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Posttraumatic stress reactions in volunteer firefighters
1University of New South Wales, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia.
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Volunteer firefighters in NSW reported significant stress, with one-quarter experiencing posttraumatic stress symptoms. Critical incidents, especially multiple and recent ones, were linked to this psychological disturbance.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
- Emergency Services
Background:
- Volunteer firefighters face unique stressors in their roles.
- Understanding the prevalence and causes of psychological distress in this population is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey volunteer firefighters in NSW regarding their experiences with posttraumatic stress.
- To identify factors associated with psychological disturbance in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to volunteer firefighters in New South Wales (NSW).
- Firefighters described stress experiences and psychological disturbance indices were collected.
Main Results:
- Most firefighters reported feeling their safety was threatened.
- One-quarter of respondents experienced significant posttraumatic stress.
- Posttraumatic stress correlated with multiple and recent critical incidents.
Conclusions:
- While personal events contribute to stress, critical incidents are significant etiological factors for posttraumatic stress in firefighters.
- The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to support firefighter mental health.