Crossover of Traumatic Stress Between Paramedics and Their Intimate Partners
Tracks
Springbrook Room - In-Person Only
| Tuesday, March 5, 2024 |
| 1:05 PM - 1:25 PM |
| Springbrook Room |
Overview
Matthew Hill, University of The Sunshine Coast
Speaker
Matthew Hill
Lecturer
University of the Sunshine Coast
Crossover of Traumatic Stress Between Paramedics and Their Intimate Partners
Abstract
Introduction: Exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events can cause paramedics to experience post-traumatic stress. To cope, many paramedics rely on their intimate partner for support. While discussing their experiences may be a beneficial coping strategy for paramedics, exposure to the details of traumatic events may cause partners to experience secondary traumatic stress. Although prior research has focused on supporting paramedics following exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events, less research has been dedicated to understanding the experiences and support needs of their intimate partners.
Aim: To examine evidence relating to secondary traumatic stress in paramedic partners.
Methods: This scoping review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A systematic search of the MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Sociology Source Ultimate, and EMCare databases was conducted, followed by forward and backward citation searching of included studies. Studies published in English, that included a sample of paramedic partners, and that examined the effect that paramedics’ occupational exposure to trauma had on paramedic partners underwent analysis using a framework synthesis approach.
Results: A total of 1,559 studies were screened from which six studies were included. Findings suggest that paramedics’ post-traumatic stress can affect their intimate partner and impact on couple functioning. Despite paramedic partners recognising the need for healthy coping strategies to manage their stress, they believe that there are few supports available to them. No studies were identified that evaluated strategies aimed to reduce secondary traumatic stress in paramedic partners.
Conclusion: Future research should focus on investigating the support needs of paramedic partners, including potential barriers to accessing support. Additionally, as all but one of the included studies employed cross-sectional qualitative designs, it is evident that longitudinal quantitative studies are needed to capture the dynamic nature of traumatic stress and to test for causal relationships between paramedic post-traumatic stress and partner secondary traumatic stress.
Aim: To examine evidence relating to secondary traumatic stress in paramedic partners.
Methods: This scoping review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A systematic search of the MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Sociology Source Ultimate, and EMCare databases was conducted, followed by forward and backward citation searching of included studies. Studies published in English, that included a sample of paramedic partners, and that examined the effect that paramedics’ occupational exposure to trauma had on paramedic partners underwent analysis using a framework synthesis approach.
Results: A total of 1,559 studies were screened from which six studies were included. Findings suggest that paramedics’ post-traumatic stress can affect their intimate partner and impact on couple functioning. Despite paramedic partners recognising the need for healthy coping strategies to manage their stress, they believe that there are few supports available to them. No studies were identified that evaluated strategies aimed to reduce secondary traumatic stress in paramedic partners.
Conclusion: Future research should focus on investigating the support needs of paramedic partners, including potential barriers to accessing support. Additionally, as all but one of the included studies employed cross-sectional qualitative designs, it is evident that longitudinal quantitative studies are needed to capture the dynamic nature of traumatic stress and to test for causal relationships between paramedic post-traumatic stress and partner secondary traumatic stress.
Biography
Matthew Hill is a registered paramedic and Lecturer in Paramedicine at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Matt has 10 years of clinical experience, during which time he worked as an Advanced Care Paramedic II, Critical Care Paramedic, and Critical Care Flight Paramedic. Matt’s research interests stem from his experience as a paramedic and Peer Support Officer, where he developed a keen interest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of paramedics and their families. Matt is currently undertaking his PhD at Central Queensland University, where he is exploring the impact of traumatic stress on paramedics and their intimate partners.
