Effect of exposure to violence on the development of burnout syndrome in ambulance staff

Abstract

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to determine the condition of ambulance staff (AS) who have been exposed to any kind of violence and to predict risk of development of burnout syndrome. Materials and methods: Our study was performed with 120 AS working for the Kirikkale Ambulance Services. During the research, questionnaires collecting descriptive information and the extent of violence to which the AS were exposed were administered; participants were asked to fill out the questionnaire themselves. Results: It was found that 81 (67.5%) participants had been subjected to at least one type of violence (verbal or physical). Sixty-two percent were exposed to verbal abuse and 55.8% to verbal threats. Rates of physical threats and attacks were higher among male staff (P = 0.036, P = 0.022), while the rate of personal accomplishment was determined to be significantly lower in males (P = 0.006). Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores were determined to be significantly higher in those who perceived less support from administrators (P = 0.014, P = 0.032). Conclusion: All kinds of negative situations exhaust an individual physically and mentally and lead to the development of burnout syndrome. AS are more prone to these kinds of situations.