Provider Wellness

Canadian Paramedicine is an informative and progressive magazine complete with numerous research articles beneficial to EMS providers. One such article entitled “Eat, Sleep and be healthy-a paramedic’s guide to healthier shift work,” outlines some of the risks associated with working outside of the traditional 8-hour daytime schedule. More importantly, it provides evidence based suggestions for healthy eating, staying fit, and developing better sleeping habits.

Quotes from the article:

 “Exercise can enhance alertness at work in addition to increasing neural activity and clinical performance. Blocking out 20 minutes (or more) prior to a shift will boost their mood and combat fatigue while working.”

 

“Prepare meals for a number of days  for quick and easy access. Experiment with slow-cookers or freeze portion sizes of healthy meals. Pack healthy snacks such as prepared fruit and easy-to-eat vegetable pieces like baby carrots and celery with hummus, or a small container of mixed unsalted nuts and seeds.”

Find the article in its entirety below:

Eat, sleep and be healthy – a paramedic’s guide to healthier shift work

Provider Wellness

Below is a link to an article published in JEMS Magazine. Written by 25 year veteran paramedic Bryan Fass, the piece tackles the important, yet often overlooked topic of physical fitness within EMS. Understanding the daily challenge of balancing work, family, finances, and health/wellness, Fass introduces what he calls “The Change Equation,” offering ideas on how to get motivated, form positive habits, and produce long-lasting behavioral changes.

In addition, Fass dispels some common myths that act as barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He even offers a sample training routine with detailed steps and photos demonstrating safe and effective body mechanics.

Check It Out!