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The effect of repeated exposure trauma on firefighters
From the pages of usda.fema.gov:
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As I was scrolling through some recent research articles, I came across something that caught my attention. Many studies have explored how firefighters deal with the mental health challenges posed by a single traumatic event. But what happens when they're repeatedly exposed to such situations? This article delves into the findings of a fascinating research project that examined the psychological toll of repeated exposure to trauma (RET) on firefighters.
In today's world, firefighters are responding to fewer fires than ever before. However, their roles have expanded significantly. They're now frequently called upon to provide emergency medical services, conduct search and rescue operations, and respond to hazardous material incidents and natural disasters. These brave men and women encounter a broad spectrum of distressing scenarios—whether it’s at home, on highways, or anywhere else within their communities.
The study highlights how RET—the gradual wear and tear from constantly dealing with injured people and their traumatized families—can adversely affect firefighters' mental well-being. Earlier research often focused on PTSD, using tools designed specifically to assess the aftermath of a specific traumatic incident.
From prior studies, we know that:
- Fire and EMS personnel experience depression at higher rates compared to the general public.
- Alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, is more prevalent among firefighters than in the broader population, and there seems to be a link between risky drinking habits and PTSD.
- Secondary trauma, or compassion fatigue, is common. While not all firefighters meet the criteria for PTSD diagnosis, many still exhibit symptoms like insomnia, withdrawal, and a sense of helplessness.
This particular study offered some new insights as well:
- It turns out that firefighters are more likely to face negative mental health consequences from multiple traumatic events rather than just one.
- Common signs of RET include emotional numbness, irritability, skepticism, and vivid flashbacks.
- Interestingly, many firefighters seem to handle their emotional responses to trauma quite well. Further investigation into these protective strategies and resilience-building techniques could prove invaluable.
If you'd like to read the full research article, it's accessible via our library. You can reach out to me directly for assistance. Alternatively, your local library or the publisher's website might also grant access.
Reference:
Jahnke, S. A., Poston, W. S., Haddock, C. K., & Murphy, B. (2016). Firefighting and mental health: Experiences of repeated exposure to trauma. *Work*, 53(4), 737-744. doi:10.3233/wor-162255
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I hope this provides a clearer picture of the issues discussed in the original piece while maintaining a personal tone!