Research Brief
Principal
Researcher(s):
Thomas A.
Bezruki CD.

Advisor:
Darcye Lovsin

Instructor:
Professor Beth
Larcombe

Research Field:
Emergency
Management Division
Program:
Bachelor’s of
Emergency and
Security Management

Course:
Capstone: ESMS
4900

Funding Sources
N/A: Course-based
Project.

Before the Fall: Support First Responders
in Mental Health Crises
First responders (FRs) face a variety of hazards and trauma on any given day. The
impacts of regular exposure to fatal accidents, burn victims, drug overdoses,
suicides, murder etc., can take a toll on an individual’s well-being and mental health.
A 2008 study of mental health (MH) and suicide identified that police officers and
firefighters are more likely to die from suicide than from a work-related incident
(Heyman, 2018). FRs such as police, firefighters and paramedics are exposed to
potentially traumatic stressors as expected variables of their occupations (Rudieger,
2021). These exposures are unavoidable due to the nature of responding to emergencies
linked to psychological distress, which many frontline workers experience on a daily
basis (Joyce et al., 2019). Increases in MH issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and rates of suicide need to be at the forefront of research to better understand what FRs
need to maintain good MH (Joyce et al., 2019).
Support and resources for the mental health well-being of FRs have been in practice for
many years. Continual improvement by FR organizations is required if the destigmatization of those seeking support is to be achieved. The purpose of the research
study is to determine if there are adequate resources for first responders in mental health
crisis and to determine how we can improve the resources. The information gathered
regarding mental health crisis and resource availability will be utilized to support further
research on this topic. We need to minimize avoidable deaths, mental health crisis
incidents and the social consequences in these professions.
Selection of the studies were accomplished by first, examining all titles and abstracts,
then reviewing the remaining content to identify key information that supports the
research question. Some of the main inclusion criteria were: studies conducted after 2010,
peer-reviewed literature, research-based on statistical data or surveys, subject matter that
focused on first responders, prevention, assessment, treatment, stigma(s), peer support,
exercise, training, MH apps and resilience.
The topic of MH crises facing FRs is a challenging one, as there is no clear or simple
answer to how to solve this issue. Psychological issues for an individual can vary
greatly. However, MH is an extremely important aspect of being a FR and must be
looked at in-depth in order to maintain a strong workforce for community safety. The
positive response from programs focused on peer support, reducing social stigma and
encouraging help-seeking are clear from the research analyzed. Gaps still exist that stem
from a lack of comprehensive research on the subject matter, thus making the need for
further qualitative and quantitative analyses to take place. An evidence and research
driven approach could effectively assist FR’s in addressing MH crisis.

JIBC Research Brief
Structured Abstract
Introduction: First responders (FRs) face a variety of hazards and trauma on
any given day. Regular exposure to these kinds of events such as fatal
accidents, burn victims, drug overdoses, suicides, murder etc., can take a toll
on an individual’s well-being and mental health (MH).

The barriers that affect our FRs who demonstrate bravery and dedication must
be brought to the attention of all. These FRs experience traumatic and tragic
events as part of their occupations. However, public discourse seldom
acknowledges the fact that FRs witness tragedy and traumatic events regularly,
if not daily. Constant exposure to death and destruction exerts a toll on the MH
of FRs, and yet many do not disclose mental health issues, nor do they access
treatment due to the stigmas associated in doing so. Critical studies such as
these must ultimately be communicated decisively and implemented
departmentally by those in leadership, in leadership authority, leadership
education and interdepartmentally.
This research study seeks to raise awareness about the issue of mental health
among FRs in order to alleviate stigma and facilitate access to resources.

Methods: This research study review selection process includes specific

criteria essential to identifying what resources are currently available to
address MH crises for FRs. Selection of the studies were accomplished by
first, search published studies, examining all titles and abstracts, then
reviewing the remaining content to identify key information that supports the
research question. Some of the main inclusion criteria were: studies conducted
after 2010, peer-reviewed literature, research-based on statistical data or
surveys, subject matter that focused on first responders, prevention,
assessment, treatment, stigma(s), peer support, exercise, training, MH apps
and resilience.

