Psychological effects of paramedics by experience of managing COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Background:During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pandemic, not only medical personnel but also paramedics havefaced multiple physical and psychological challenge while carryingout theirduties. The aim of this study isto evaluate the difference inpsychological effects of paramedics by experience of managingCOVID-19 patients.Material and methods:A survey was conducted during December2020, targeting paramedics in South Korea. An official letter aboutparticipation request that included the link of online-based surveywas sent to National Fire Agency. Only one response was acceptedfrom each participant.Results:A total of 326 paramedics responded to the survey. Ofthem, 66.3% (216/326) had experience in managing COVID-19patients. There were no differences in the distribution of sex, age,working area, length of working experience, and underlyingcomorbidities between those who experienced management ofCOVID-19 patients (COVID group) and those who were not (non-COVID group). The proportion of person who showed severePosttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms was significantlyhigher among COVID group (11.1% vs. 3.6%,P= 0.029). The score ofGlobal Assessment of Recent Stress Scale was significantly higheramong COVID group (18.7 ± 11.1 vs. 16.1 ± 9.9,P= 0.042). Higherproportion of paramedics in COVID group wanted leave their job ifthey have a chance to change jobs (24.1% vs. 9.1%,P= 0.001). Inaddition, paramedics in COVID group tended to show concernsabout COVID-19 infection.Conclusion:The experience of managing COVID-19 patientsprompted psychological distress for paramedics in South Korea