By EMS1 Staff
BEAVERTON, Ore. — A group of students is conducting a study on bullying, harassment and critical stress in the EMS industry.
In 2015, a study was conducted by students and EMS leaders on behalf of Fitch & Associates’ Ambulance Service Management program to address the high rates of critical stress and the consequences that can arise.
Three years later, another group of ASM students set out to reevaluate the study in an effort to provide a status update.
“This issue continues to be very expansive and there are many different facets we could explore,” according to group leader and EMS newcomer Hailey Palmore.
“The topics such as bullying, harassment, and critical stress are often things that nobody wants to talk about,” she said, “but probably everybody can acknowledge are there, and unfortunately, many have probably experienced personally.”
Charles McLeod, the catalyst for the revisit of the previous study, stressed the need for a continued conversation on the matter in order to improve conditions.
“Why is it that we are willing to go to a stranger’s house and provide lifesaving treatment and yet not take care of our own team members?” he said.
A survey was developed for the study to evaluate the prevalence of bullying, harassment and critical stress and to measure the mental health effects of these factors. To participate in the survey, click here.
The findings of the survey will be presented in San Antonio in October.