User:ChaseArmy/Trauma and first responders

In reading the webpage I would say that the topic is adequately developed. I believe there is a good amount on the different types of responders and their roles which is a key part in defining the trauma these people experience. In addition to a solid background they provide the possible effects of the career and adequately define how each disease is onset and how they are further provoked. I think that maybe some sections are focused on more than the other ones. The reason I point that out is not because the lack of content but because some topics need a deeper understanding just to scratch the surface with certain topics. I would say that this is rather neutral. In evaluating the citations I would say that it they were sufficient enough. To conclude I do believe there is a content gap but I think that is simply because there is so much information which play a role in this topic.

Article Draft
 Trauma and first responders 

Trauma and fist responders

First responders are normally the first people on the scene and experience difficult situations. They are the first to help survivors and give emotional assistance to people caught in a trauma situation. The responsibilities that first responders have are very important but over time have put their well being and overall health at risk. Trauma is the emotional shock that follows a very stressful event or a physical injury. The term First responders was written in The U.S. Homeland Security Presidential Directive, HSPD-8, defines "The term "first responder" refers to those individuals who in the early stages of an incident are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property evidence, and the environment, including emergency response providers"  The term first responder can refer to Law enforcement, Firefighters, EMT's, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and even our United States Military.

 Types of trauma 

Trauma is what first responders are are called out to deal with weather it is a single car accident or an attack on American soil like 9/11. Police respond to accidents, domestic violence, suicide calls etc.. Fire fighters deal with people who are trapped inside of burning homes, cars, or trapped somewhere. There are also special units in first responders offices. These would include special victims units for child rape cases, or abuse. You also have EMT's that respond and transport the trauma victims and suspects. The first person who receives the calls of the trauma case is the Dispatcher or 911 call center. These are just a few examples of what first responders deal with every day and the psychological distress that follows. First responders have a high emotional impact when dealing with trauma due to the fact they don't allow their feelings to interfere with their jobs. The first responders must keep their emotions under control so that they can help the trauma victims. This type of behavior eventually has a toll on the responder.

Health Risks First responders risk for developing stress-related health problems is greater than the general population. This could include such things as flashbacks, nightmares, and recurring thoughts, emotional numbness, avoidance of people or places trauma has taken place. “Nearly 400,000 first responders in the United States, and 10% worldwide are suffering from PTSD symptoms.” This would also include U.S soldiers being linked to PTSD as many are first responders when they come back to the United States after deployments. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are the two most prevalent disorders among first responders. These disorders can begin from the stress of the job or a preexisting stress that comes from the job the first responder is doing now. This type of stress can lead to alcohol drinking which is widespread among first responders. Drinking often helps manage, or soften job-related stress and the exposure to the distressing incidents. This puts first responders at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorders (AUD) There has been little research on the health risks of first responders because getting help from psychologist have been voluntary and many first responders decline the help.

 Helpful resources 

It is worth noting that social support has shown a decreased stress and lowered PTSD symptoms in first responders  When first responders can come together and talk about similar situations they showed resilience with the support network. Education at the academy on signs and symptoms of depressive behavior and resources available to first responders shows others are feeling the same way. The federal government is looking into promoting mental health training for each occupation. There is a stigma that comes from asking for help and this could be by the research on first responders is so low.

 See Also 


 * PTSD post traumatic stress disorder
 * Alcoholism
 * Social support
 * Special victims unit
 * Psychological distress