In addition, high risk alcohol and drug use is positively correlated with PTSD symptomatology [12]. Several mitigating factors for PTSD in emergency workers and trainees have been identified. For example, social support following a traumatic incident has been found to be protective against PTSD [8,13,14]. In one study, ECW who reported strong peer support also reported lower levels of perceived stress [15]. Similarly, a Dutch study found that lack of social support from supervisors greatly compounded symptoms of burnout in ambulance

personnel [16]. Resilience, the ability to cope with adversity without being harmed by it, can also buffer against the onset of PTSD symptoms, Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical and resilience-recovery Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical variables (personality, coping strategies and social support) can aid in trauma adjustment [17,18]. ECW are exposed to living individuals who are seriously injured or dying and, as such, are exposed to human pain and suffering [2]. They have to make quick appraisals and administer aid in an attempt to save lives, often Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical without support or reassurance [4]. ECW workers are frequently unaware of the specifics of the emergency situation as they are often the first personnel on site and consequently do not have adequate time

or information to mentally prepare themselves. Due to the nature of their work, ECW face an increased risk of developing PTSD symptoms. The purpose of this study was firstly to assess and Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical determine the frequency, nature and severity of direct trauma

exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms and other psychopathology amongst paramedic trainees. Secondly, the study aimed to identify risk factors (e.g. trauma exposure) and resilience factors (e.g. social support) that contribute to the presence and severity of posttraumatic symptomatology amongst paramedic trainees. Thirdly, the study aimed to create a risk profile for paramedic trainees who Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical are at higher occupational risk of developing PTSD. Methods Participants and procedure A hundred and thirty one paramedic trainees participated in the study. Data were collected between 2008 and 2011. Participants were recruited from click here a university in the Western Cape with the aid and permission of their supervisors. All the participants were first year paramedic trainees. During their first year of study, trainees gain practical experience in the field and are exposed to accident scenes and critical incidents. The study was approved by the Health Research Ethics Committee at Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa (N06/02/037). Informed consent was obtained from participants before assessment commenced. Two researchers (a psychiatry resident and research check details psychologist) conducted the assessments. Participants were assessed with a battery of questionnaires including a demographic questionnaire as well as several measures of psychiatric and psychological status.