Every job comes with its struggles, but certain industries such as emergency and uniform, have higher risks of poor psychological health.
Careers in the fire service, police, and ambulance, come with high exposure towards traumatic situations that many people don’t normally come across in their lifetime. Being first responders, or commanders in such careers, means that whilst they deal with the initial traumatic experience, they then must write up reports and go over the sensitive issue repeatedly until it’s done.
These events can be harmful and can have a lasting impact on first responders, especially if there’s no follow-up support available for them. Poor mental wellbeing issues such as high stress levels can develop quickly and with support, they might not last for a long time. On the other hand, longer lasting and more complex issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop and can really have a negative impact on their lives.
Symptoms of PTSD include but are not limited to flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing images or sensations, pain, sweating, feeling sick and trembling. The list of symptoms could go on as a lot of people have different experiences, but the point is that it really can take a toll on people mentally and physically.
This leads to other areas in their lives being impacted such as relationships and work. Due to the flashbacks and other symptoms people can have insomnia, high levels of doubt in their work/ lack of confidence, and a lack in concentration due to intrusive thoughts, etc. People experiencing PTSD or high levels of stress will struggle with their jobs, having a further negative impact on the public involved in the emergencies.
In order to have brilliant, brave and heroic first-responders, they need to be supported and feel healthy within themselves. Investment in occupational health support is vital for the emergency services industry because it protects our very much needed and appreciated first-responders, whom also in turn protect members of the public.
By offering support in the early stages of aftermath, it can help to prevent more serious mental health issues from developing. By providing general wellbeing support as preventative care, it means that they can be more emotionally equipped and ready to tackle emergencies. By having highly skilled clinical help when more serious psychological help and escalations are needed, lives can be saved literally and metaphorically. The support is vital to help first responders continue with their lives in a healthy way and continue the hard work they care about.
At UKIM Occupational Health & Wellbeing, we offer occupational psychology and counselling as part of our wider occupational health packages, or as single purchases as and when you need it with our OH On-Demand service.
