Chapter 79
EMS clinician wellness
P. Daniel Patterson,
Matthew D. Weaver,
David Hostler,
P. Daniel Patterson
Search for more papers by this authorMatthew D. Weaver
Search for more papers by this authorDavid Hostler
Search for more papers by this authorP. Daniel Patterson,
Matthew D. Weaver,
David Hostler,
P. Daniel Patterson
Search for more papers by this authorMatthew D. Weaver
Search for more papers by this authorDavid Hostler
Search for more papers by this authorBook Editor(s):David C. Cone MD,
Jane H. Brice MD, MPH,
Theodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH,
J. Brent Myers MD, MPH,
David C. Cone MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Search for more papers by this authorJane H. Brice MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorTheodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH
Executive Director
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Brent Myers MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer ESO Associate Medical Director
Wake County EMS, Raleigh, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorFirst published: 18 August 2021
Summary
EMS personnel work in a stressful and hazardous environment that demands workers maintain optimal wellness. Unfortunately, many EMS clinicians rate their health as poor to fair, most report poor sleep quality and fatigue, and many are overweight and unfit for the mental and physical stressors encountered as part of everyday EMS operations. The shift work necessary for EMS work has a negative effect on many EMS personnel. Employers and EMS medical directors should consider investment in work site health and wellness. Investment can lead to positive returns with improvement in worker health behaviors and a healthier workforce.
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