Posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, and alcohol use reasons in firefighters: The role of sleep disturbance

Smith, Lia J.; Gallagher, Matthew W.; Tran, Jana K.; Vujanovic, Anka A.

doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.09.001

Cited by 40 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 78 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The percentage of firefighters in this sample that screened positive for PTSD was 8%, consistent with the range determined by previous research on firefighters (Bryant et al, 2007;Chen et al, 2007;Smith et al, 2018). A significant, positive association between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PCL-C) and total number of CVD risk factors was observed, andthe relationship persisted even after controlling for age and CVD medication.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Firefighters

2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The impact of occupational stress on first responders has received increased investigative attention in recent years. However, research specifically targeting firefighters and their unique responses to job related stress remains limited. Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been recognized in firefighters, behavioral and psychological contributions (e.g., posttraumatic stress) have not been adequately examined. The purpose of this study was to: (1) examine the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and CVD risk in firefighters, (2) assess the effects of service time on the relationship, and (3) increase understanding of the manifestations of stress in this population. Participants were 87 firefighters from Special Operations teams. Self-report measures of posttraumatic stress symptoms, health, and length of service were administered. Data from annual physical examinations provided information regarding CVD risk (weight, height, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, physical exercise). Results indicated significant relationships between posttraumatic stress symptomatology and current smoking status, triglyceride levels, and the number of CVD risk factors. Findings suggest that the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms may influence overall CVD risk and may not be moderated by years of fire service. Implications for behavioral interventions with firefighters are discussed. Suggestions for future research in this area are offered.

show abstract

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Firefighters

2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…One is through experiencing direct trauma because of being exposed to a life-threatening situation of self or others, and the other is by the recurring witnessing of death and destruction. Either way, psychological distress and PTSD can develop within emergency FRs (e.g., paramedics, body handlers, police investigators, and firefighters; see Donnelly, 2012;Ramey et al, 2016;Smith et al, 2018;Zerach & Levin, 2015, to mention just a few). The occurrence of these outcomes is usually related to the frequency of exposure and severity of exposure to critical incidents (Weiss et al, 2010).…”

Section: Mental Hazards In the Work Of First Respondersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Salutogenesis and the Mental Health of First Responders

Antonovsky

2022

The Handbook of Salutogenesis

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In this chapter, the author addresses salutogenesis and the mental health of first responders (FRs). Research has observed FRs to be prone to psychological distress and psychopathology resulting from their repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events. Most of the literature is focused on postevent treatment. The author discusses a mental fitness model that includes salutogenically oriented psychoeducation and other activities to enhance mental fitness among FRs and build their psychological strengths as they face adversities on their job.In closing, the author recommends that besides psychopathology-oriented programs intended for providing mental first aid to FRs and for the communities who experience potentially traumatic events, intervention also should include salutogenically based mental preparation programs. These should emphasize the strengths and resources that could help FRs arrive at scenes of disaster equipped with salutogenic resources, at the strategic as well as tactical levels.

show abstract

“…Over the last decade, there has been an increased recognition that first responders consistently experience increased rates of psychological distress, including depression, PTSD and compassion fatigue as compared to the general population (Brooks et al, 2016;Patterson et al, 2012;Smith et al, 2018;Jones et al, 2018). There have been nine known suicides of New York City police officers in 2019 (accessed August 24, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/13/nyregion/nypd-officer-suicide.html).…”

Section: First Responder Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

First Responder ECHO: Developing an Innovative Telementoring Program

Katzman¹,

Medrano²,

Swift³

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

First Responders across the globe suffer from increased rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and compassion fatigue. Because their work environment places them on the front lines of crisis situations nearly every day, first responders experience a significant amount of trauma, which can lead to PTSD and other psychological symptoms. Project ECHO, a successful telementoring program, whose mission is to educate clinicians and other health care providers in rural and underserved communities, will be piloting a First Responder ECHO beginning September 2019. The primary goal of the First Responder ECHO is to improve the confidence and knowledge of First Responders in New Mexico. This First Responder ECHO will include an evaluation component. If the program is successful, the goal will be to expand to other regions of the United States.

show abstract

Posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, and alcohol use reasons in firefighters: The role of sleep disturbance

Cited by 40 publications

References 78 publications

Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Firefighters

Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Firefighters

Salutogenesis and the Mental Health of First Responders

First Responder ECHO: Developing an Innovative Telementoring Program

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About