The impact of shift work on paramedics and their practice: Protocol for a simulated paramedic shift work study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Emergency Medical Services

Background:

• Paramedics are crucial to healthcare, yet research on their occupational demands is limited.
• Rotating shift work is common for Australian paramedics, potentially impacting health and performance.
• Existing research on shift work's effects in paramedics is scarce, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of shift work and circadian rhythm disruption on paramedic decision-making, work performance, and physiology.
• To provide insights into the occupational demands faced by paramedics.
• To identify future research directions in paramedic work and health.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 22 Australian paramedics (entry to practice scope).
• Simulated two days of 12-hour day shifts followed by two 12-hour night shifts.
• Monitored sleep via polysomnography and conducted simulated paramedic scenarios with cognitive assessments and biological marker collection (stress and circadian phase).

Main Results:

• Shift work and circadian disruption were investigated in a simulated paramedic environment.
• Data collected on decision-making, work performance, stress responses, and circadian phase.
• Novel study design provides a foundation for understanding shift work's effects on paramedics.

Conclusions:

• Shift work poses significant occupational demands on paramedics, affecting performance and physiology.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate the impacts of shift work on paramedics.
• This study advances the literature on paramedic occupational health and provides a basis for future studies.