What is the purpose of this study? We recognize that paramedics regularly experience stress not common to the general population. Unfortunately, paramedics remain understudied. Very little is known about the impact of these unique stressors and how they are dealt with on a daily basis. We are attempting to gain a broader scope of information about the unique forms of stress experienced by paramedics. We are also interested in understanding how paramedics cope with this stress both on and off the job. For more information, see Study Goals. As a participant, what would I need to do? Please see Participant Requirements. Why do I need to participate on multiple days? In order to gain a more accurate understanding of stress and coping in paramedics, it is important to collect information over multiple days. This provides a perspective on stress that is closer to real life, as we know that stress unfolds and changes over time. Why do I need to participate on my days off? Work stress can transfer to the home and have a significant impact on one’s personal life. However, this transmission of stress has not been examined in paramedics, who experience greater than normal levels of work stress. Demonstrating an impact on home life would provide a more accurate view of the unique stress experienced by paramedics. What kinds of questions will I be answering? Over the course of the study, we will be asking questions about a number of variables known to have important relationships with stress, including mental and physical health, quality of sleep, post-traumatic stress, burnout, depression, daily mood, and social interactions and support. Why are spouses/romantic partners being invited to participate? Work stress can transfer to the home and have a significant impact on one’s personal life. This stress can also transfer to other individuals in the home setting, such as spouses, romantic partners, and children. In order to fully account for the interaction between work and personal/home life, we are asking for the participation of your spouse or romantic partner (if currently cohabitating). Demonstrating an interaction with home life and other relationships would provide a more accurate view of the unique stress experienced by paramedics. Why is my partner at work being invited to participate? We recognize the important role played by your partner at work. We also know that relationships at work have important effects on how individuals experience and cope with stress. In order to account for the unique nature of the job, we are happy to accept partnered paramedics to participate in this study at the same time. Why are questionnaires only available online? Online questionnaires are being used in order to reduce the added burden associated with alternative methods of data collection (e.g., paper, palm pilots). Online questionnaires also allow us to record the date and time of responding with ease. This method removes many participant concerns and headaches, such as keeping track of materials or mailing materials back to the research team. Can questionnaires be completed on my iPhone, Blackberry, or other smart phone? In many cases, the answer is yes. We have tested the online questionnaires on the iPhone 3 and iPhone 4, as well as the Blackberry Torch. In these cases, the questionnaires work well. We recommend that if you are interested, please try completing them using your smart phone. Older models will likely be problematic, but if you can manage through the questions and click submit at the end, then there is no problem. How will my burden be minimized? It is our intention to conduct this study in the least intrusive manner by minimizing time commitments and maximizing ease and convenience of participation. All stages of this study will be coordinated with interested paramedics and scheduled at their convenience. No participation will be required during working hours. Will I receive anything for participating in this study? YES! All participants, including paramedics and any involved spouses/romantic partners of paramedics, will receive a $40 gift card (choice of Starbucks or Chapters) for participating in this study. This is our way of thanking all participants for their time in this study. Participants will have the opportunity to choose their preferred gift card at the start of the study. How will my privacy be protected? All personal information and data collected about paramedics will remain confidential. Only the research team will have access to this information. Published findings will not include any identifying information and will be combined with information from other paramedics. You and your responses will never be made an example of (instead, averages will be used). No personal information or results will be shared with other paramedics, employer(s), or union(s). Is this study affiliated with OR sponsored by the any EMS services in Canada? We have absolutely no affiliation with any EMS services, members of management, or any of its affiliated unions. We operate as independent researchers within the University of British Columbia (specifically, the Centre for Health & Coping Studies in the Department of Psychology, which is led by Dr. Anita DeLongis). We operate under the guidelines of the UBC Research Ethics Board, and are funded by a single internal grant from the University of British Columbia (called the Hampton Fund). No funds of any kind have been received from EMS services, nor have any requests been made on their behalf to operate the study in any particular manner. Some services have, however, been kind enough to distribute emails and paper advertisements on our behalf. Will I be informed of the results? All participating paramedics and spouses of paramedics will be provided with a summary of the study findings following completion of the project. How will this information be used? We recognize paramedics as a population which is at high risk for stress-related health outcomes, but which is understudied and underrepresented in the scientific literature. This study will provide a better understanding of how working in pre-hospital care affects a number of important outcomes, including post-traumatic stress, burnout, and job satisfaction. These are key factors in the retention of emergency health care providers. Knowledge transfer is a key goal of this study, and we will do all that we can to ensure that appropriate public organizations are given access to the summarized findings. Again, no personal information or individual responses will be shared with any other parties. Results from this study will also be presented at relevant academic conferences and published in academic journals. This will further aid in recognizing paramedics as a high-stress population and generate additional research in this area. Is this research ethical? Yes! This study has been reviewed and approved by the UBC Research Ethics Board, ensuring fair treatment of participants, confidentiality of information, and the absence of any notable risks. If you are concerned about your rights or treatment as a research subject you may contact the Research Subject Information Line in the UBC Office of Research Services at 604-822-8598 or email RSIL@ors.ubc.ca.

Centre for Health & Coping Studies Department of Psychology 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 Tel: 604-822-4729