EMOTIONAL BURNOUT SYNDROME IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL WORKERS: THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF PREDICTORS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the emotional burnout syndrome (EBS) among emergency medical services (EMS) workers. The relevance of the study is driven by the specific nature of paramedics’ professional activities, involving continuous contact with human suffering, functioning under severe time pressure, life-saving decision-making, and an increased risk of moral re-traumatization, which is especially exacerbated in modern crisis realities. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate the essence, pathophysiological determinants, key predictors of manifestation, and effective ways of psychoprophylaxis of EBS in urgent care specialists. The study employed methods of theoretical analysis, systematization, and generalization of contemporary domestic and foreign scientific sources. The study results indicate that emotional burnout syndrome (EBS) is a complex psychophysiological reaction to prolonged occupational distress, manifested by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a decline in professional performance. The development of the syndrome is associated with disturbances in neuroendocrine and autonomic regulation, which negatively affect the cognitive functions of healthcare workers. It has been established that the main risk factors for EBS are excessive work load, insufficient organizational support, and sociodemographic and individual-psychological characteristics. For emergency medical personnel, additional stressors include the risk of moral trauma, regular exposure to critical situations, suicidal cases, and acute psychiatric crises. It has been demonstrated that effective prevention and management of OHS require a comprehensive approach that combines organizational measures with the development of emotional intelligence, adaptive coping strategies, and self-regulation skills. The most evidence-based method of psychological support is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and its digital formats (iCBT), which help reduce symptoms of emotional burnout and improve the professional effectiveness of emergency medical services personnel. Thus, there is an urgent need to implement comprehensive preventive programmes at individual and institutional levels to protect the mental health of emergency medical services (EMS) workers.