REACTING TO TRAUMATIC EVENTS 

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The stress experienced by firefighters and other first responders

includes routine encounters with potential violence, loss of life, and the aftermath of extreme emergencies—traumatic events that many people will not see in a lifetime.

 

While experienced firefighters might feel accustomed to these types of events, it’s important to remember that no one is immune.

Even they should expect these reactions from time to time and attend to the symptoms, which can develop into more serious conditions.

Learn more about different stress reactions below.

 

ACUTE STRESS OR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS

 

Acute stress and post-traumatic stress describe the natural stress reaction following an intensely stressful event.

While experiencing this kind of reaction you might have a feeling of numbness or detachment, a decreased awareness of your surroundings, and an inability to remember details of the traumatic event.

 

You might also experience symptoms like distressing dreams and memories; difficulty feeling positive emotions, sleeping, or concentrating; an ongoing “on edge” feeling; and irritability.

 

This is not a clinical condition, meaning that it can usually be treated without medication and therapy through a period of rest, peer support, and the application of healthy stress management strategies. Symptoms will generally resolve themselves in the course of a few days or weeks.

 

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—or PTSD—is a deeply serious condition that will be discussed in greater length in an upcoming training.

 

PTSD refers to late-stage symptoms of distress following a traumatic event. Those suffering from PTSD persistently avoid emotions and thoughts associated with the event, while also reliving the event through flashbacks or nightmares.

 

PTSD is often associated with depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders; substance abuse; violence; and destructive thoughts and behaviors, including suicide.

 

PTSD can’t be successfully treated without counseling and often medication. When symptoms of acute stress or post-traumatic stress occur more than 30 days after the traumatic event, it’s possible the condition has developed into PTSD and you should immediately seek a consultation with a clinician. 

 

A VERY REAL HEALTH RISK 

 

Everyone experiences stress, but firefighters and other first responders often experience stress in different ways and under different conditions than most people.

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Firefighters operate for long periods in a hyper-vigilant state and are regularly exposed to traumatic events—

these conditions present very real health risks that are not unlike other health risks associated with work in the fire service, such as burns, smoke inhalation, crush injuries, heart disease, and cancer.

 

Understanding the unique stress associated with your job and the unique ways stress impacts you puts you in control of your own heal

 

LOOKING FORWARD

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The growing concern about the behavioral health challenges faced by firefighters;

the impact of work stress and related issues on relationships at home;

and strategies for addressing the symptoms of stress before more serious issues develop.