Studies of the aftermaths of the Yushu earthquake paid little attention to the mental health of medical rescuers, especially the emergency medical rescuers.

This study aims to explore the factors influencing PTSD and quality of life among the emergency medical rescuers.

No previous studies have focused on the difference between local and support rescue forces.

Compared with the support rescuers, local medical rescuers were not only the rescuers with greatest burdens but were also the disaster victims.

The study also examines the relationship between PTSD and lower quality of life.