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Mohd Zahari H, Ridwan Wong MM, Fazan Ahmad ND, Abas F. Developing risk profiling for firefighters: Enhancing safety and performance. MethodsX 2024; 12:102733. [PMID: 38707211 PMCID: PMC11068843 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Firefighters encounter numerous complex and ever-changing hazards when carrying out emergency response activities, necessitating the development of effective risk profiling methods to enhance both their safety and operational efficiency. This study outlines a comprehensive approach to constructing risk profiles tailored specifically for firefighters, integrating various methodologies to create a robust and adaptable framework. The methods used incorporating historical incident data, environmental variables, and individual firefighter characteristics to identify and assess potential risks. Additionally, the risk profiling framework include Psychosocial risk factors are also considered, allowing for a holistic understanding of the human element in firefighting risk assessment. By developing risk profiles to the specific needs and characteristics of firefighters, this method aims to significantly improve their safety, ability to make decisions, and overall operational efficiency in the demanding and ever-changing setting of emergency response situations. This article discussed methods•To identify safety cultures using questionnaires•To analyse risk from incident reports using content analysis•To verify and validate risk using thematic analysis from Focus Group Discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haliza Mohd Zahari
- HADR Research Center, Strategic & Security Studies Institute, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sg Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Muhaimin Ridwan Wong
- HADR Research Center, Strategic & Security Studies Institute, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sg Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Noor Diyana Fazan Ahmad
- Centre for Research and Innovation Management, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sg Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Fuad Abas
- HADR Research Center, Strategic & Security Studies Institute, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sg Besi, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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Traynor A, Doyle B, Eppich W, Tjin A, Mulhall C, O'Toole M. "This is it…this is our normal" - the voices of family members and first responders experiencing duty-related trauma in Ireland. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 133:152499. [PMID: 38776684 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared to other occupational groups, first responders (FR) experience worse mental health outcomes due to duty-related trauma and occupational stressors. Despite their best efforts, they bring this stress home to friends and family. Consequently, FR and their supporters suffer from increased psychosocial difficulties and experience stigma and other barriers to help-seeking. Prior work offers little opportunity for open dialogue and shared understanding of the repercussions of this occupation for all members of the first responder community. In this qualitative study, we aimed to: (i) explore the lived experience of Irish FR and their family members (FM) related to occupational stressors, and (ii) identify opportunities to engage FM with existing organizational supports available for FR. METHODS Using a community based participatory research (CBPR) approach, we conducted six focus groups involving a total of fourteen participants comprising FR, organizational representatives, and FM. All focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. FINDINGS FR and FM shared their experiences of both joining and learning to live as members of the FR community in Ireland. Through our analysis, we identified a main theme of 'crossing thresholds', characterizing their transformative learning experiences. This learning experience includes recognizing the consequences of this new role for them as individuals and for their relationships. Participants also shared how they have learned to cope with the consequences of their roles and what they need to better support each other. CONCLUSIONS FM are often unheard, hidden members of the first responder community in Ireland, highlighting an unmet need for FR organizations to acknowledge FM role in supporting FR and to provide them with the appropriate training and resources required. Training for new recruits needs to move beyond the tokenistic involvement of FM and encourage knowledge sharing among experienced and novice members. Cultural change is required to support help-seeking among FR and foster a sense of peer support and community among families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeline Traynor
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland; School of Psychology, University of Galway, Arts Millenium Extension, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Brian Doyle
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland.
| | - Walter Eppich
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anna Tjin
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland; Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London SE5 8AB, UK
| | - Claire Mulhall
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland
| | - Michelle O'Toole
- RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland
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Latent profile analysis of post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth among firefighters. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2159048. [PMID: 37052101 PMCID: PMC9848271 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2159048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to the job characteristics, firefighters are repeatedly exposed to trauma incidents. However, not all firefighters exhibit the same level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or post-traumatic growth (PTG). Despite this, few studies have looked into firefighters' PTSD and PTG.Objective: This study identified subgroups of firefighters based on their PTSD and PTG levels, and investigated the influence of demographic factors and PTSD/PTG-related factors on latent class classification.Method: Latent profile analysis was used to examine the patterns of PTSD and PTG among 483 firefighters in South Korea. Using a cross-sectional design, demographic factors and job factors were examined as group covariates through a three-step approach. PTSD-related factors such as depression and suicide ideation, as well as PTG-related factors such as emotion-based response were analysed as differentiating factors.Results: Four classes were identified and named 'Low PTSD-low PTG (65.2%),' 'Mid PTSD-mid PTG (15.5%),' 'Low PTSD-high PTG (15.3%),' and 'High PTSD-mid PTG (3.9%).' The likelihood of belonging to the group with high trauma-related risks increased with more rotating shift work and years of service. The differentiating factors revealed differences based on the levels of PTSD and PTG in each group.Conclusions: 34.8% of firefighters experienced changes due to traumatic events while on the job, and some required serious attention. Modifiable job characteristics, such as the shift pattern, indirectly affected PTSD and PTG levels. Individual and job factors should be considered together when developing trauma interventions for firefighters.
