It's Not in The Job Description: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as an Occupational Illness Among Paramedics

Abstract

Given that the rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are increasing in today’s society, it is important to gain a better understanding of how organizational factors shape the work experiences of those who have suffered or suffer from PTSD. Paramedics constantly face hazardous situations on the job and thus it is reasonable to argue that many of these situations may have lasting negative impacts on their mental health such as depression, anxiety, and alienation. The purpose of my research is to explore the understanding and experiences of workers in these professions who have experienced PTSD either directly or indirectly. I hypothesize that the supports that emergency first responders receive for PTSD are largely based on organizational factors that shape these professions. For example, the inherent masculine culture associated with this line of work, and the emotional and physical labour that is associated with the job. In exploring the aspects of support received by paramedics, a deeper understanding of why the workers in these professions are not talking about PTSD, seeking or offering support will be gained. It will be shown that the support paramedics receive, whether it be through family, friends, doctors, and/or co-workers, determines how PTSD is addressed and viewed within these professions. It is hoped that through this research PTSD within emergency first response professions will be better understood as an occupational illness.