Paramedics at risk? How responding to a terror attack affects mental wellbeing

Background: Terror attacks have a significant impact on first responders’ wellbeing, with an associated risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Aims: To improve understanding of how responding to terror attacks affects paramedics’ mental health. Methodology: A literature search was carried out on databases using the PRISMA strategy. Critical appraisal tools were used alongside thematic analysis to appraise and synthesise the literature. Findings: Ten papers were identified. Themes arising regarding risks to responders included: the level of exposure, with the amount related to the risks of developing PTSD and psychopathology; and level of preparedness, with responders carrying out unfamiliar tasks and working outside the scope of practice as well as lacking education on the psychological impact of terror attacks. Conclusion: If paramedics are deployed into terror attack warm zones, policy needs to consider the associated psychological risk. Training should incorporate stress management techniques and education on the extreme emotions these practitioners may experience. More research specifically with the paramedic population is required to understand the risk posed to them and how this may be managed.