“This is it…this is our normal” - the voices of family members and first responders experiencing duty-related trauma in Ireland
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 2024External DOI
PubMed ID
38776684Department/Unit
- SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research
Research Area
- Surgical Science and Practice
- Population Health and Health Services
- Health Professions Education
Publisher
Elsevier BVVersion
- Published Version (Version of Record)