Why are first responders at risk for PTSD?

First responders are more likely to suffer from psychological distress due to job stress, repeated exposure to trauma, lack of sleep, the physical demands of the job, lack of resources and working long hours or multiple jobs.

Can first responders get PTSD?

It is estimated that 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions including, but not limited to, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as compared with 20 percent in the general population (Abbot et al., 2015).

How can police officers prevent PTSD?

Of course, the best way to deal with this problem is primary prevention of PTSD before, rather than after, it develops in officers. Techniques such as trauma inoculation training, trauma awareness, and proactive assessments are needed. Training in PTSD awareness is especially important at the police academy level.

How do you deal with trauma as a first responder?

There are several effective treatment options available for first responders, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), psychotherapy, and stress management therapy. Together, these treatments can help first responders deal with trauma and build resilience.

Why are first responders considered heroes?

Firefighters consider themselves humble public servants, but they are, in fact, heroes for their work to rescue citizens from burning buildings, pull them from wreckage, and place their own lives at risk in order to protect their brother and sister firefighters and the public at large.

How do first responders deal with trauma?

How prevalent is PTSD in police work?

It is estimated that, on average, approximately 15 percent of officers in the U.S. experience PTSD symptoms. Unfortunately, it is not definitively known what the true scope of this problem is among police.

How does EMS prevent PTSD?

How to keep PTSD out of your EMS agency

1. Identify PTSD triggers, risk factors. According to Iverson, risk factors for PTSD among first responders include:
2. Understand the physical ramifications of PTSD.
3. Treat PTSD with open communication.
4. Manage your self-talk.

What causes PTSD in police?

Traumatic events are situations that are either life threatening or have the potential for serious injury, such as physical assault, motor vehicle or workplace accidents, natural disaster and war. Police members may be exposed to repeated trauma or the aftermath of traumatic events.