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“This is it…this is our normal” - the voices of family members and first responders experiencing duty-related trauma in Ireland

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posted on 2024-07-19, 09:06 authored by Angeline Traynor, Brian DoyleBrian Doyle, Walter Eppich, Anna Tjin, Claire MulhallClaire Mulhall, Michelle O'TooleMichelle O'Toole

Background: Compared to other occupational groups, first responders (FR) experience worse mental health outcomes due to duty-related trauma and occupational stressors. Despite their best efforts, they bring this stress home to friends and family. Consequently, FR and their supporters suffer from increased psychosocial difficulties and experience stigma and other barriers to help-seeking. Prior work offers little opportunity for open dialogue and shared understanding of the repercussions of this occupation for all members of the first responder community. In this qualitative study, we aimed to: (i) explore the lived experience of Irish FR and their family members (FM) related to occupational stressors, and (ii) identify opportunities to engage FM with existing organizational supports available for FR.

Methods: Using a community based participatory research (CBPR) approach, we conducted six focus groups involving a total of fourteen participants comprising FR, organizational representatives, and FM. All focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings: FR and FM shared their experiences of both joining and learning to live as members of the FR community in Ireland. Through our analysis, we identified a main theme of 'crossing thresholds', characterizing their transformative learning experiences. This learning experience includes recognizing the consequences of this new role for them as individuals and for their relationships. Participants also shared how they have learned to cope with the consequences of their roles and what they need to better support each other.

Conclusions: FM are often unheard, hidden members of the first responder community in Ireland, highlighting an unmet need for FR organizations to acknowledge FM role in supporting FR and to provide them with the appropriate training and resources required. Training for new recruits needs to move beyond the tokenistic involvement of FM and encourage knowledge sharing among experienced and novice members. Cultural change is required to support help-seeking among FR and foster a sense of peer support and community among families.

Funding

Movember Veterans and First Responders fund, in conjunction with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, under grant number 21125A01.

CAE Healthcare Centre of Excellence

History

Comments

The original article is available at https://www.sciencedirect.com/

Published Citation

Traynor A. et al. "This is it…this is our normal" - the voices of family members and first responders experiencing duty-related trauma in Ireland. Compr Psychiatry. 2024;133:152499.

Publication Date

10 May 2024

PubMed ID

38776684

Department/Unit

  • SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research

Research Area

  • Surgical Science and Practice
  • Population Health and Health Services
  • Health Professions Education

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Version

  • Published Version (Version of Record)