The cardiometabolic and physiological health of Australian paramedics

Paramedics are at risk of poor physiological and cardiometabolic health. This is multifactorial and may be linked to diet, physical activity, and shift work. Currently, it is unknown when in the career poor health may manifest, or what impact paramedic work tasks have on health. The research in this thesis found that in the first year of paramedic practice, there were limited signs of poor health, but areas for improvement were identified. Conversely, specialist rescue paramedics with extended careers showed excellent health. Their work tasks were identified as very physically demanding, which may contribute to their positive health profile.