First responder stressors in a post incident inquiry or review

First responder stressors in a post-incident inquiry or review Name Course Institution/Affiliation Date First responder stressors in a post-incident inquiry or review Abstract First responders are frequently exposed to traumatic events while executing their duties. They deal with critical incidences which can affect them and change the responders react to all the aspects of their lives including their families or their job. Research into the potential effects of the exposure to critical incidences has allowed a greater understanding of how first responders are affected. This paper focuses on the police officers, paramedics and firefighters and the stressors they encounter after participating in a critical incidence. It analyses how each of the profession affects the members. The paper concludes by suggesting how Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) can be used to help the responders deal with the stressors. Introduction First responders refer to public safety professionals like paramedics, firefighters and police officers whose responsibility involves responding to emergency situations. Their work is hazardous, yet they are expected to exercise rapid and competent judgment while they are saving lives and property. They are often exposed to critical events which may take a toll on their profession (Shantz 2002). A critical incident is one that individuals experience an actual or perceived death or a severe injury to themselves or others. It causes them to experience adamant emotional reactions that can affect their ability to function at the scene or even later. In most cases, it is not about the event itself but rather on the meaning it has for the individuals that make it traumatic. Traumatic events cause people to experience Critical Incident Stress which includes an array of typical reactions such as anxiety, irritability, sleeping problems, decreased appetite, and withdrawal from family members and friends. These symptoms may last for about a month after the incidence, however, without proper intervention, the emergency responders are affected for a longer period. The exposure to critical incidences increases the risk for both Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) more than in other careers. Haugen, Evces and Weiss 2012 believe that the responders are at a higher risk for the disorders due to their routine encounter with traumatic stressors. Police officers Police officers have a complex and multifaceted role in the society. On the one hand, they make people the public to feel secure. On the contrary, they are forced to interact with the most dangerous individuals in the same society. They go to scenes where other members of the public run away. In doing so, police officers encounter life threatening situations which require them to think quickly and act reasonably failure to which may result in condemnations and legal actions taken against them. A study carried by Regehr, Johanis, Dimitropoulos, Bartram and hope 2003 indicates the stressors associated with legal and administrative scrutiny to the officers after exposure to a traumatic incident. The research showed that police officers face negative media attention, litigations and disciplinary actions after critical incidents. The researchers observed that some of the incidents exposed the officers to emotional distress which hindered their ability to cope effectively with the effects of the stress. Police officers who do not have sufficient time to cope up with a traumatic event are at a higher risk of developing PTSD. The study indicated that the job does not allow them enough time to deal with the incident. Burnout is common after exposure to critical incidences. It involves physical, mental and emotional exhaustion and it leads to the development of negative attitudes towards work and feelings of hopelessness. The rules and bureaucracies in the police organization are a source of stress which leads to the burnout. They are subjected to lengthy bureaucracies even after a critical incident. After an incident, the officers are required to prepare lengthy reports detailing the events which lead to excessive paperwork. They lack adequate resources and experience personnel shortage hence the officers have to work for long hours. The court processes are significant stressors for the officers. Somet...