FR RISK FACTORS

WARNING SIGNS

WARNING SIGNS AND RISK FACTORS

FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND RECOVERY WORKERS

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:

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