The Relationship Between Grit and Resilience in Emergency Medical Service Personnel.

Mandi Musso,Pamela Mcmahon,Diana Hamer,Leslie Son,Danielle Tatum,Rebecca Hammarlund

doi:10.31486/toj.18.0144

Abstract

Background: Emergency medical service (EMS) personnel are regularly exposed to traumatic incidents and experience higher rates of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than the general population. Grit is a construct proposed to be associated with achievement, but it has demonstrated preliminary evidence of an association with resilience. The current study examined the relationship between grit and resilience among EMS workers. Methods: A link to an online survey was sent to East Baton Rouge Parish Emergency Medical Services personnel via an email distribution list. Demographic variables and the following self-report measures were assessed: the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Grit Scale, the Brief COPE scale, and the Professional Exposure to Traumatic Experiences scale (modified from the Life Events Checklist). Results: PCL-5 scores were significantly and negatively correlated with the Grit Scale score (r=-0.57, P<0.01). Hierarchical regression revealed that grit and coping mechanisms were predictive of self-reported PTSD symptoms (adjusted R2=68.7%, F(15,67)=9.81, P<0.001). Examination of the coefficients revealed that lower total Grit Scale scores and higher scores on the following Brief COPE scales were significant predictors of PCL-5 scores: denial, substance abuse, disengagement, and self-blame. Conclusion: This study examined the relationship between grit and resilience, measured by self-reported PTSD symptoms. Our results demonstrate a significant relationship between grit and resilience. Grit is related to, but distinct from, other constructs that predict resilience, such as coping mechanisms. Large prospective studies could have significant implications for hiring practices and building grit in existing personnel to bolster resilience.

Highlights

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are regularly exposed to traumatic incidents, including violence, suicide, severe injuries, and death
Our study examined the relationship among grit, coping mechanisms, demographic variables, professional exposure, and self-reported posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among Emergency medical service (EMS) workers, with an interest in understanding the contribution of grit to resilience as measured by PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) self-reported symptoms
Our results indicate a significant relationship between higher Grit Scale scores and lower self-reported PTSD symptoms in EMS personnel

Summary

Introduction

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are regularly exposed to traumatic incidents, including violence, suicide, severe injuries, and death. 82% of emergency medical service (EMS) personnel surveyed reported experiencing a disturbing event.[1] Studies have estimated that 9% to 22% of EMTs/paramedics develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),[2] and a 2018 metanalysis of 30,878 ambulance personnel estimated the prevalence rate of PTSD to be 11%.3 These estimates are higher than the rates of PTSD found in the general population.[2,3,4] PTSD is a clinical disorder that can occur after an individual is exposed to traumatic events, either directly or indirectly.[5] Symptoms of PTSD include reexperiencing the event, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative thoughts or feelings that are initiated or exacerbated by the trauma, and increased arousal and reactivity after exposure to the traumatic event. Large prospective studies could have significant implications for hiring practices and building grit in existing personnel to bolster resilience

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