In fact, most EMS providers experience “burnout”
(complete physical and emotional exhaustion) at one time or another.
However that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. And you
definitely shouldn’t have to suffer from it.
Instead, be mindful that burnout manifests when stress
and frustration are prolonged for months on end.
Burnout symptoms: emotional
detachment, all-the-time fatigue, loss of motivation and feelings of
hopelessness.
Not quite there yet but on the verge? Signs: You’re cynical and moody. You’re losing weight or
over-eating. You can’t concentrate. You can’t sleep. You get sick a lot. You’ve
always got too much to do.
EMT’s are vulnerable
to burnout because of these factors:
Loud calls to action.
Emergency alarms elicit physical responses from the body like jolting or
jumping. In turn, these alerts raise adrenaline, heart rate and blood pressure
for hours at a time.
High uncertainty. When an EMT goes to work, it’s always a surprise. From fatal car crashes
to burning buildings – rarely is there enough mental prep time beforehand.
Everyday exposure to tragedy. While most offices
are emergency free – EMT’s are exposed to crisis on a weekly if not daily
basis.
High interpersonal tension. Tensions between
people often skyrocket in distress situations. Actions and words that wouldn’t
matter in regular settings become crucial in an emergency.
Fear factor. Whether you’re an innocent
bystander or EMS – life-threatening situations are scary to deal with. The need
to perform while staying calm and professional can be a lot of pressure.
So how can EMT’s
dodge burnout?
Workout. Doesn’t
matter if you’re biking, running or cartwheeling – any type of exercise prompts
feel-good endorphins. Regular workouts help balance your stress levels.
Prioritize. What’s
really important to you – are you working to live or living to work? Make a
list of what’s significant and decide how to manage your schedule from there.
Reduce hours. Long
hours depleting your energy? Scale back.
It’s better to perform at your best than to miss something because of
fatigue.
Stress surveys. To recognize early signs of burnout,
departments have confidential and voluntary questionnaires. Such surveys help evaluate
what superiors can help with.
Ask for help. Don’t
be afraid to tell someone if you’re feeling burnt out. Many workplaces have employee
assistance programs for this reason. Use them whenever you need to.
Resources:
