By EMS1 Staff
A recent poll asked EMS1 readers how they would characterize their relationships with fellow providers and responders.
The data collected, along with several related responses to the state-of-the-industry What Paramedics Want in 2023 report, offers insight into the nature of relationships between EMS providers and their colleagues, and how it contributes to career satisfaction.
An overwhelming majority of poll respondents (93%) reported having some degree of positive association with their peers, with only 7% reporting they do not relate to their colleagues either on or off duty. These findings suggest that most EMS providers recognize the importance of camaraderie in their high-stress professional environment, even if such relationships don’t extend to personal life.
However, stress appears to be a significant factor impacting these relationships, as 35% of EMS providers agreed that their stress level negatively impacts their relationships with coworkers. This finding from the 2023 What Paramedics Want report is critical, given the nature of the work and the subsequent high stress levels, which can strain a person’s ability to work in cooperation with other providers.
Interestingly, the dominant method of stress management reported by providers in the What Paramedics Report was increased communication with fellow responders. This suggests that, despite the stressors potentially impacting relationships, providers recognize the value of communication with their peers. Many find that sharing experiences with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of their profession can alleviate some of the pressures of their role.
Bottom line, while providers may have varying working relationships, a majority have a positive association with their colleagues. However, stress presents a challenge to these relationships, emphasizing the need for effective stress-management strategies within the EMS community.
Are you a current paramedic or EMT? Share your opinions or experience and help shape the future of the profession; take the What Paramedics Want 2024 Survey now and let your voice be heard.
EMS1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
