However, people who have experienced multiple traumatic events have been found to be at greater risk of developing PTSD. One group of people that may experience many traumatic events as part of their job—and thus be at a heightened risk for PTSD—is firefighters.
Types of Traumatic Events Experienced While on the Job
One study of United States firefighters looked at the type of traumatic events experienced. High rates of traumatic exposure were found. For example, many had been exposed to crime victim incidents, people who were “dead on arrival” (where the death was not due to natural causes), accidents where there were serious injuries, and some also reported that they had experienced stress associated with giving medical aid to children and infants. Another study found that firefighters generally reported that medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents were the most upsetting types of calls that they received.
Rates of PTSD in Firefighters
Given that traumatic exposure is common among firefighters, it is not surprising that high rates of PTSD have been found. It is clear from these studies that there is a big range of PTSD rates among firefighters. This is likely due to a number of reasons, including how PTSD was assessed (through a questionnaire or interview), whether other emergency responders were also surveyed along with the firefighters, whether the firefighters were volunteer or not, and where the firefighters worked.
Risk Factors for PTSD
A few studies have also looked at what factors might put firefighters at greater risk for the development of PTSD. A number of risk factors for PTSD among firefighters have been identified. These include:
Being previously in treatment for another disorderStarting work as a firefighter at a younger ageBeing unmarriedHolding a supervisory rank in the fire serviceProximity to death during a traumatic eventExperiencing feelings of fear and horror during a traumatic eventExperiencing another stressful event (for example, loss of a loved one) after a traumatic eventHolding negative beliefs about oneself (for example, feeling as though you are inadequate or weak)Feeling as though you have little control over your lifeHostility
Protective Factors Against PTSD
Even though firefighters might be at high risk for stress as a result of their jobs, it is important to point out that most firefighters will not develop PTSD. In fact, several factors have been identified that may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD among firefighters after the experience of multiple traumatic events. One of the most important protective factors found was having social support available either at home or through work. In addition, it has also been found that having effective coping strategies available may lessen the impact of experiencing multiple traumatic events. This is not surprising in that, among people in general, the availability of social support and effective coping strategies have consistently been found to reduce the risk of developing PTSD following a traumatic event.
Getting Help for PTSD
Seeking out help may be an important way of reducing your risk of developing PTSD as a result of experiencing multiple traumatic events. There are a number of effective treatments available ranging from psychology to medication to help you overcome the impact of a traumatic event. You can also find out more information about treatment providers in your area through UCompare HealthCare.
