Paramedic Health and Safety Essay Example
Paramedics have the unenviable position of being constantly exposed to disease and bacteria. Our job occupation forces them into situations that present both a biological risk and physical risk such as explosions, falling debris and rubble or other compromising positions. In such a risk filled job, paramedics must follow many strict procedures and protocols in order to remain safe. This paper will attempt to analyze the problems that paramedics have to deal with on a daily basis in relation to their own personal health and safety. Through an examination of paramedic protocols in relation to national Department of Transportation policy and professional practices it is evident that many current policies address the issues of on the job duties for paramedics and how they can avoid health and safety risks through careful awareness and following safety protocols. An examination of health and safety issues must look at the three areas of paramedic safety that affects them the most, their health risks, physical risks, and psychological risks. The health dangers imposed on paramedics are daunting when observed from the outsider’s perspective. They have constant exposure to contagious and infectious diseases from their patients or needles that may be haphazardly placed. Infectious diseases are especially dangerous for paramedics because they receive patients at the peak of the infection instead of through the treatment process, they are also the individuals who are least protected against the possibility of infection because they lack the time and proper equipment to ensure quarantine. Patient and paramedic interaction is an important indicator of exposure risks since many times paramedics must carry patients from emergency situations; as a result they have physical contact with their patients as opposed to nurses and doctors who only get exposure through secondary contact (Boyd 2003). Paramedics are also exposed to numerous chemicals that could cause burns or