EMS--A Lifestyle of Stress

Helping Others Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

Working for EMS involves challenges that can take their toll on you mentally and emotionally. Here are a few of the stressors that can challenge even the most resilient people in the field:

• long hours and unpredicatable schedules
• being "on call" for extended periods
• having to perform in bad weather and harsh climates
• worries about contagious diseases, needlesticks, etc.
• being the target of violence in the communities you serve
• violent, uncooperative, or mentally unstable patients
• witnessing large scale devastation involving air disasters, terrorist attack, etc.
• frustration with equipment, communications, etc.
• difficulty reaching emergency sites.

The Stress of the Job Can Catch Up to Anyone

Maybe you have known for a while, or are just beginning to notice:

• You're just not your usual self
• Flashbacks or nightmares about a certain bad call
• A back injury or other nagging physical problem has got you feeling depressed
• You feel nervous and exhausted--but you can't seem to get any rest
• The job is affecting your marriage and home life
• you're drinking too much and/or abusing prescription or other drugs. 
• Read more about our program in the April 11, 2011 online edition of the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS).

For information about enrolling in the Brattleboro Retreat's Uniformed Service Program, please call 802-258-3700, or go to our Central Intake Department