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Cited by 29Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchOccupational Health and PerformanceOccupational Health and Burnout

‘I’ve got no PPE to protect my mind’: understanding the needs and experiences of first responders exposed to trauma in the workplace

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Cogan, Nicola, Craig, Ashleigh, Milligan, Lucy, McCluskey, Robyn, Burns, Tara, Ptak, Wiktoria, Kirk, Alison, Graf, Christoph +2 more·2024·European Journal of Psychotraumatology
DOI 10.1080/20008066.2024.2395113PMC PMC11382715
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Abstract

Background: 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.Objective: 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.Method: A qualitative research design using in-depth semi-structured interviews with FRs (n = 54) was adopted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using an inductive thematic approach.Results: 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.Conclusions: 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.

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Authors
Cogan, N., Craig, A., Milligan, L., McCluskey, R., Burns, T., Ptak, W., Kirk, A., Graf, C., Goodman, J., & De Kock, J.
Affiliations
  • University of Strathclyde (GB)
  • University of the Highlands and Islands, Institute for Health Research and Innovation
Corresponding author
Cogan, Nicola
ORCID
Venue
European Journal of Psychotraumatology
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2024-09-06
Volume
15
Issue
1
Pages
2395113-2395113
ISSN
2000-8066 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1080/20008066.2024.2395113
PMC
PMC11382715
OpenAlex
W4402318005
Cited by
29
References
107
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 2
FWCI
14.54
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • European Journal of Psychotraumatology (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Strathprints: The University of Strathclyde institutional repository (University of Strathclyde) (acceptedVersion)
  • Strathprints: The University of Strathclyde institutional repository (University of Strathclyde) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
  • PsyArXiv (OSF Preprints) (submittedVersion, public-domain)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Performance
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Burnout
Keywords
first responders, occupational injuries, mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health stigma, help-seeking barriers, psychological safety, workplace support, trauma-focused interventions, psychological well-being, strengths-based approach
MeSH terms
Adult, Female, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Workplace, Qualitative Research, Emergency Responders

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