Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in persons involved in road accidents and paramedics

Aleksandra Parobkiewicz; Michał  Ziarko; Julia Krawczyk; Jagna Jasielska

doi:10.20883/medical.e515

Authors

Aleksandra Parobkiewicz Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7874-5086
Michał Ziarko Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7530-3167
Julia Krawczyk Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3825-1086
Jagna Jasielska Liceum Ogólnokształcące nr 8 w Poznaniu, Polska

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20883/medical.e515

Keywords:

PTSD, victims, perpetrators, road accidents, paramedics

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among persons involved in road accidents and paramedics. Little is known about similarity or difference of PTSD symptoms between these two groups involved in accident in voluntary and involuntary way.
Material and Methods. Persons involved in road accidents (N = 78) and paramedics (N = 106) completed the Polish version of the Impact of Event Scale–Revised.
Results. The percentage of those who reported PTSD symptoms was similar and insignificant among persons involved in road accidents (56%) and among paramedics (45%). A significant difference (p < 0,01) was observed between these groups, however. The total PTSD, intrusions, and avoidance were higher for persons involved in road accidents.
Conclusions. Victims, perpetrators, and helpers in road accidents were at a similar risk of PTSD. Peritraumatic interventions are recommended for all these groups.

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