An Australian MP is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into what seems to be an unusually high suicide rate among ambulance (EMS) providers there. This article comes in by way of our good friend Tim.

Following the apparent murder-suicide of a paramedic and his mother, some are calling for a hard look into why there seems to be a higher suicide rate among EMS providers there. Others say the rate is merely perceived to be higher and is based on anecdotal evidence and isn’t based in any factual findings. The MP in question wants to see if that is really true.

I agree that there needs to be a real study of the numbers rather than a knee-jerk reaction to the perceived increase in the numbers. We have seen numbers like this bounced around regarding other areas of our private lives. Some say that EMS providers have a higher than normal divorce rate when compared to the rest of the population. That isn’t proven, either.

I have done the research and all of the statistics on emergency personnel that I have found seems to point that the numbers are right on the money with the national averages or even a point or two better than average. This seems to fly in the face of the conventional wisdom but when looked at in relationship to the real numbers, we see that there is nothing but anecdotes and that conventionally held belief to back the divorce theory up.

Suicides may be in the same ballpark. When you start focusing on a single topic like this one, it’s easy for our minds to start zooming in on the data in our memories to support the argument. This is how our memories work: associating images, memories and ideas and bringing the supporting “evidence” forward.

What do you think? Sure we have stressful jobs — but we are also drawn to this job so maybe we are better suited to handling that stress than others. Chime in and let us know what you think!

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