Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Police, Firefighters, and Emergency Dispatchers

Author(s)

Kristin E. Klimley, Nova Southeastern University
Vincent B. Van Hasselt, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Ashley M. Stripling, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2018

Publication Title

Aggression and Violent Behavior

Volume

43

First Page

33

Last Page

44

Abstract/Excerpt

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop after exposure to an event in which death, severe physical harm, or violence occurred or was threatened. First responders, including police, fire rescue personnel, and emergency dispatchers, have been viewed as populations at high risk for developing PTSD symptoms. Indeed, over 80% of first responders report experiencing traumatic events on the job, and it is estimated that 10–15% have been diagnosed with PTSD. However, to date, limited research has reviewed the impact and services available following these traumatic events across first responders. This review examines research regarding PTSD in police officers, firefighters, and emergency dispatchers with particular attention to the prevalence, comorbid diagnoses, risk and protective factors, and resources available to each group. A discussion of limitations of the available research in this area, and suggestions for directions that future work might take, are offered.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2018.08.005

NSUWorks Citation

Klimley, K. E., Van Hasselt, V. B., Stripling, A. M. (2018). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Police, Firefighters, and Emergency Dispatchers. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 43, 33-44.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/1609