, and this risk increases further with cumulative exposure to critical incidents (Alexander & Klein, 2001; Boland et al., 2018).”

    From Understanding the Occupational Factors that Influence Paramedic Health and Wellbeing (2024) · cites this paper as Alexander & Klein, 2001

    The Results and Psychopathology and burnout sections link disturbing incidents to general psychopathology and burnout, and find that emotional exhaustion rises with the number of incidents experienced in the preceding six months. The paper reports post-traumatic symptoms, not diagnosed PTSD, and does not establish that cumulative exposure increases the risk of all the mental health problems named in the claim. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.87)

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Authors
Alexander, D. A., & Klein, S.
Affiliations
University of Aberdeen (GB)
ORCID
Klein, Susan
Venue
British Journal of Psychiatry
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Published
2001-01
Volume
178
Issue
1
Pages
76-81
ISSN
  • 0007-1250 (ISSN-L)
  • 1472-1465
DOI
10.1192/bjp.178.1.76
OpenAlex
W2342734763
Cited by
528
References
30
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 20 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 34 · 2020: 33 · 2019: 34 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 27 · 2016: 37 · 2015: 25 · 2014: 29 · 2013: 22 · 2012: 23
FWCI
35.33
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
www.cambridge.org/core/terms (unspecified, 6210 d)
Locations
  • The British Journal of Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Burnout
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Stress and Burnout Research
Keywords
ambulance personnel, critical incidents, workplace mental health, burnout, posttraumatic stress symptoms, psychopathology, personality, job satisfaction, help-seeking barriers, confidentiality concerns, career prospects
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Affective Symptoms, Confidentiality, Emergency Medical Technicians, Female, Humans, Job Satisfaction, Male, Mental Health, Middle Aged, Occupational Diseases, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Professional Competence, Risk Factors, Social Support, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

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