There are some very severe health risks associated with working as an EMT. EMT personnel typically must adjust to periods of relative inactivity and periods of very intense and strenuous activity. This type of challenging lifestyle poses serious health risks for those working in this profession. Some of the biggest health problems and issues associated with working as in EMT jobs that are embedded in the public consciousness include elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular related injuries and deaths. There are other major health risks associated with working as an EMT that must be examined.
One of the major health risks those working in EMT jobs face, as a result of their lifestyle, stems from unhealthy diet and sleep patterns. EMT personnel must cope with extremely long shifts every week, which can understandably disrupt eating and sleeping habits. Many EMT personnel work second jobs which can further intensify the disruption caused to their eating and sleeping habits. Another major health risk associated with working as an EMT stems from extreme noise exposure. The dBa range of noise exposure that EMT personnel encounter far exceeds federally acceptable levels. EMT personnel are also exposed to psychological trauma, which can lead to PTSD. EMT personnel are constantly exposed to traumatic scenes and images, which can absolutely impact their psychological state after some time.
EMT personnel must cope with high job demand and low discretionary abilities, which can also elevate stress and cause health problems. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure tends to be much higher for those working under the conditions of high job demand and low discretionary abilities. Finally, one health risk that may come as a surprise stems from the fact that a good portion of EMT personnel happen to be obese. This is not a thought that would initially cross your mind when thinking about EMT personnel. Obesity contributes to hypertension among EMT personnel and makes it difficult for personnel to execute the strenuous demands of the job.
There are some very serious and severe health risks associated with working as an EMT. These risks include or stem from the following: Elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular related injuries and deaths, unhealthy diet and sleep patterns, elevated noise exposure, psychological trauma, high job demand and low discretionary abilities and obesity.
About Michael McCandless
Michael McCandless has been in the emergency medical services industry for nearly a decade. He is very proud of his career and the opportunity to serve his community. He is also the owner of the EMT Training and Career Headquarters website, which provides information and resources to individuals interested in beginning a career as an EMT.
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