Award-winning paramedic and educator Nick Paproski talks with David about a vital and elusive commodity: SLEEP.

EMS workers, like all first responders and shift workers, are at risk for sleep deprivation and fatigue. When you are sleep deprived, your immune system may become compromised, your mood can be affected, and you are more prone to errors and accidents. There are many factors that contribute to sleep deprivation for EMS workers, so we discuss those in detail in this video. We also discuss the importance of sleep hygiene and some tips to improve your sleep.

We talk about the different stages of sleep including a brief discussion on REM sleep. We also go over some of the different tools that you can use to help yourself get a better night's rest.

Nick Paproski is an award-winning paramedic field provider and educator who’s worked in municipal, fire based, commercial and volunteer EMS systems. Nick currently serves as the Director of Operations for Vintech Management Services, a 300 employee EMS staffing company based in CT. A staunch advocate for provider mental health and wellness, Nick routinely presents on the topic of PTSD for the Fairfield Country Trauma Response Team.

 —Why is sleep such a challenge for EMS workers and why is poor sleep so hazardous to your health??

—What misconceptions do EMS workers have about sleep?

—What evidence-based practices can EMS workers use to improve their sleep?

—What's the relationship between sleep and problems like PTSD?