Medical Expertise & Nutrition in Emergency Services

Emergency Responders’ Knowledge of Healthy Eating Doesn’t Translate to Diet

Despite a strong understanding of nutritional guidelines, a notable portion of emergency service personnel are consuming excessive amounts of sugar, impacting their health and potentially their performance. A new study highlights a critical gap between knowledge and behavior within this demanding profession.

A recent analysis of 118 emergency service employees revealed a concerning disconnect: roughly 50% admitted to exceeding the German Nutrition Society (DGE)‘s recommended sugar intake. The study, which will be fully published in the October 2025 issue of Ernaehrungs Umschau, found that 80% of emergency paramedics regularly consume sugary soft drinks like lemonade.

Did you know? – Emergency responders face unique challenges to healthy eating due to the unpredictable nature of their work. Shift work and high-stress situations often lead to reliance on quick, convenient foods.

The Knowledge-Behavior Paradox

The findings challenge the assumption that education alone is sufficient to promote healthy habits. Researchers discovered that even those with advanced medical training or higher qualifications did not demonstrate considerably better nutritional choices. “Many respondents were aware of nutritional recommendations, they rarely implemented them,” the study authors noted. This suggests a deeper issue at play then simply a lack of details.

Systemic Obstacles to Healthy Eating

The demanding nature of emergency service work presents significant barriers to maintaining a balanced diet. Time pressure, coupled with the realities of shift work, irregular breaks, and high levels of stress, consistently undermine efforts to prioritize healthy eating. These factors create an habitat where quick, convenient, and often unhealthy options become the default choice.

Pro tip: – Prioritize meal prepping when possible. Preparing healthy snacks and meals in advance can definitely help combat time constraints and ensure nutritious options are readily available during shifts.

Beyond Education: A Call for Targeted Interventions

The study’s authors argue that simply providing nutritional information is not enough. They advocate for the integration of practical, targeted interventions into both training programs and daily work routines. These could include training courses, cooking courses, and workshops designed to increase awareness and build sustainable healthy eating habits.

“Mere specialist knowledge is not enough to promote healthy eating habits,” the researchers concluded. Investing in these types of programs could be crucial for ensuring the long-term health and optimal performance of emergency services personnel.

Reader question: – What strategies do you think would be most effective in promoting healthier eating habits among emergency responders? Share your thoughts!

For those interested, readers can log in at www.ernaehrungs-umschau.de to read the complete article in the October 2025 issue. Alternatively, individual issues are available for purchase for €10, either in print or as a PDF, thru the publication’s shop. Requests for individual articles can also be submitted for a fee of €10 to [email protected].