Mechanism and strategies for preventing post-traumatic stress disorder in forensic workers responding to mass fatality incidents

Abstract

Mass fatality incidents (MFIs) expose medical examiners/coroners and associated staff to circumstances that may increase their risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this paper is to provide guidance for efforts to prevent the development of PTSD in forensic teams who respond to mass disasters. We present a model of the paths through which exposure to mass fatality incidents may lead to PTSD symptoms in forensic and recovery workers. The model is based on current research in stress and coping and the psychophysiology of PTSD and is used to generate worksite intervention strategies to reduce the risk for PTSD.