Examining the effects of stress on the driving abilities of paramedic students. (2nd December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Duncliffe, Trevor Hines; D'Angelo, Brittany; Brock, Michael; Fraser, Cal; Lamarra, Jake; Austin, Nick; Pusateri, Matt; Batt, Alan
• Is Part Of: International paramedic practice. Volume 9:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2019-12-02
• Subjects: Stress -- Driving -- Safety -- Paramedic students -- Ambulance -- Simulation; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; Allied health personnel -- Periodicals; Emergency medical technicians -- Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.12968/ippr.2019.9.4.76
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-4889

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Research has suggested that stress may have a negative effect on paramedics' clinical performance. Stress has also been demonstrated to negatively affect the driving abilities of the general population, increasing the number of driving errors. However, no studies have explored stress and its potential impact on the non-clinical performance of paramedics, particularly their driving abilities. Methods: Paramedic students underwent emergency driving assessment in a driving simulator before and after exposure to a stressful medical scenario. The number and type of errors were documented before and after through the use of both driving simulator software and observation by two members of the research team. The NASA Task Load Index (TLX) was used to record self-reported stress levels. Results: Thirty-six students participated in the study. Following exposure to a stressful medical scenario, paramedic students had no rise in overall error rate, but demonstrated increases in three critical driving errors: namely, failure to wear a seat belt (three baseline versus 10 after stress); failing to stop for red lights or stop signs (seven versus 35); and losing control of the vehicle (two versus 11). Self-reported stress levels also increased after the clinical scenario, particularly in the area of mental (cognitive) demand. Conclusion: Paramedics are routinely exposed to acute stress in their everyday work, and this stress could affect their non-clinical performance. The critical errors committed by participants in the present study closely matched those considered to be contributory factors in many ambulance collisions. These results illustrate the need for further research into the effects of stress on non-clinical performance in general, and highlight the potential need to consider additional driver training and stress management education to mitigate the frequency and severity of driving errors among paramedics.