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Fallon P, Jaegers LA, Zhang Y, Dugan AG, Cherniack M, El Ghaziri M. Peer Support Programs to Reduce Organizational Stress and Trauma for Public Safety Workers: A Scoping Review. Workplace Health Saf 2023; 71:523-535. [PMID: 37702192 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231194623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public safety workers (PSWs), including correctional officers (COs), law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service, and military personnel, are at risk of organizational stress and burnout. Exposure to traumatic events, job hazards, injuries, fatalities, and work-related stressors such as work overload, irregular shift assignments, and lack of administrative support can negatively impact PSWs' mental health. Peer support programs (PSPs) have been cited as an intervention to address the mental health of PSWs. PURPOSE The purpose of this review is to explore the use, including facilitators and barriers, of PSPs to reduce organizational stress and trauma for PSWs. Implications for COs will be discussed. METHOD A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley methodology. A search was conducted for articles published between 1996 and 2021 using six databases. Selected articles described, implemented, or evaluated peer support as an intervention to reduce PSW organizational stress and trauma. FINDINGS Thirteen articles met eligibility criteria. Organizational support, including policies, practices, and peer leadership training, contributed to the sustainability of PSPs. Confidentiality, trust, and shared lived experience were also essential to PSP. Stigma was identified as the primary barrier to participation. Public safety workers found PSP helpful in normalizing experiences, increasing hope, and decreasing stigma. Peer support programs also serve to bridge the gap in mental health services use. CONCLUSIONS Peer support programs are a potential mental health intervention to reduce organizational stress and trauma for COs. Awareness of the facilitators and barriers to PSPs is the first step in developing such programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Fallon
- Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell
| | - Lisa A Jaegers
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell
| | - Alicia G Dugan
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
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Oliveira J, Aires Dias J, Duarte IC, Caldeira S, Marques AR, Rodrigues V, Redondo J, Castelo-Branco M. Mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder in firefighters: an integrated analysis from an action research study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1259388. [PMID: 37965662 PMCID: PMC10642162 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1259388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in firefighters is an ever-pressing issue that requires close attention for adequate interventions. The present study investigated PTSD and global psychopathology prevalence in a sample of highly risk-exposed Portuguese firefighters, collected after the widespread deadly wildfires in 2017 that ravaged the country. Following an action research approach, the aim of this study was to depict this sample and examine the impact of cumulative adverse experiences on their mental health, which is a phenomenon worth attention. Method From an initial sample of 283 firefighters who manifested interest in participating, a total of 139 firefighters from the Coimbra District, of whom 130 unequivocally experienced a potentially traumatic/adverse event as a firefighter, completed BSI (to obtain indicators on psychopathology), QEPAT (an inventory of adverse events possibly experienced as a firefighter), and PCL-5 (a measure of PTSD symptomatology) through an online survey during the year 2018 by the Regional Medical Organization, as proposed and supervised by the local Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Psychological Trauma (CPTTP). Results We found a global prevalence of 8.6% of possible PTSD and 14.4% of possible psychopathology (n = 139). When considering only firefighters who unequivocally reported a potentially traumatic/adverse event as a firefighter (n = 130), 9.2% present possible PTSD, and 13.8% present possible global psychopathology. This sample experienced a mean of 28 adverse events during firefighting work. Linear regressions (n = 118) demonstrated that the perceived severity of the most traumatic event reported and the experience of more adverse events were both related to an increase in PTSD symptomatology. Global psychopathology was associated with PCL-5 scores, with an emphasis on paranoid ideation, hostility, depression, anxiety, and phobic anxiety. Discussion The severe wildfires of 2017 did not impact PTSD scores in this sample (collected the year after), suggesting that cumulative adverse events are more important than particular episodes. However, the number of reported events was related to PTSD scores. These results can be used to develop interventions that target all firefighters by addressing risk and protective factors. This action research study motivated specialized aid for firefighters involved in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Oliveira
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Aires Dias
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Catarina Duarte
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Salomé Caldeira
- Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Psychological Trauma (CPTTP), Department of Psychiatry, Coimbra University Hospital Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Reis Marques
- Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Psychological Trauma (CPTTP), Department of Psychiatry, Coimbra University Hospital Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vítor Rodrigues
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Redondo
- Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Psychological Trauma (CPTTP), Department of Psychiatry, Coimbra University Hospital Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Lawn S, Waddell E, Rikkers W, Roberts L, Beks T, Lawrence D, Rioseco P, Sharp T, Wadham B, Daraganova G, Van Hooff M. Families' experiences of supporting Australian veterans and emergency service first responders (ESFRs) to seek help for mental health problems. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e4522-e4534. [PMID: 35662301 PMCID: PMC10084143 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this phenomenological study was to describe families' experiences of supporting veterans and emergency service first responders (ESFRs) (known also as public safety personnel) to seek help for a mental health problem. In-depth semi-structured open-ended interviews were undertaken with 25 family members of Australian veterans and ESFRs. Fourteen participants were family members of police officers. Data were analysed thematically. Participants described a long and difficult journey of supporting the person's help-seeking across six themes. Traumatic exposures, bullying in the workplace and lack of organisational support experienced by veterans/ESFRs caused significant family distress. Families played a vital role in help-seeking but were largely ignored by veteran/ESFR organisations. The research provides a rich understanding of distress and moral injury that is experienced not only by the service members but is transferred vicariously to their family within the mental health help-seeking journey. Veteran and ESFR organisations and mental health services need to shift from a predominant view of distress as located within an individual (intrapsychic) towards a life-course view of distress as impacting families and which is more relational, systemic, cultural and contextual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Lawn
- Flinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Lived Experience Australia LtdAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Flinders UniversityOpen Door InitiativeAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Elaine Waddell
- Flinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Flinders UniversityOpen Door InitiativeAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Wavne Rikkers
- Curtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Louise Roberts
- Flinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Flinders UniversityOpen Door InitiativeAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - David Lawrence
- Curtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Pilar Rioseco
- Australian Institute of Family StudiesMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Ben Wadham
- Flinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Flinders UniversityOpen Door InitiativeAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Galina Daraganova
- Australian Institute of Family StudiesMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- South‐Eastern Melbourne Primary Health NetworkMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Miranda Van Hooff
- Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA)The Hospital Research Foundation GroupAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- University of South Australia AdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- University of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
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Kyron MJ, Rikkers W, Bartlett J, Renehan E, Hafekost K, Baigent M, Cunneen R, Lawrence D. Mental health and wellbeing of Australian police and emergency services employees. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2021; 77:282-292. [PMID: 33653231 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2021.1893631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Answering the Call, the Australian National Police and Emergency Services Mental Health and Wellbeing Study, surveyed 14,868 Australian ambulance, fire and rescue, police, and state emergency service employees. Emergency services personnel had lower rates of mental wellbeing and higher rates of psychological distress and probable PTSD than the general adult population. Overall 30% had low wellbeing, 21% had high and 9% had very high psychological distress, and 10% had probable PTSD. An estimated 5% had suicidal ideation and 2% had a suicide plan in the past 12 months, while 16% binge drink at least weekly. Only one in five of those with very high psychological distress or probable PTSD felt they received adequate support for their condition. These findings highlight the risk of mental health conditions associated with work in the emergency services sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Kyron
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wavne Rikkers
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bartlett
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Katherine Hafekost
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Cunneen
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Lawrence
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Rikkers W, Lawrence D. Mental health help-seeking experiences and service use among Australian first responders. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00049530.2021.1882271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wavne Rikkers
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David Lawrence
- Graduate School of Education, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Vallières F, Hyland P, Murphy J. Navigating the who, where, what, when, how and why of trauma exposure and response. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1855903. [PMID: 34025911 PMCID: PMC8128124 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1855903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in the response to trauma are influenced by numerous contextual factors such as one's cultural background, the environment in which trauma occurs, the meanings attached to traumatic experiences, and various other social and cultural determinants both before and after traumatic exposure. This special issue of the European Journal of Psychotraumatology presents a series of papers conducted as part of the Collaborative Network for Training and Excellence in Psychotraumatology (CONTEXT); a programme of research which seeks to advance our understanding of the impact of trauma within diverse populations who are highly trauma exposed. Applying a context-specific focus, CONTEXT prioritised working closely with service users and those organisations delivering critical support in the wake of trauma exposure. The seven papers presented in this special issue are divided into those who are exposed to trauma either: (i) directly (survivors of childhood adversity in the USA; LGB youth in Northern Ireland; refugees and asylum seekers in the EU; and members of the general population exposed to conflict in Israel) or (ii) vicariously (fire fighters in the UK, humanitarian aid volunteers in Sudan, and child protection workers in Denmark). Together, findings from these studies demonstrate that social support, in its many different forms, is a universally important factor in the response to trauma. We discuss how traumatic stress can be compounded when, and can thrive within, contexts where necessary social support is absent or inadequate. We also emphasize the importance of recognizing the context specificity of trauma exposure and trauma response, as well as the need for collaboration between psychotrauma researchers and organisations who deliver support to traumatized populations to ensure rapid and effective translation of research findings into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland.,Trinity Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jamie Murphy
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
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