Citation

Brazil A. J. Aggression Maltreat. Trauma 2017; 26(3): 244-257.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10926771.2016.1264529

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Volunteer firefighters make up approximately 85% of the fire service in Canada (Haynes, 2016) and almost the entire fire service on Prince Edward Island. Through this voluntary service, these men and women are at an increased risk of witnessing critical and traumatic events. This descriptive study surveyed 102 volunteer firefighters on Prince Edward Island from 5 different departments representing each of the 3 counties. It explored the rates of critical incident exposures as interpreted by the firefighters themselves and examined the various postexposure interventions used within the fire service on Prince Edward Island. Finally, the participants were asked whether certain environmental factors increased the severity of critical incident calls.

FINDINGS indicated that most firefighters in the sample have had numerous critical incident exposures and that departments are working to provide postexposure assistance. The findings also suggest that there are environmental factors that can increase the severity of critical incident calls, which departments can help to mitigate by including specific training and preparedness measures.

Language: en