This series on “Mental Health in Emergency Medical Services” is edited by Dr. Beatrice Thielmann from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany).
Beatrice Thielmann, MD
Institute of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
Dr. Beatrice Thielmann is a guest scientist at the Institute of Occupational Medicine at the Otto von Guericke University of Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, since 2012. She is also in residency training in occupational medicine in Hamburg, Germany. She is a member and co-author of the current German AWMF guideline “Heart Rate Variability in Occupational Medicine” and leads the “EMS Research” and “Psychocardiology” working groups. She is also a specialist in internal medicine and cardiology (since 2017), an active emergency physician (since 2014), and former chief emergency physician of the Segeberg district in Schleswig-Holstein (2016-2018).
Introduction of the Special Series: Mental Health in Emergency Medical Services
The special series “Mental Health in Emergency Medical Services” focuses on the unique mental health challenges and stressors that emergency medical services personnel (EMSP) face on a daily basis. This special series is intended for both prehospital and hospital emergency medicine. Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel often find themselves in high-intensity and stressful situations that can have a significant impact on their mental health. This special series aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these psychological stressors and their management, and to highlight innovative approaches to supporting the mental health of EMSP.
EMSP regularly experience traumatic events, including major accidents, medical emergencies and disasters. These experiences can lead to a variety of mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The constant exposure to death and suffering, coupled with the pressure to make quick, life-saving decisions, can be a significant psychological burden. In addition, irregular work schedules, sleep deprivation, and the challenge of balancing work and home life are additional stressors.
This special series presents recent research that addresses the impact of these stresses on the mental health of emergency responders. Studies show that preventive measures and targeted support systems are essential to promote mental well-being and reduce long-term negative effects. These include regular mental health counseling, stress management strategies, and resilience-building programs.
This series also focuses on innovative approaches and best practices developed around the world to support the mental health of EMSP. These approaches include peer support programs, in which experienced responders help their colleagues cope with traumatic experiences. It also highlights technological solutions such as mobile applications and online platforms that provide access to psychological resources and support.
Organizational measures that help create a supportive work environment are also highlighted. These include promoting open communication about mental health, training managers to manage psychological stress among their staff, and implementing work schedules that facilitate a better work-life balance. Topics that address safety culture in the EMSs in different countries are also welcome.
Disclosure:
The special series “Mental Health in Emergency Medical Services” was commissioned by the editorial office, Journal of Public Health and Emergency without any funding or sponsorship. Dr. Beatrice Thielmann is serving as the unpaid Guest Editor for the special series.