FR RISK FACTORS
WARNING SIGNS
WARNING SIGNS AND RISK FACTORS
FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND RECOVERY WORKERS
- FIRST RESPONDERS AND RECOVERY WORKERS INCLUDE:
THE FIRST STEP – WATCH PTSD911
WARNING SIGNS AND RISK FACTORS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND RECOVERY WORKERS
First responders and recovery workers include:
- Fire fighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, 911 operators, and other fire, emergency, and medical personnel
- Military service men and women
- Clergy
- Staff and volunteers serving with disaster-relief organizations, including sheltering, animal rescue, food service, and crisis counseling
First responders and recovery workers are not only physically and emotionally tested during an emergency, but they also may have loved ones in the area for whom they are concerned. They also are often the last to seek help for work-related stress.
Warnings signs of
stress in responders
Warnings signs of stress in responders and recovery workers may include:
- Experiencing a rapid heart rate, palpitations, muscle tensions, headaches, and tremors
- Feeling fear or terror in life-threatening situations or perceived danger, as well as anger and frustration
- Being disoriented or confused, having difficulty solving problems, and making decisions
- Engaging in problematic or risky behaviors, such as taking unnecessary risks, failing to use personal protective equipment, or refusing to follow orders or leave the scene
- Becoming irritable or hostile in social situations, resorting to blaming, and failing to support teammates
First responders
First responders and recovery workers most
First responders and recovery workers most at risk for emotional distress include those who have experienced:
- FIRST RESPONDERS AND RECOVERY WORKERS INCLUDE:
- Prolonged separation from loved ones
- Life-threatening situations
- Previous deployments that caused disruptions in home or work life
- Trauma from having witnessed or been exposed in some way to difficult stories of survival or loss
