Psychological vulnerability and suicidality within the ambulance service: a review

Journal article

Faulkner, S. 2023. Psychological vulnerability and suicidality within the ambulance service: a review. Journal of Paramedic Practice. 15 (12), pp. 506-515. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2023.15.12.506
AuthorsFaulkner, S.
AbstractParamedics must be physically and mentally robust to seamlessly adapt between emergencies and disasters. Developing evidence suggests that ambulance colleagues may be at higher risk of suicide; yet few studies explore causal factors and effective interventions. Mental distress, illness and associated physical symptoms of emotional injury, have long been the subject of global systematic review; however, an inadequate understanding of the cumulative anguish leading to suicidality remains. Research has shown that occupational and organisational burdens, such as shift work and extensive hours, have a significant detrimental impact upon staff welfare. Individual responses to the multifaceted work nature and subsequent influences on distress have been found to create a ‘perfect storm’ for emotional vulnerability. Inherent camaraderie and stoicism have prevented openness, and therefore stalled the improvement of psychiatric support systems. Suicidality discussions can be neglected, subsequent to mental health stigmatisms, and the absence of data reduces accurate findings, therefore underestimating the current concern. Ambulance trusts must develop policy and procedure to protect staff, lower the incidence of mental fatigue and reduce suicide. Having dedicated their lives to public safety, paramedics require robust programmes designed to protect their physical and mental welfare. These must be endorsed at the highest level, ensuring confidence and trust from the diverse workforce.
KeywordsSuicide; Wellbeing; Prevention; Staff support
Year2023
JournalJournal of Paramedic Practice
Journal citation15 (12), pp. 506-515
PublisherMark Allen Group
ISSN1759-1376
2041-9457
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2023.15.12.506
Official URLhttps://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/jpar.2023.15.12.506
Publication dates
Print02 Dec 2023
Publication process dates
Accepted06 Nov 2023
Deposited03 Jan 2024
Output statusPublished
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https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/96v08/psychological-vulnerability-and-suicidality-within-the-ambulance-service-a-review

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