Stress monitoring of ambulance personnel during work and leisure time

• Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess physiological and subjective stress markers during a 24-h ambulance work shift and during the next two work-free days, and relate these parameters to self-reported health complaints. Methods: Twenty-six ambulance personnel were followed during a 24-h work shift and during the next two work-free days with electrocardiogram, cortisol assessments and diary notes. The ambulance personnel also performed tests of autonomic reactivity before and at the end of the work shift. The subjects were categorized into two groups according to their number of health complaints. Results: In general, stress markers did not show differences between the work shift and leisure time. However, a modest deviation in heart rate variability pattern and higher morning cortisol values during work in comparison with work-free days were observed in personnel with many health complaints. Conclusions: Subjective and physiological characteristics of ambulance personnel did not indicate distinctive stress during the 24-h work shift. Relationships between frequent health complaints and specific work-related factors require further prospective studies.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Arbetsmedicin och miljömedicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Occupational Health and Environmental Health (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Adult

Ambulances manpower

Blood Pressure physiology

Cross-Sectional Studies

Emergency Medical Technicians psychology

Energy Metabolism physiology

Female

Heart Rate physiology

Humans

Hydrocortisone analysis

Leisure Activities

Male

Medical Records

Monitoring Physiologic

Occupational Diseases diagnosis epidemiology psychology

Personnel Staffing Scheduling

Questionnaires

Stress diagnosis epidemiology

Stress Psychological diagnosis epidemiology

Time Factors

Work Schedule Tolerance

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)