Post-Event Factors Surrounding First Responders: Physical and Psychological Impact. Introduction First responders, praised for their bravery, face not only immediate physical dangers but also long-term health impacts from their roles. This essay explores these post-event physical and psychological factors and seeks effective strategies to enhance their support systems. Thesis Statement Significant post-event factors impact first responders, necessitating comprehensive support systems for their physical and psychological health, ensuring they maintain effectiveness and well-being. Plan for the Essay This essay explores the physical injuries and psychological trauma faced by first responders post-event. It will analyze these challenges, assess …show more content…
High Responsibility and Decision-Making Under Pressure: The necessity for rapid decision-making in emergencies leads to substantial stress and mental fatigue, impacting long-term mental health (Smith et al., 2013). Cultural and Institutional Stigma: Stigma within the first responder community often impedes mental health support, underscoring the need for cultural shifts to enhance mental health initiatives (Regehr et al., 2004). Case Studies Examining Specific Incidents for Psychological Impacts on First Responders - Case Study 1: The 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing: The immediate chaos and aftermath of the bombing placed enormous psychological strain on first responders at the scene. Many reported symptoms of PTSD and depression months after the event, influenced by the gruesome injuries they treated and the sudden, violent nature of the event. Studies have documented the long-term psychological impacts on those involved in such traumatic events, noting the prevalence of PTSD and the need for ongoing psychological support (Litz et al., 2014). Case Study 2: The 2018 Parkland School Shooting: Law enforcement officers and EMS personnel who responded to the shooting faced …show more content…
Initiatives like public acknowledgments and support groups help strengthen community ties, as shown by Jahnke et al. (2016). The 'Secondary' of the 'Secondary' of the 'Secondary' of the 'Secondary' of the 'Secondary' of the 'Secondary' of the 'Se Strengthening Peer Networks: Peer support networks, effective due to shared experiences, are enhanced by training peers in mental health first aid and crisis intervention, improving mental health outcomes and reducing PTSD symptoms (Gist and Devilly, 2017). Resilience Training Programs: These programs, incorporated into regular training, help develop better stress management strategies. Patterson et al. (2020) demonstrate their effectiveness in reducing stress and enhancing job performance among emergency personnel. By promoting integrated care, supportive policies, and robust community and peer networks, we can create sustainable and effective support systems for first responders. These systems not only facilitate recovery, but also prepare first responders for future challenges, ensuring they are equipped to manage the demanding aspects of their
Throughout the fire service, firefighters encounter a high level of different stresses that can cause post dramatic stress disorder. A plethora amount of people have not thought about how not only the military personnel, however a wide range of emergency calls or other factors come into play that results in fire personnel acquiring this disorder. This disorder has an enormous problem that will affect the management in the fire department.
Mental health in the fire service is an upcoming problem, but has been occurring for years without firefighters even knowing it. Specifically post-traumatic stress disorder known as PTSD and firefighter suicides are the main issues that have a large impact in the fire service. This outline will lay out the main points that are a result, impact, or other subjects in relation to the two main issues above. Firefighter deaths are rising rapidly, members of the fire service need to be educated on PTSD and suicide to provide treatment before another devastating event occurs in result of the issues effects.
Military Pathway (2013) concluded “Military life, especially the stress of deployments or mobilizations, can present challenges to service members and their families that are both unique and difficult”. Hence, it is not surprising that soldiers returning from a stressful war environment often suffer from a psychological condition called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This paper provides a historical perspective of PTSD affecting soldiers, and how this illness has often been ignored. In addition, the this paper examines the cause and diagnosis of the illness, the changes of functional strengths and limitations, the overall effects this disease may have on soldiers and their families, with a conclusion of possible preventative measures and treatment options. All of these findings are backed by extensive research through media, web, and journal references.
By approaching mental health assistance as a skill required to effectively accomplish their mission, the initial response was met with positive attitudes and less preconceived negative stigmas. Prior to deployment, security forces personnel would be mandated to sit down one on one with a mental heath expert to establish a baseline of behavioral indicators and reinforce their innate strength. The rationality behind this initiative was the individuals assigned to Security Forces already possess a sense of resilience and have the innate capacity to maintain their mental health. They may just need a little motivation and a reminder prior to deployment. Additionally, developers of this initiative wanted to alter their perceptions of combat.
