Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Among the Ems Personnel of the Santa Lucia Fire Department in the Care of Injured Persons in Hostile Environments.

Abstract

Prehospital Care (PHC) personnel of the Fire Department of Santa Lucía canton carry out their duties in settings characterized by high physical and emotional demands, particularly during the care of injured individuals in hostile environments. These working conditions increase exposure to potentially traumatic events, which may lead to psychological alterations such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of symptomatology associated with PTSD among PHC personnel, considering sociodemographic variables, exposure to violence, characteristics of the operational environment, and clinical manifestations. The research was conducted using a descriptive, cross-sectional approach, with a sample composed of five emergency medical service technicians from the Benemérito Fire Department of Santa Lucía canton. Data were collected through structured instruments designed to identify histories of traumatic events, aggressions during prehospital care, cognitive activation, and stress-related somatic manifestations. The results showed that 100% of participants intervened in emergencies resulting from traffic accidents, while 60% reported having been victims of aggression during care in hostile environments. Likewise, symptoms compatible with post-traumatic stress were identified, including difficulty falling asleep (40%), concentration problems (20%), and somatic manifestations, mainly recurrent headaches (66.7%). In conclusion, the findings confirm the presence of significant psychosocial risk factors among PHC personnel of Santa Lucía canton, highlighting the need to strengthen institutional prevention strategies, mental health surveillance, and psychological support in order to preserve the well-being of operational staff and ensure the quality of emergency services. These measures are essential for sustaining effective emergency response capacity over time.