Preparing undergraduate student paramedics to consider their mental health during clinical placement in Australia

Introduction

This article explores the impact of mental health issues on paramedics in Australia, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, caused by their exposure to high levels of stress. The prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is higher among paramedics than any other occupation, and this could be a cause for concern, especially for undergraduate student paramedics. The article examines the need to build resilience among student paramedics to help them handle the trauma they may experience during clinical placement.

Methods

This study conducted a two-step process to review literature and university handbooks to determine the level of education provided to paramedic students on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and resilience during clinical placement, due to the lack of research in this area. The first step involved a search for relevant articles, while the second step involved a search of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website to identify paramedicine programs and a manual evaluation of each undergraduate pre-registration paramedicine curriculum in Australia.

Results

This study conducted a systematic search of national and international literature and Australian undergraduate pre-registration paramedicine programs to identify any studies pertaining to the education of paramedic students in resilience and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The search found that only 15 (5.95 %) of the 252 reviewed subjects had reference to mental health, resilience or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, with only 4 (1.59 %) of them discussing these topics in preparation for clinical practice. The study highlights the lack of emphasis on student paramedic self-care as an essential underpinning for clinical placement preparation in the curriculum.

Conclusion

This literature review concludes that appropriate training and support, teaching resilience, and promoting self-care are crucial in preparing paramedic students for the emotional and psychological demands of their work. Equipping students with these tools and resources can improve their mental health and well-being and enhance their ability to provide high-quality care to patients. Promoting self-care as a core value in the profession is essential in creating a culture that supports paramedics in maintaining their own mental health and well-being.