From the Research
Physicians experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) less frequently than paramedics due to differences in work environments, exposure to trauma, and access to mental health resources, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The difference in PTSD rates between physicians and paramedics stems primarily from the nature of their work environments and exposure to trauma. Paramedics typically work in unpredictable, chaotic pre-hospital settings where they encounter traumatic events directly at the scene, often with limited resources and support. They face repeated acute trauma exposures with minimal recovery time between calls. In contrast, physicians generally work in more controlled hospital environments with established protocols, support staff, and resources. They also tend to have more predictable schedules, longer-term patient relationships, and greater control over their work environment. Some key factors that contribute to the higher rates of PTSD in paramedics include:
- Repeated exposure to traumatic events with minimal recovery time between calls
- Limited resources and support in pre-hospital settings
- Unpredictable and chaotic work environments
- Higher rates of cumulative stress and burnout Additionally, physicians typically receive more extensive training in processing medical outcomes and may have better access to mental health resources and peer support systems, which can help mitigate the risk of PTSD. However, it's essential to note that physicians, especially those in emergency medicine, trauma surgery, and critical care, do experience significant rates of PTSD, burnout, and other mental health challenges, as highlighted in studies such as 2 and 3. The perception that physicians don't suffer from PTSD is inaccurate; rather, the manifestation, recognition, and reporting of these symptoms may differ between the professions. A systematic review and meta-analysis 1 found that paramedics have a pooled prevalence of PTSD that is considerably higher than rates of unexposed general population and populations affected by human-made disasters, emphasizing the need for strategies to ensure long working lifetime and mitigate the risk of PTSD in paramedics.