Skip to main content
Article
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Police, Firefighters, and Emergency Dispatchers
Aggression and Violent Behavior
  • Kristin E. Klimley, Nova Southeastern University
  • Vincent B. Van Hasselt, Nova Southeastern University
  • Ashley M. Stripling, Nova Southeastern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2018
Disciplines
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
Citation Information
Kristin E. Klimley, Vincent B. Van Hasselt and Ashley M. Stripling. "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Police, Firefighters, and Emergency Dispatchers" Aggression and Violent Behavior Vol. 43 (2018) p. 33 - 44
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/vincent-vanhasselt/491/