Post-Traumatic Stress in Disaster First Responders

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Disasters have significant psychological effects on individuals and communities. Public health and safety first responders such as community workers, fire and rescue, police, health care and mortuary affairs workers, and others play a critical role in disaster response and planning. Owing to their unique roles, responsibilities, and exposures, first responders are vulnerable to the adverse psychological effects of disasters.1 Ongoing and unique exposures, secondary traumatization, and the potential to be both victim and service provider in the wake of disasters create unique stressors for this population.