Who is more Stressed – the House or the Senate?

Southwest Ambulance Event draws attention to Fire and EMS workers

Phoenix, AZ – Is the Arizona State Legislature’s current session of standing committees, caucus meetings, member briefings, and budget woes creating a rise among our state’s House and Senate leaders?

While stress is a normal part of life, too much stress can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process.

On Wednesday, March 25 as part of the seventh annual Southwest Ambulance Day at the Legislature, Arizona lawmakers and staff from the Senate and House of Representatives will participate in blood pressure checks to determine which legislative body is most stressed. The public event and pancake breakfast will take place tomorrow from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the Senate lawn at 1700 W. Washington St.

In the six consecutive years, blood pressure results have revealed that members and staff for the House of Representatives were more stressed than those from the Senate. While both side measured primarily within normal blood pressure levels, the House can out a bit higher overall.

“We’ve found a fun way to bring attention to Fire and EMS workers by discovering who is more stressed at the Capitol,” said Roy Ryals, director of emergency medical services and a paramedic with Southwest Ambulance. “This event provides us with an enjoyable opportunity to meet with our lawmakers and allows them to learn more about the services our employees provide to the communities we serve.”

The event will offer a free public pancake breakfast, safety information, blood pressure checks and tours of various Southwest Ambulance and Rural/Metro emergency vehicles. Last year, more than 400 people participated in the event.

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