Burnout in frontline ambulance staff

Background: Staff retention is a significant issue for ambulance services across the globe. Exploratory research, although minimal, indicates that stress and burnout, in particular, influence attrition within paramedic profession. These need to be understood if their impact on addressed. Aims: To determine presence of contributory factors burnout service inform recommendations positive change. Methods: A two-phased survey approach was adopted using an adapted Maslach Burnout Inventory Copenhagen self-assessment questionnaire, measure levels depersonalisation (cynicism) personal achievement. Open-ended questions explored influenced these. Demographic comparative analysis identified trends thematic carried out qualitative data. Results: Ninety-four per cent staff this study (n=382) reported sense achievement professional role; however, more than 50% were experiencing varying with 87% displaying moderate or high towards work. Causes complex: themes attributed perceived lack management support, public's misuse service, involuntary overtime poor work-life balance. Conclusions: poses genuine threat needs addressing. Proactive screening, better communication between practice access counselling are recommended. This problem beginning acknowledged but further evidence needed understand it depth order effective solutions developed.