INTENSITY OF STRESS AND SYMPTOMS OF JOB EXHAUSTION AMONG PARAMEDICS IN POLAND

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is to show how the features of job exhaustion depend of the amount of work-related stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research included a randomly selected group of 456 paramedics, aged between 21 and 51, working at hospital emergency departments and in mobile emergency teams. The authors used the Maslach Burnout Inventory Form and Perceived Job Stress Questionnaire Form. RESULTS: The most important factors in uencing general amount of stress in a paramedic’s job include as follows: the sense of responsibility; the sense of insecurity impacted with the system of work; and the sense of psychic workload. However, less important factors in uencing stress include: unpleasant work conditions; a lack of support; a lack of control; a sense of threat. CONCLUSIONS: Paramedics are exposed to job exhaustion syndrome which causes a lessening of feeling safe in their work place. The risk factors in uencing job exhaustion syndrome include as follows: uncertainty of work system; sense of psychic workload caused by work; poor social contacts causing a lack of assistance from others; a lack of positive motivators in one’s job, such as various rewards.