TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - The impact of trauma exposure on the development of PTSD and psychological distress in a volunteer fire service
JO  - Psychiatry research
A1  - Milligan-Saville, Josie
A1  - Choi, Isabella
A1  - Deady, Mark
A1  - Scott, Paul
A1  - Tan, Leona
A1  - Calvo, Rafael A.
A1  - Bryant, Richard A.
A1  - Glozier, Nicholas
A1  - Harvey, Samuel B.
SP  - 1110
EP  - 1115
VL  - 270
IS  - 
N2  - Emergency service workers (ESWs) are at increased risk of trauma-related mental disorders. However, volunteer ESWs, who comprise the majority of firefighters in Western countries, have limited access to the necessary support services for mental health problems. This study aimed to examine the impact of the level and types of trauma exposure on the development of mental disorders in a volunteer fire service. Members of an Australian volunteer fire service (N = 459) completed a cross-sectional survey. Information on the number and types of distressing critical incidents involved within the last year was collected. Validated, self-report measures were used to determine probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological distress caseness. The risk of probable PTSD was significantly higher for those with the most frequent involvement with distressing incidents and the highest levels of cumulative trauma exposure. Being trapped in a dangerous situation or being assaulted by other people, resulted in the greatest odds of developing a mental disorder. Volunteer fire service members with the highest levels of trauma exposure and involvement with particular types of critical incidents are at elevated risk of mental health problems. The implications for the provision of psychological support measures amongst volunteer emergency services are discussed.<br><br>Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0165-1781
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.06.058
ID  - ref1
ER  -