Introduction: The coronavirus epidemic in 2019 put ambulance officers’ health at risk in all areas. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder among ambulance officers after the pandemic. Data and method: After obtaining the necessary permits, we conducted our cross-sectional, quantitative survey online among the employees of the National Ambulance Service between February and May 2023, using a non-random convenience sample. In addition to John Brier’s Trauma Symptom Checklist-33, our questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic data, work and the coronavirus epidemic. The survey included those who reached the age of 18, had at least 1 year of employment as paramedic or medic, and were active during the pandemic. Data analysis was done with SPSS 26.0 program, using descriptive (average, frequency, confidence range) and mathematical-statistical procedures (chi²-test, T-test, ANOVA, correlation). The results were considered significant at p<0.05. Results: The sample consisted of 237 people (n = 237), 84% of whom were men, the average age was 39.65 ± 10.48 years. Most of them (24.1%) worked in the Budapest rescue service as rescue officers (25.7%). 73.7% of the respondents got infected with COVID–19. On a 5-point Likert scale (where 1 is the least, 5 is the most), the quarantine affected them at an average value of 2.21 ± 1.32, and they feared for their family’s safety from the coronavirus at a value of 3.49 ± 1.29. The average score measured on the post-traumatic stress disorder test (between 0–99 points) was 26.52 ± 19.36, 25.7% of the respondents scored above 40 points, who were the most at risk of the disease. The disease affected more women (p = 0.028), more people living in social relationships (p = 0.013), those who were more affected emotionally by the quarantine (r = 0.296, p<0.001), those who were physically more affected by overwork due to the coronavirus (r = 0.307, p<0.001), and more mentally stressed (r = 0.776, p<0.001). For those whose post-traumatic stress disorder proved to be more severe based on their score, a greater proportion used the help of a mental health specialist provided by the National Ambulance Service (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Special attention should continue to be paid to the mental health care of paramedics, especially in the identified risk groups.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the physical and mental health status of active ambulance workers concerning the additional workload they are facing due to the coronavirus pandemic. Data and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 130 Hungarian National Ambulance Service em¬ployees (n = 130) in the first quarter of 2023, using an online questionnaire on a voluntary, anonymous basis. After convenience sampling, physical and mental health were assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, along with questions on musculoskeletal status and experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. SPSS was used for data analysis, with descrip¬tive and mathematical statistical tests. The results were significant at p<0.05. Results: The ambulance workers considered their "Physical functioning"to be the best (mean 90.7 ± 13.2 points) and their "General health"to be the worst (55.4 ± 9.5 points). The dimensions were correlated (p<0.001). 73.1% of the sample had a musculoskeletal complaint in the last 5 years, with the highest proportions in the back area (56.8%) and spine (51.5%). These ambulance workers rated their "Physical Functioning"significantly worse (p = 0.002). 95 persons were registered as COVID-19-infected, 50% of whom were only slightly or not at all affected by the pandemic (mean 2.6 ± 1.2). The experience of the coronavirus had a negative impact on the dimensions "Vitality"(r = -0.204, p = 0.020), "Emotional role"(r = -0.317, p<0.001) and "Mental health"(r = -0.283, p = 0.001). Persons with residual symptoms of COVID-19 rated their "Physical functioning"(p = 0.015), "Physical pain"(p = 0.010), "Social functioning"(p = 0.001), and "Mental health"(p = 0.023) dimensions worse. Conclusion: The sudden increase in workload caused by the pandemic makes it essential to monitor ambulance work¬ers' health closely. Residual symptoms of the coronavirus and concomitant musculoskeletal disorders can compro¬mise the quality of patient care.