Abstract
BACKGROUND: During the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare workers globally experienced unprecedented levels of stress. However, limited research has focused specifically on paramedics. As frontline workers, paramedics were placed under immense and unprecedented pressure. This study assessed stress levels and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among paramedics in Qatar before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An online survey adapted from validated tools was distributed to all paramedics in Qatar employed by Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service (n = 1100) between December 2020 and March 2021. Responses from volunteer participants were analyzed with data stratified by demographic factors to explore their impact on self-reported stress and PTSD levels. Stress levels were categorized into five ranges, from low to potentially dangerous. RESULTS: The study received 272 valid responses. Before the pandemic, paramedics reported moderate stress levels, which escalated to severe levels during the pandemic. A paired t-test revealed significant differences in average stress and PTSD symptom scores before and during the pandemic. Symptoms included intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and emotional numbness (P < 0.05). The average total PTSD score increased significantly during the pandemic from 37.59 (±16.02) before the pandemic to 42.42 (± 17.29; P < 0.05). The proportion of paramedics reporting little to no PTSD symptoms decreased from 39.3% before to 28.3% during the pandemic. Conversely, those reporting highly severe PTSD increased from 33.1% to 44.1% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study highlights a significant increase in stress levels and PTSD symptoms among paramedics in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. This rise can be attributed to their role as frontline responders, which exposed them to heightened risks of infection, long shifts, and prolonged periods between leave. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address stress and PTSD among paramedics, ensuring their mental and physical well-being and enabling them to continue providing effective medical care.