OBJECTIVES: 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.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 130 Hungarian National Ambulance Service employees (N=130) in the first quarter of 2023, using an online questionnaire on a voluntary, anonymous basis. After convenience sampling, physical and mental health was 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 descriptive 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" as 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 rated their "Physical functioning" (p=0.015), "Physical pain" (p=0.010), "Social functioning" (p=0.001), "Mental health" (p=0.023) dimensions worse.

CONCLUSIONS: The sudden increase in workload caused by the pandemic makes it essential to monitor ambulance workers' health closely. Residual symptoms of the coronavirus and concomitant musculoskeletal disorders can compromise the quality of patient care.