Abstract
Firefighters are considered a high-risk group for the development of PTSD and other stress-related diseases. More than the exposure to potentially traumatic events, personal and occupational characteristics have been pointed out as interfering in the perception of stress, which may lead to the emergence of mental and physical symptoms. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the main factors that contribute to stress-related diseases in firefighters. A systematic review was conducted in order to identify original articles focusing on risk and protective factors for stress in this population. Personality traits, training, experience in extreme situations and social and organizational support influence the perception of stress and, consequently, the choice of coping strategies, which may protect against or potentiate the stress reactions. The findings of this study allow us to draw a relational model that represents the dynamics among the factors related to stress in firefighters. The development of PTSD and other stress-related diseases depends on a host of pre-trauma and post-trauma factors and, although training is an important protective factor, being prepared to face extreme situations does not mean being immune to traumatic stress.
Highlights
In recent years, different countries have been affected by multiple catastrophes, such as the severe fires in California, Australia and Europe (Greece and Portugal), with the destruction of hundreds of homes and lives
Previous studies [2] have indicated that professionals who work in crisis and catastrophe scenarios may experience stress reactions, somatic symptoms, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse
These symptoms are often consequences of maladaptive coping strategies such as denial and avoidance, applied by the fear of stigma related to mental illness and the will to meet the expectations placed on these professionals. Most research in this field has suggested that repeated exposure to stress is one of the main reasons leading professionals to develop stress-related diseases [3,4], some studies have emphasized that firefighters, due to their training and experience, are more protected from being affected by stress reactions than the general population, explaining why that volunteers have higher PTSD rates than professionals [2]
Summary
Different countries have been affected by multiple catastrophes, such as the severe fires in California, Australia and Europe (Greece and Portugal), with the destruction of hundreds of homes and lives. The firefighters who are exposed to these potentially traumatic events have become a group of interest of those who research traumatic stress in catastrophe scenarios [1] These professionals face a work routine that goes beyond forest fires, such as helping victims of different accidents and even responding to medical emergencies, the so-called crisis situations. Previous studies [2] have indicated that professionals who work in crisis and catastrophe scenarios may experience stress reactions, somatic symptoms, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse. These symptoms are often consequences of maladaptive coping strategies such as denial and avoidance, applied by the fear of stigma related to mental illness and the will to meet the expectations placed on these professionals. Most research in this field has suggested that repeated exposure to stress is one of the main reasons leading professionals to develop stress-related diseases [3,4], some studies have emphasized that firefighters, due to their training and experience, are more protected from being affected by stress reactions than the general population, explaining why that volunteers have higher PTSD rates than professionals [2]
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