Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Rescuers at Risk

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This cross-sectional, anonymous online survey aims to examine how salient variables influence PTSS, well-being, and suicidal ideation across the following professions of rescue workers: firefighters, ambulance personnel, police officers, and emergency and psychiatric nurses. PTSS, coping strategies, well-being, suicidal ideation, previously experienced and work-related trauma, and self-efficacy were measured and analyzed using multiple regression and structural equation modeling.

Detailed Description
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Employees of rescue and emergency services are at a risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) due to exposure to trauma and work-related stressors. Salient predictors for the development of PTSS among rescue workers have been identified; however, little is known about how predictors (e.g. coping strategies) differ among professions requiring repeated engagement in emergencies. The present survey examines how these variables influence PTSS, well-being, and suicidal ideation across different professions of rescue Workers using multiple regression and structural equation modeling.

Official Title
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Rescuers at Risk: Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Differ Among Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Ambulance Personnel, and Emergency and Psychiatric Nurses

Conditions
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Trauma, PTSD, Self Efficacy, Coping Skills, Suicidal Ideation

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: No Intervention: anonymous online survey


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Employee at the rescue or emergency services. The participation in the anonymous online study is voluntary and promoted by the department heads at the places of work corresponding to the studied professions. No ethical approval is needed as the survey was voluntary and anonymous and participants gave consent to use the data with their participation. Exclusion Criteria: None

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Police officers<br>Police officers from the cantonal police forces in Bern, Switzerland | Other: No Intervention: anonymous online survey<br> <br> |
| Firefighters<br>Firefighters from the professional fire service of the Canton Bern, Switzerland | Other: No Intervention: anonymous online survey<br> <br> |
| Ambulance personnel<br>Ambulance personnel of the Canton Bern, Switzerland | Other: No Intervention: anonymous online survey<br> <br> |
| Emergency nurses<br>Emergency nurses of the Emergency Unit of the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland | Other: No Intervention: anonymous online survey<br> <br> |
| Psychiatric nurses<br>Psychiatric nurses of the University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern, Switzerland | Other: No Intervention: anonymous online survey<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PTSS-10 | Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms assessed with the Post Traumatic Symptom Scale, a self-rating scale used in screening and follow-up studies on catastrophe that measures the most common posttraumatic symptoms (sleep disorders, nightmares, fear of reminders, etc.) | at baseline | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Well-being | Mental well-being assessed with the German version of the shortest General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12). Psychological distress and psychiatric disorders were assessed with the German Version of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). | at baseline | 
| Suicidal Ideation | Participants were asked if they had suicidal ideation in the 12 months prior to the questionnaire | within the last 12 months before the survey | 
| Psychological distress and psychiatric disorders | German Version of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The 53-item self-report questionnaire measures symptoms of general psychopathology. | at baseline | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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PTSD, Trauma, Coping, Self Efficacy