EMT burnout, how to deal

Long hours, high stress and constant exposure to human tragedy are pretty normal happenings in the EMS world.

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:

Burnout: Coping with stress

EMT and paramedic burnout -- learning how to cope

Too many picnics can be dangerous: Summer food safety

Campfire cookouts, barbeques and picnics are usually the most delicious parts of summer. 

But having a carefree attitude toward food can be harmful to your health. 

As temperatures rise, so do foodborne illness risks. In fact, more than four million Canadians get food poisoning each year (Health Canada).

To avoid getting sick, check out these food-for-thought tips:

Thermometer check-ups. Grilling burgers and steaks can be risky business. Avoid guessing games by purchasing an outdoor thermometer to ensure your meat is ready. To measure, insert your thermometer sideways until it reaches the middle. Meat should be at least 71-degrees Celsius before chowing down.

Squeaky clean. All cooking utensils should be clean, especially your hands. Wash hands in hot water before prepping your meal. If your barbeque site doesn’t have water, bring some with you. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also a helpful alternative.

Double up! Chances are guests will be opening and closing the drinks cooler all day.  To keep meats cold, bring two coolers – one for food and one for drinks. Meat should also be packed in plastic and placed on the bottom to prevent juices from leaking onto other items.

Chill out. Remember that coolers should be kept at 4-degrees Celsius. Pack in the ice or ice packs to ensure frosty temperatures.

Wash fruits and veggies. Rinse and wash your veggies carefully before leaving the house. For veggies that have been growing in soil like potatoes – use a clean brush to get in-between crevices. For softer fruits like strawberries, wash under tap water and use your fingers to gently scrub the skin.

Running shoe rumours uncovered

   Hiking. Driving. Running. Stretching. And the list goes on. When you've got comfy runners you tend to use them, a lot.

But is it true they need to be replaced every six months – or that quality means purchasing an expensive pair? Let’s find out.

Rumour #1: It takes weeks to break in athletic runners. Sneakers should feel comfy upon first wear. If they seem tight or restraining at the store, chances are they won’t get much better. Instead, pick shoes that feel good from the get-go.

Rumour #2: Expensive shoes are always better. Not true. Studies show that athletes in 95-dollar and up shoes are twice more likely to get injured than athletes in 40-dollar or less shoes ('The Painful Truth About Trainers'). When it comes to running shoes, try going by this rule: “fit first and price last”.

Rumour #4: You should replace your runners every six months. Unless you’re climbing a mountain every weekend, chances are you don’t have to buy new runners. 

However, if you’re getting aches and pains and know you’ve run more than 400 km – flip them over to see if the cushioning foam is visible. If so, it’s probably time to replace them.

Rumour #5: The more cushioning the better. Actually, not true… Researchers have found no evidence that well cushioned shoes help runners more than minimally cushioned shoes. In fact, more cushioning intensifies impact forces more so than a firmer sneaker.(‘The Myth of Running Shoe Cushioning’)

Doggone, it's summer! How to keep pets cool as it gets hotter

Remember that dogs don’t sweat like humans.

While we keep cool by donning bathing suits and sandals, dogs run the risk of fatal heat stroke if not properly looked after. 

Follow these easy-to-do tips to ensure best care:

Rein in the exercise. When it’s 30-plus degrees outside, it’s probably not a good idea to tackle a long run with your dog.  Instead, adjust intensity and length of workouts depending on the sun’s blaze.

Also, try bringing your dog out in the early morning or close to sunset. This eases the risk of overheating and protects pets from skin cancer (the ears and noses of dogs are especially susceptible).

Spoil them with shade. Just like humans, dogs can get dehydrated and sunburned easily.  Whether you’re relaxing at the beach or playing Frisbee at a park – make sure shade is readily available.

               

Stay hydrated with h2o. If you’re going to be away from home, bring fresh water and a bowl to keep your dog hydrated throughout the day.

Cool them from the inside. Help your dog chill out by making him peanut butter popsicles. These tasty treats help fight heat waves and keeps dogs well-nourished.

Pets in parked cars? Never leave them there. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got the windows down or the AC running. On a hot day, temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels.  In fact, temperatures inside a parked car can jump from 20 to 30 degrees in just 10 minutes. Consequently, animals may suffer organ damage or heat exhaustion.

  

Treat heat stroke. Excessive thirst, fever, heavy panting and profuse salivation are all signs your dog could be suffering heat stroke.

Other signs:

Deep red or purple tongue

Glazed eyes

Rapid heart beat

Lack of coordination

Unconsciousness

Vomiting

If your dog shows any of these symptoms – give small doses of water, place him in the shade and get him checked out by a veterinarian ASAP.

Resources:

Heat Stroke and Hyperthermia in Dogs