How Agencies Can Help with First Responder Trauma

By Responder Health Staff

The work of a first responder is important and rewarding. EMTs and nurses help people who are sick or injured. Firefighters save people from burning homes and buildings. Police officers protect their communities from violence. 

But being a first responder also comes with many challenges. 

They work long hours, see humanity at its worst, and put their lives in danger – all to help others.  So, who is helping our heroes when they are in need of assistance?

Experiencing trauma day in and day out without a healthy way to cope is exhausting, stressful and can lead to burnout. 

Because of this, it is imperative that employers do everything they can to help and protect their first responder's health and wellness.

Signs of Trouble

When left unaddressed, chronic job related stress and trauma are a top “career killer” for first responders. Symptoms include:

• Sadness, depression or apathy

• Being easily frustrated

• Blaming of others

• Lacking feelings or empathy

• Isolation

• Feeling like alcohol and drugs will help

• Poor self-care

• Exhaustion

• Feelings of failure and loss

Because of the constant demands of their jobs, this trauma can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Signs of PTSD in first responders may present as:

• Hyper arousal

• Avoidance

• Intrusive and negative thoughts

• Re-experiencing traumatic events

Reducing First Responder Stress and Burnout

While some levels of physical and emotional stress are unavoidable in their line of work, employers can help reduce first responder stress levels and potential burnout by doing the following:

1. Educating first responders on the types of highly stressful situations they may encounter, and the associated risks of this exposure.

2. Providing proper training on manage and mitigate the risks of chronic exposure to trauma and stress.

3. Preparing employees for the physical and mental toll the job will take on their bodies and minds, and providing appropriate supports and resources to counter-act these risk factors.

4. Emphasizing the importance of seeking help for support and recovery when necessary, while providing safe, confidential outlets for first responders to access if they need support.

Improving Preparedness and Resiliency

Employers can work on preparedness and help with their employee’s resiliency and recovery after experiencing traumatic events. Some examples of this include, but are not limited to:

1. Training exercises such as incident response

2. Educating first responders on crisis communication

3. Psychological help and peer support when first responders are feeling overwhelmed

4. Providing timely communication after an event

5. Having a response plan for emergencies that lays out clear assignments and avoids confusion and chaos

Help After A Crisis

There is an extensive list of programs and ideas that employers can put into action in their workplace that will go a long way toward helping first responder mental health.  

Examples include:

1. An employee-assistance program staffed by qualified, culturally competent providers who can help create a recovery plan. This can speed up recovery and work to prevent burnout and PTSD.

2. A critical incident stress management program (CISM), which is a peer-led approach to crisis intervention. Sessions provide practical advice and educate first responders on the signs of stress.

3. Anti-stigma campaigns in the workplace.

4. Education for existing physical and mental health providers to help them understand the first responder culture.

5. In-house peer support programs.

6. Flexible and collaborative return-to-work (RTW) processes after experiencing a traumatic or physical event.

Seeking Help as a First Responder After Trauma

First responders have long suffered through a culture where they are expected to be invincible and unflappable. Fortunately, this mentality is beginning to shift and it is becoming more acceptable to seek help without feeling weak or ashamed. 

It is critical that resources and assistance are easily accessible in the workplace. 

If you or a family member are having any issues with mental health or relationships, please reach out for help. Responder Health (responderhealth.com) is an organization that offers resources specifically for first responders and their families. Responder Health provides confidential and full-service solutions that support first responders through stress and traumatic events, and provides them with the education, resources, and community they need to live healthy, happy lives. Our peer advocate hotline (206)459-3020 offers a confidential 24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel, and their family members nationwide.