Burnout in Emergency Medicine:
A Personal Perspective

Sunny Jutla

Almost three years into my role as an Emergency Medicine (EM) consultant, with over a decade in the specialty, I still feel closely connected to my junior and senior colleagues across all of the interprofessional staff groups.

We work side by side in a relentless environment, driven by the shared goal of providing the best possible care for our patients. But behind the scenes, exhaustion, emotional strain, and burnout are becoming far too common. Having seen friends and colleagues struggle, I’m passionate about supporting my team, ensuring we bring out the best in each other while keeping patient care at our core.

What is Burnout?

Burnout is more than just tiredness. It’s the overwhelming emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that creeps in after prolonged stress. In Emergency Medicine, this manifests as emotional detachment (depersonalisation), a feeling of reduced personal achievement, and sheer exhaustion.

A 2023 study by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) highlighted that staff burnout is now one of the greatest risks to patient safety, as exhaustion directly impacts decision-making and performance (RCEM, 2023).

Why does Burnout happen?

Burnout isn’t just about long shifts and a high workload – though these play a massive role. It’s the emotional intensity of our work, the moral distress of not always being able to provide the care we want due to system pressures, and the expectation to keep going regardless. A survey by the Medical Defence Union found that one in three NHS doctors feel so exhausted their ability to treat patients is affected (MDU, 2025).

Other key contributors include:

  • Understaffing and demand pressures

    • The RCEM warns that chronic staff shortages lead to unmanageable workloads and unsafe conditions.

  • Compassion fatigue

    • Constant exposure to trauma and suffering takes a psychological toll.

  • Lack of recovery time

    • Many of us struggle to disconnect after shifts, making it hard to recharge.

  • Bureaucratic overload

    • Admin duties eat into our time, leaving us feeling ineffective.

What can we do?

It’s easy to feel powerless, but small steps can make a real difference:

1. Speak Up and Support Each Other

Creating a culture where it’s okay to talk about struggles is crucial. Checking in with colleagues, normalising discussions about wellbeing, and seeking peer support can be powerful tools (SOM, 2023).

2. Set Boundaries

We give so much to our patients, but we can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking breaks, properly switching off after shifts, and using leave days are vital.

3. Build Resilience, Not Just Endurance

Resilience is about having strategies to manage stress – not just pushing through. Simple things like mindfulness, exercise, or having a non-medical hobby help maintain balance.

4. Push for Structural Change

This isn’t just about individual coping strategies; systemic change is needed. The RCEM continues to advocate for safer staffing levels and better support structures. We can play our part by speaking up, engaging with hospital wellbeing initiatives, and mentoring junior colleagues.

5. Access Professional Support

Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. Resources like the Practitioner Health Programme (PHP, 2025) offer confidential support for NHS staff. The BMA’s wellbeing services (BMA, 2025) and NHS Staff Support Programme (NHS England, 2024) are also valuable resources.

References:

Final Thoughts

I love my job. I love the teamwork, the unpredictability, and the privilege of being there for patients when they need us most. But we can’t ignore the reality that many of us are running on empty.

Burnout isn’t inevitable. By looking out for each other, setting realistic expectations, and pushing for meaningful change, we can create a healthier working environment – for ourselves, our colleagues, and ultimately, our patients.

Page Contributors

Dr Sunny Jutla
Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Lead for EM3

Tom Brown
Website Designer

Jake Fudge
Multimedia Technologist