Sensation seeking as it relates to burnout among emergency medical personnel: a Texas study

Burnout among emergency medical personnel (EMP) is suspected, but largely unsupported in the literature. An investigation of the phenomenon of burnout and factors contributing to its existence are essential steps in designing effective interventions.

Three research questions were proposed: 1) Are EMP sensation seekers as measured by Arnett's Inventory of Sensation Seeking? 2) Are EMP burnt out as measured by Revicki's Work-Related Strain Inventory? 3) Is there a relationship between sensation seeking and burnout among EMP?

Emergency medical personnel attending a statewide conference in Texas, USA in late 1996 completed 425 survey instruments measuring sensation seeking and burnout as well as demographic items. Survey instruments were included in each registrant's conference package. Completed surveys were deposited anonymously in labeled receptacles throughout the statewide conference site. Data collection ceased at the end of the conference.

EMP had significantly higher sensation-seeking total and intensity subscale scores than the general public. Full-time employees reported more sensation-seeking than volunteers or part-time employees. The younger the EMP, the greater were their reported sensation seeking tendencies. EMP reported more burnout in 1996 than in 1991. The older the EMP, the lower was the reported level of burnout. EMP who sought counseling for a work-related event reported more burnout than those who did not. Paid full-time EMP reported higher burnout than did volunteers. There was a weak but positive correlation between sensation seeking and burnout, suggesting that these two dimensions may be unrelated.

The field of emergency medical services attracts sensation seekers, and EMP today report more burnout than their counterparts did in 1991. Although EMP appear to be high in sensation seeking, this dimension alone does not protect them from the effects of burnout.