Results/Findings: Overall, the data evaluated in this study provided a

positive scope of results in studies of pre-emptive resilience building and harm
reduction programming. As for deficiencies, there is a need for more
understanding and funding from leaders in both legislative and departmental
oversight, so that resources that FRs truly need and require can be provided.
A 2008 study of MH and suicide identified that police officers and firefighters
are more likely to die from suicide than from a work-related incident
(Heyman, 2018). FRs such as police, firefighters and paramedics are exposed
to potentially traumatic stressors as expected variables of their occupations
(Rudieger, 2021). These exposures are unavoidable due to the nature of

JIBC Research Brief
responding to emergencies linked to psychological distress, which many
frontline workers experience on a daily basis (Joyce et al., 2019). Increases in
MH issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and rates of suicide have
prompted research into what FRs need to maintain good MH (Joyce et al.,
2019).

Recommendations: This research study illuminates the need to prioritize

recognition, resources and treatments of MH issues caused from FRs exposure
to trauma(s).
Education and training both for FRs and for their organizations is critical to
the success of the implementation of these programs. Further research into and
more funding of program development based on research and study results is
required.
For FR agencies to address stigma appropriately, there should be a collective
sense of security, where FRs feel as though they can disclose the issues they
are experiencing without fear of repercussions to their personal lives and/or
career. The research findings of Smith. et al., 2021, suggest holistic
approaches to supporting MH for FRs that encourage organizations to reachin, rather than placing the full onus of seeking help on the FR. This also
supports the idea of the peer-support initiative. A top down supportive culture
encouraging open lines of communication for FRs to discuss the stresses
associated with their occupations may assist in the management and support
for FRs MH in a more proactive manner.
From analysis of the research, further study into the elements of an effective
FR MH program or training is needed. While programs such as The Working
Mind (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2022), Here For My Peer
(Horan, K. et al., 2021), and the online delivered Mental Health First Aid
(Chowdhary et al., 2019) education programs have shown to be effective ways
that agencies can support their FRs. With the high rates of PTSD, self-harming
behaviours and trauma induced stresses due to the professions, there is a
further need for research into these support areas.
Advancement of technology and accessibility of computers and mobile phones
has led to the devices becoming extremely effective communication platforms
for service delivery. The utilization of technology provides convenient
alternatives to traditional face-to-face interactions.

JIBC Research Brief
References
Allen, J.A., Reitman-Palmon, R., Crowe, J., and Scott, C. (2018) Debriefs:
Teams learning from doing in context. American Psychologist 73(4) 504516. https://doi.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Famp0000246
Chowdhary, A., Zlotnikova, V., Lucas, C., & Lonie, J. M. (2019). How do
mental health first aid ™ interventions influence patient help-seeking
behaviours? A dilemma for pharmacist mental health first aid responders.
Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 15(1), 106-108.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2018.02.010
Dufty, N. (2013). Evaluating emergency management after an event: gaps and
suggestions. Australian Journal of Emergency Management 28(4). 15-19
retrieved from https://works.bepress.com/neil_dufty/31/
Heyman, M., Dill, J., & Douglas, R. (2018). The Ruderman white paper on
mental health and suicide of first responders (pp. 1-41). Ruderman Family
Foundation.
https://www.firefightermentalhealth.org/system/files/First%20Responder%
20White%20Paper_Final.pdf
Horan, K. A., Marks, M., Ruiz, J., Bowers, C., & Cunningham, A. (2021).
Here for my peer: The future of first responder mental health. International
Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), 11097.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111097
Joyce, S., Tan, L., Shand, F., Bryant, R. A., & Harvey, S. B. (2019). Can
resilience be measured and used to predict mental health symptomology
among first responders exposed to repeated trauma? Journal of
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61(4), 285-292.
https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001526
Mental Health Commission of Canada (2022). Opening minds. The Working
Mind - Mental Health Commission of Canada
Ruediger, I. (2021). Responding to first responder mental health [Capstone
Project, City University in
Canada]. https://repository.cityu.edu/bitstream/handle/20.500.11803/1520/
IsabelRuedigerCapstone.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y.
Smith, E., Dean, G., & Holmes, L. (2021). Supporting the mental health and
well-being of first responders from career to retirement: A scoping review.
Prehospital and disaster medicine, 36(4), 1-480.

JIBC Research Brief

https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X21000431