Psychosocial Risks among Emergency Medical Services Personnel

Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are frequently exposed to challenging working conditions that may contribute to psychosocial risks. Understanding these risks is critical for improving occupational health and developing preventive strategies. This study aimed to identify psychosocial risk factors among EMS personnel in Artvin, Turkey.

A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 68 participants using a sociodemographic characteristics form and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. Nonparametric statistical tests, including the Mann-Whitney U- and Kruskal-Wallis H-tests, were used to analyze differences across groups.

Among the EMS personnel surveyed, 47.5% were found to be at high risk in at least one psychosocial domain. Statistically significant differences were observed based on gender and professional role. Specifically, female EMS workers reported higher levels of emotional demands (P = 0.013) and work-privacy conflict (P = 0.021) compared to males. Emergency medical technicians showed significantly higher stress scores compared to paramedics (P = 0.031), while personnel working 24-h shifts had elevated levels of exhaustion (P = 0.017). A moderate positive correlation was found between weekly working hours and stress levels (r = 0.284, P < 0.001). These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions based on specific risk factors.

This study highlights the importance of addressing psychosocial risks in EMS settings. Factors such as professional role, working hours, and organizational support play a key role in shaping risk perception. Targeted interventions, including workload regulation, professional development, and supportive management strategies, are essential to enhance the well-being and resilience of EMS workers.