The document discusses a study on the lived experiences of shift work, sleep loss, and fatigue in Australian paramedics. Thirty Australian paramedics from various states and territories were interviewed to understand how shift work impacts their job function, mental well-being, and safety. The goals are to develop education and support tools to help young paramedic workers deal with fatigue.

2. The lived
experience of
shift work, sleep
loss and fatigue
in Australian
paramedics
Sian Wanstall1, Anjum Naweed2, Brandon
WJ Brown1, Meagan E Crowther1, Tim
Rayner1, Robert J Adams1, Amy C Reynolds1
1Flinders University, 2Central Queensland University

3. Paramedics are exposed
to shift work which is
associated with adverse
safety events
Research context
High burnout and poor
retention in the
paramedic profession
Australian paramedics have
a high prevalence of mental
health diagnosis and sleep
problems

4. Understand how shift work, sleep
loss and fatigue impact job function
and mental well-being in Australian
paramedics
Aims
Develop education and support
tool kits for young paramedic
workers
Augusta Zadow Award 2021

5. Methods and Participants
One-on-one
interviews
30 Australian
paramedics
7
WA
1
NT
4 SA
5
QLD
4
VIC
3 NSW
4
TAS
2
ACT
Average years of
experience
Currently working
shift work
5.5
87%

6. The Scenario Invention Task Technique
Mum
screaming at
table
New intern
paramedic
struggling to
get stretcher
out of
ambulance
Long
distance
from
hospital
Unconscious
baby, no
clinical
support

7. FATIGUE
Cognitively overloaded
Poor decision making Poor communication
Poor manual handling Difficulty controlling
emotional response
Paramedic mental
health risk
Paramedic
injury risk
Driving safety risk Clinical patient
safety risk
Poor
patient/family
care