Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
University of the Highlands and Islands, Institute for Health Research and Innovation, Inverness, UK.
Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2024;15(1):2395113. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2395113. Epub 2024 Sep 6.
: First responders (FRs) are at high risk of being exposed to traumatic events in their occupational roles. Responding to critical incidents often involves exposure to life-threatening circumstances, dealing with fatalities and encountering highly stressful situations that may trigger traumatic responses. These experiences can lead to poor physical and mental health (MH) outcomes including post-traumatic stress disorder, co-morbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, insomnia, and suicidality. Little research has explored the perspectives and experiences of FRs in dealing with occupational trauma(s) and how best to meet their health needs.: This study aimed to explore FRs' experiences of exposure to occupational trauma and its impact on their mental wellbeing. The wider objective was to investigate how FRs can be supported to access appropriate and relevant help, addressing barriers like stigma.: A qualitative research design using in-depth semi-structured interviews with FRs ( = 54) was adopted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive thematic approach.: Themes developed were: (1) the pervasive, cumulative and salient impact of occupational trauma on MH (micro-traumas, nightmares, flashbacks and reliving experiences); (2) the demands of the job exacerbating the adverse effects of trauma (self and others); (3) insufficient support and unhelpful ways of coping following exposure to trauma (lack of psychological safety); (4) stigma and fear of judgement as barriers to MH help-seeking; and (5) need for specific, accessible and credible trauma-focused interventions and workplace support.: The implications of these findings are discussed at the individual, service provider and organisational level, emphasising the importance of implementing a strengths-based, non-pathologising and de-stigmatising approach to trauma in the workplace as experienced by FRs. Emphasis is placed on the importance of overcoming barriers to accessing MH support and improving access to evidence-based, trauma-focused psychological interventions and workplace support.
: 急救人员（FRs）在职业角色中面临着遭受创伤事件的高风险。应对危急事件通常涉及到暴露于危及生命的情况，处理死亡事件和遇到可能引发创伤反应的高度紧张情况。这些经历会导致不良的身心健康（MH）结果，包括创伤后应激障碍、合并症如抑郁、焦虑、药物滥用、失眠和自杀倾向。很少有研究探讨 FRs 在应对职业创伤方面的观点和经验，以及如何最好地满足他们的健康需求。: 本研究旨在探讨 FRs 接触职业创伤及其对心理健康的影响的经验。更广泛的目标是研究如何支持 FRs 获得适当和相关的帮助，解决污名化等障碍。: 采用了使用 FRs（ = 54）进行深入半结构化访谈的定性研究设计。访谈进行了录音、转录，并使用归纳主题方法进行了分析。: 发展出的主题是：（1）职业创伤对 MH 的普遍、累积和显著影响（微创伤、噩梦、闪回和重现经历）；（2）工作需求加剧创伤的不利影响（自我和他人）；（3）创伤后支持不足和应对方式无益（缺乏心理安全）；（4）污名化和对评判的恐惧是 MH 寻求帮助的障碍；以及（5）需要特定、可及和可信的以创伤为重点的干预措施和工作场所支持。: 讨论了这些发现对个人、服务提供者和组织层面的影响，强调了在 FRs 经历的工作场所中实施基于优势、非病理化和去污名化的创伤方法的重要性。强调克服获得 MH 支持的障碍和改善获得基于证据的、以创伤为重点的心理干预和工作场所支持的重要性。
