Paramedics' resilience, posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth in the context of workplace stress and trauma exposure: A cross-sectional survey

Introduction Paramedics can experience a range of stressful and potentially traumatic events through clinical work, collegial relationships and organisational pressures. This can affect their mental health, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, paramedics may also experience positive outcomes such as resilience and posttraumatic growth (PTG). This study aimed to examine levels of, and relationships between, paramedics' stress and trauma exposure, resilience, PTSS and PTG. Methods A cross-sectional survey was completed by n = 112 paramedics from Australian ambulance services. Data were analysed with descriptive and correlational statistics. Results Overall, 25.7% of paramedics met the threshold for probable posttraumatic stress disorder, and PTG was low (M = 35.49, SD = 23.84). Resilience was negatively correlated with PTSS (r s = −0.46, p < 0.01). Resilience subfactor Mastering stress was correlated negatively with PTSS (r s = −0.44, p < 0.01), and positively with PTG (r s = 0.24, p < 0.05). Colleague-related stress was related to PTSS (r s = 0.45, p < 0.01), resilience (r s = −0.31, p < 0.01) and PTG (r s = 0.25, p < 0.05). Conclusions Paramedics experienced frequent stress and trauma exposure, with high PTSS and low PTG. To support their mental wellbeing, evidence-based resilience interventions are recommended. Wellbeing strategies should include exposure minimisation, targeting avoidable stressors related to colleagues (e.g. bullying, incivility) and organisational processes (e.g. promotion, shift flexibility).