The Association Between Posttraumatic Stress,Coping,and Acute Stress Responses in Paramedics

Abstract

This study examined the association between symptoms of posttraumatic stress, coping styles, and subjective and biological responses in paramedics confronted with a simulated high-acuity event. Twenty-two advanced-care paramedics participated in a high-stress-simulated clinical scenario using a computerized human patient simulator. The Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations and the Impact of Event Scale–Revised were administered prior to participation in the scenario to ascertain preexisting coping styles and posttraumatic stress. Subjective anxiety, as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and acute physiological stress as measured by salivary cortisol levels, were assessed at baseline, and in response to the scenario. Results revealed that posttraumatic stress was not associated with biological or subjective indicators of stress. This suggests that high levels of posttraumatic stress among paramedics do not place them at increased risk of distress during high-stress clinical situations. Acute anxiety and physiological stress responses to the clinical scenarios were associated with the coping styles of individuals. Coping strategies are potentially modifiable and should be the consideration of future research and interventions.