ABSTRACTS
Measuring Wellbeing in the Emergency Services: A Feasibility Study Using Heart-Rate DataAuthor: Tara-Bella Halai BSc Prehospital Medicine | Medical Student and Emergency Responder | Anglia Ruskin University School of Medicine - United Kingdom Associate Authors: Mclachlan, Sarah, Dr, PhD Psychology
Background Emergency service personnel operate in highly demanding environments, facing elevated risks to both physical and psychological wellbeing. Personnel in emergency services experience disproportionately high levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD compared to the general population. Wellbeing in this sector is inherently multidimensional, influenced by the interplay between physical health, psychological resilience, and organisational support systems. Mapping the relationship between physiological responses to stress and individual coping mechanisms is key to informing targeted, evidence-based wellbeing interventions.This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a larger investigation integrating physiological stress indicators with subjective mediators of stress among operational emergency service staff. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted with 25 participants recruited from the ambulance, police, and fire services in Essex. Participants wore a heart rate variability (HRV) monitor over three consecutive working days and completed daily online journals documenting stress levels, mood, and contextual information. Personalised HRV reports informed subsequent semi-structured qualitative interviews, which explored individual stress responses, coping strategies, and perceived barriers to wellbeing support. HRV data were analysed using proprietary algorithms; qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results Participants frequently relied on informal coping mechanisms, including dark humour, peer support, and emotional detachment. Formal psychological support—such as Trauma Risk Management —was rarely accessed due to time pressures, cultural stigma, and perceptions of organisational inefficacy. Reported challenges included insufficient staffing, lack of work-life balance, and discomfort from wearing monitoring equipment. Participants commonly described symptoms of fatigue, sleep disruption, and early signs of burnout. Conclusion This study demonstrated the feasibility and value of combining physiological monitoring with qualitative enquiry to assess wellbeing in emergency service personnel. The findings provide important insights to inform the design of a larger-scale study and support the development of tailored, evidence-based wellbeing initiatives for high-risk occupational groups.
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