Why you should read this article:

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To be aware of the association between post-traumatic stress and professional quality of life among pre-hospital emergency staff

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To consider that staff with an optimal professional quality of life may provide improved care

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To recognise the need for supportive interventions for pre-hospital emergency staff at risk of post-traumatic stress

Background Pre-hospital emergency staff are exposed to several occupational stressors that may have an adverse effect on their mental health and result in burnout, fatigue and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Consequently, their professional quality of life may be adversely affected. Healthcare services may also be affected, for example, through absenteeism and loss of productivity.

Aim To determine the relationship between symptoms of post-traumatic stress and professional quality of life among pre-hospital emergency staff.

Method A cross-sectional, correlational design was adopted. Data collection tools included the PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Checklist and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Questionnaires were distributed by email to a random sample of 150 pre-hospital emergency staff from several pre-hospital emergency centres affiliated to a university of medical sciences in Iran.

Results Questionnaire responses were received from 150 pre-hospital emergency staff, a response rate of 100%. The mean score for PTSD was 33.9 (standard deviation (SD)=8.7), which indicated that respondents had moderate symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The mean score for professional quality of life was 122.5 (SD=13.4), which indicated that respondents were at a moderate level in terms of burnout and secondary traumatic stress, but a high level in terms of compassion satisfaction. There was a significant inverse relationship between symptoms of post-traumatic stress and professional quality of life (P0.000): when symptoms of post-traumatic stress increased, respondents’ professional quality of life decreased.

Conclusion Appropriate interventions are required to prevent the development of job-related PTSD and improve the professional quality of life of pre-hospital emergency staff.