ABSTRACTS
Exploring Mental Well-being and Psychological Distress in Caribbean EMS/Fire Providers: A Cross-Sectional StudyAuthor: Hezedean Smith DM, CFO, CEMSO, CPM, CHSE, NRP, FACPE, MiFireE | Chief Executive Officer | Global Emergency Services Consulting Group Associate Authors: Hezedean A. Smith, DM, CEMSO, NRP | Byer, David, MD, MBBS | Akogun, Olawale, Ph.D
Background EMS professionals and firefighters face high levels of stress from trauma exposure, extended work hours, and high-stakes decision-making, increasing their vulnerability to PTSD, anxiety, and depression. While global research demonstrates links between these conditions and impaired job performance, Caribbean-specific research is limited. This study examined mental well-being and psychological distress among EMS/fire personnel across the Caribbean to inform evidence-based mental health strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study employed validated instruments including the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5) among emergency services professionals.Eighty-seven participants from Caribbean countries and territories completed the survey. The study tested associations between well-being and psychological distress, gender differences in distress levels, and role-based well-being differences. Results Chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant association between well-being and psychological distress, χ²(3, N = 84) = 34.55, p <.001. Independent samples t-test demonstrated significant gender differences in psychological distress, t(61.30) = 2.386, p = .020, with females reporting higher distress levels (M = 26.15, SD = 10.83) than males (M = 21.19, SD = 7.52). Critically, 67% (n = 14) of females versus 33% (n = 7) of males fell within the "likely severe disorder" category. No significant differences emerged in well-being scores by gender or between frontline and non-frontline roles. Conclusions The association between psychological distress and poor well-being, particularly heightened distress among female personnel, underscores urgent need for targeted interventions. The EMS/Fire profession in the Caribbean must prioritize comprehensive mental health support including peer programs, counseling, and team-building initiatives. These findings emphasize developing focused approaches addressing unique psychosocial demands within the Caribbean EMS/Fire services.
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