Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Rescuers at Risk

Rescuers at Risk: Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Differ Among Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Ambulance Personnel, and Emergency and Psychiatric Nurses

This cross-sectional, anonymous online survey aims to examine how salient variables influence PTSS, well-being, and suicidal ideation across the following professions of rescue workers: firefighters, ambulance personnel, police officers, and emergency and psychiatric nurses. PTSS, coping strategies, well-being, suicidal ideation, previously experienced and work-related trauma, and self-efficacy were measured and analyzed using multiple regression and structural equation modeling.

Employees of rescue and emergency services are at a risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) due to exposure to trauma and work-related stressors. Salient predictors for the development of PTSS among rescue workers have been identified; however, little is known about how predictors (e.g. coping strategies) differ among professions requiring repeated engagement in emergencies. The present survey examines how these variables influence PTSS, well-being, and suicidal ideation across different professions of rescue Workers using multiple regression and structural equation modeling.

Inclusion Criteria:

Employee at the rescue or emergency services. The participation in the anonymous online study is voluntary and promoted by the department heads at the places of work corresponding to the studied professions. No ethical approval is needed as the survey was voluntary and anonymous and participants gave consent to use the data with their participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None