The goals include increasing nurses’ awareness of their roles and responsibilities in preparing for and responding to a disaster. There are web-based courses available for professionals who are not necessarily planning to deploy to a disaster site but working in hospitals, schools or long-term care settings. These individuals could help with the long-range planning of patients involved in a disaster. The course is designed to protect the nurse and the public through the use of universal precautions, protective equipment, evidence collection and isolation precautions. These are areas that the emergency nurse may not consider when volunteering on the front line of a disaster (Stokowski, 2012). Other areas of the course include how to prepare for a disaster, who to notify when an event is unfolding, the assessment, diagnosing and treating of injuries and illnesses, incorporating clinical judgment skills, and supporting the community after the disaster (Orr,
The Patriots recognize that strength lies in numbers and actively seek out like-minded individuals to form mutual assistance groups (MAGs). Through collective effort and resource pooling, the Patriots are better equipped to address challenges ranging from security threats to resource scarcity. This lesson underscores the inherent value of fostering strong interpersonal connections and cultivating a network of support within one's community. By working together, individuals can leverage diverse skills and perspectives to enhance their collective resilience and foster a sense of camaraderie amidst
First responders have different challenges compared to the rest of the population. The challenges are due to the motto’s they swear to uphold and the public they serve. They have their own culture consisting of beliefs, language, traditions and values that are specific to their group. They are more likely to witness traumatic events that are outside the norm. They are sometime expected to kill and even be killed, especially law enforcement and military. The culture is very different then the civilian or mental health culture, for example: collectivism versus individualism. Therefore, when it comes to building a relationship with combat veterans and first responders it is essential to understand the culture. Lastly, there are common diagnosis among first responders making it important to use specific assessments. These assessments are used to identify trauma and stress related disorders such as: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Depression, and Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Most first responders were inspired to be first responders because of the desire to help others, to make a positive difference in people’s lives. As the acute stress and emotional trauma of the job increases over the years, the first responder’s motivation to serve is often the first to suffer when diagnosed with posttraumatic stress
The first article was a study done on the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and the body handlers who sorted through rubble and human remains to find all the victims of the tragedy. Going through experiences like these will often lead to stress disorders, such as PTSD. This study tests that idea using 51 of the body handlers and a survey to see what they went through psychologically at the time of the event and how that relates to their mindset years later. It also set out to test the idea that age, gender, physical exposure to the bombing, knowing a victim, or having disaster experience would change the likelihood of acquiring an anxiety disorder. It was also predicted that using “positive coping strategies including humor, favorable organizational and managerial factors, social support, level of training and use of rituals” (Doughty et al, 2002) would help reduce the chances of a disorder.
When most people who are aware of PTSD think of the disorder, military soldiers and veterans are the first to come to mind as those who suffer from it. However, as mentioned in the introduction, PTSD is universal. It does not discriminate based on career, gender, location or so forth. A person becomes more susceptible to developing PTSD if he or she has been directly exposed to the trauma as a victim or a witness. Examples of events that can lead to a person developing PTSD are traumatic car accidents, natural disasters, violence – including domestic and warfare, rape, sexual abuse, school shootings, or any other event that causes the person to feel out of control and in danger. Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD are whether or not the person was seriously injured, the length of the event, if the person believed a loved one or self were in imminent danger and were helpless in avoiding or protecting themselves or others from the trauma. Yet there are even more contributor...
Communities must come together in order to be aware of the steps that must be taken to reduce or prevent risk. “The guidance, programs, processes, and systems that support each component of the National Preparedness System enable a collaborative, whole community approach to national preparedness that engages individuals, families, communities, private and nonprofit sectors, faith based organizations and all levels of government.” (FEMA, 2011). Resources within a community are prioritized and customized based on community-based issues and local security programs. The resources used as the front line of defense are first responders, such as police officers, firefighters and medical personnel. The resources are provided and prioritized based on the priority of threat and risks to a specific community. Therefore, the threats and risks targeted towards a community must be analyzed and acknowledged in order to apply the correct resources to the opposing prioritized threats. Disasters and emergencies typically begin at the local level and eventually require resources from state and federal
Working in the field of Emergency Response I have seen and felt first hand the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder. It is not possible to respond to emergency after emergency and not be subject to some of PTSD’s effects. When I saw this topic in the list I felt compelled to use this opportunity to learn more. My hope is by increasing my knowledge, of a disorder so prevalent in my career field; I can recognize the symptoms in others and myself before there effect becomes devastating.
Every year communities struggle each year around the nation with issues of life safety. In 2012, the nation’s fire departments responded to 31,854,000 responses that resulted in the deaths 0f 2,855 civilians and injuring 16,500 causing an estimated $12,427 million dollars in damage. (United States Fire Administration, 2014) These incidents put at risk 345,950 career and 783,300 volunteer firefighters that resulted in the deaths of 81 individuals (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2013) and nearly 70,000 reported injuries. ( Karter & Molis, 2013) These numbers represent incidents that are determined to be in the line of duty but do not take into consideration the long-term health risk issues that may develop. Evidence shows that he hazards associated with Fire and Emergency Services are consistent across the board whether paid or volunteer and jeopardize the lives and health of each individual, placing administrative and physical control measures reduces this risk to firefighter within an organization. While it is impossible to eliminate the hazards firefighters face, it is important to identify these hazards as the first step in reducing the potential for loss of life and wellbeing both physically and mentally.
Providing advocacy and support to survivors and their allies through a coordinated community response effort” (Think S.A.F.E).
A disaster is not a simple emergency. A disaster is that point when a human is suffering and has a devastating situation which they themselves need help from others to survive. Regardless if natural or human caused, a disaster causes a vast amount of issues in the community. In the simulation of “Disaster in Franklin County reveals that preparation is key and even with that more can be addressed. A community nurse remains an essential part of the team involved in a disaster including before, during, and after the event.