PTSD in first responders

PTSD in first responders: emergency personnel’s repeated exposure to trauma can cause severe emotional stress
By Stephen M. Pfeiffer, PhD
From firefighters and EMTs to law enforcement officers and ER nurses, emergency services personnel spend their lives on the front lines, constantly exposed not only to dangerous circumstances but also traumatic scenes and events that can leave a lasting mark. Studies have shown that PTSD in first responders and others who work under such circumstances is a common risk – one that, despite its prevalence, may be overshadowed by the physical dangers associated with emergency service careers. However, it is critical for employers and medical professionals alike to be aware of PTSD risk, and to take steps toward preventing and effectively treating the disorder.
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Several of the classes I had when I got certified in Crisis Intervention focused on taking care of the responders instead of just the survivors. When the "victims" survive the event, they can be pretty sure they will not have to experience something like that again but the responders know it may be a different day and a different circumstance, but they will face something like it over and over again.

When we heard about the shootings in Newtown and the Medical Examiner talking about the 20 tiny bodies with multiple bullet wounds, that heart wrenching news was followed by the fact there was only one funeral director in town that would have to face 28 funerals.

They will need a lot of help, just like the teachers, parents and friends of all of those killed but there is one more group that will need help that cannot be forgotten. The first responders rush to the school not knowing what they would find there, if they were risking their lives, would be slaughtered or if they would walk into horror beyond their imagination.

I doubt even their worst fears could have come close to what they saw when they walked down the halls of Sandy Hook.

Help them grieve as soon as they can so they can start to heal from all of this.



September 11, 2009
About the Video: When National Guards go to Iraq or Afghanistan, they serve with the regular military but have to come home, back to police departments, fire departments and responding to natural traumatic events. What we don't think about is that they are also bring the war back home inside of them, but doing what they always do. Being there when we need them.