Canadian Study of Violence Against Paramedics

There is a growing concern about the issue of violence committed against paramedics, and about the physical and psychological outcomes of the exposure to that violence. Violence can include physical and verbal assault, sexual harassment and sexual abuse. While studied widely in other healthcare sectors, there has only been one study published in Canada on violence in the paramedic sector. With the support of the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada (PCC) and the Paramedic Association of Canada (PCC), the first part of this study will identify the number violent acts that occur within the paramedic community, and, describe those acts. The second part of the study will look at the links between exposure to violence and physical and psychological health outcomes, including posttraumatic stress and other occupational stress injuries. The third part of the study will be to adapt and implement an evidence-based violence prevention and training program from Australia into select Canadian paramedic service organizations, and then assess whether or not the program was effective. This project will also develop a set of tools that paramedic service organizations can use to educate the public about the issue of violence against paramedics. The study will provide a starting point for employers to work from with respect to trying to limit the amount of violence paramedics are experiencing, and the negative consequences that these experiences may bring. The results of the study will be shared with paramedic service organizations, published and presented at research and stakeholder conferences, and include recommendations for policymakers, educators, paramedic service organizations, and other stakeholders.