Citation

Donnelly EA, Bennett M. Traumatology 2014; 20(1): 1-8.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, Publisher APA Journals)

DOI

10.1177/1534765613496646

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this study, a mixed-methods approach was used to develop an inventory of critical incidents for emergency medical service (EMS) personnel. Data were collected from a probabilistic sample of EMS personnel (N = 1,633) via an online survey. Quantitative responses captured the frequency of exposure to 29 critical events, self-reported stress related to exposure, demographic characteristics, and posttraumatic stress symptomatology (PTSS). Respondents reported exposure to all of the stressors in the inventory. Critical incident exposure and the resultant stress were significantly (p <.01) correlated with PTSS. Qualitative feedback captured previously unidentified critical incidents unique to this population, allowing for greater elucidation of existing items and the identification of additional items that could be included in the inventory.

FINDINGS point toward the importance of considering cumulative critical incident exposure and resulting self-reported stress when assessing the impact of critical incidents for EMS personnel.

Language: en