The Effects of Stress on the Driving Abilities of Paramedic Students

Introduction—Previous research has demonstrated that stress has a negative impact on the performance of paramedics performing medical-related tasks. The driving abilities of the general population has been shown to be negatively impacted by acute stress, resulting in an increase in the number of critical driving errors performed. No literature was found that discussed the effects of stress on the driving abilities of paramedics.

Objective—To study the driving abilities of paramedic students in stressful situations.

Methods—Paramedic students underwent a driving ability assessment in a driving simulator before and after exposure to a stress-inducing medical scenario. The number and types of errors were documented before and after stress stimulus.

Results—A total of 36 students participated in the study. Following exposure to a stressful medical scenario, paramedic students demonstrated no increase in overall error rate compared to an assessment before the scenario. They did demonstrate an increase in three critical driving errors: failure to wear a seat belt (3 pre-stress vs. 10 post-stress, p=0.0087); failing to stop for red lights or stop signs (7 pre-stress vs. 35 post-stress, p<0.0001); and losing control of the vehicle (2 pre-stress vs. 11 post-stress, p=0.0052).

Conclusion—Paramedics are routinely exposed to acute stress during their working day, and this stress could increase the number of critical driving errors that occur. The results of this study demonstrate the need for further research into the impacts of stress on paramedics and highlight the potential need for increased driver training and stress management education to mitigate the frequency and severity of driving errors made by paramedics.