PTSD can occur in anyone at any age and is directly associated with the magnitude of the exposure to trauma and repeated exposure to trauma. However, not everyone exposed to trauma will develop it. Scientists don’t know why some people exposed to the same trauma develop PTSD and others do not. Being exposed to multiple traumas increases the risk of developing PTSD.

More importantly, no two people experience traumatic events the same way with the same intensity. So seemingly similar trauma experiences can affect people very differently. Factors such as genetics, previous trauma, multiple exposure, and history of childhood trauma can increase the chance of developing PTSD. Having an environment that promotes resilience, such as social support, provides some protection from developing it.

Symptoms of PTSD fall under the following four categories:

• Intrusion: Intrusive thoughts such as repeated, involuntary memories; nightmares; or flashbacks of the traumatic event. Flashbacks may be so vivid that people feel they are re-living the traumatic experience (seeing it before their eyes, hearing the sounds, feeling the smells).
• Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event may include avoiding people, places, activities, objects, and situations that may be related to or reminder of trauma. People may try to avoid remembering or thinking about the traumatic event. They may resist talking about what happened or how they feel about it.
• Alterations in cognition and mood: Inability to remember important aspects of the traumatic event, negative thoughts and feelings leading to ongoing and distorted beliefs about oneself or others (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted”); distorted thoughts about the cause or consequences of the event leading to wrongly blaming self or other; ongoing fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame; much less interest in activities previously enjoyed; feeling detached or estranged from others; or being unable to experience positive emotions (a void of happiness or satisfaction).
• Alterations in arousal and reactivity: namely always being on edge, screening for danger, and easily startled, being irritable and having angry outbursts; behaving recklessly or in a self-destructive way; or having problems concentrating or sleeping. PTSD symptoms will impact sleep.

It is important to remember that people can be distressed by nightmares, flashbacks, social isolation, anxiety, or other symptoms of PTSD without meeting diagnostic criteria. Treatment can help reduce these symptoms.

EMS, Police Officers, Firefighters, 911 Dispatchers and Corrections Officers are often the first to respond to emergencies that involve life-threatening situations and horrific events. They are exposed over time to multiple stress and traumatic events such as death, injuries, interpersonal violence, homicide, sex crimes, and often their own safety is at risk. These multiple exposures can lead to PTSD. Unfortunately, these exposures are common. More than 80% of first responders report traumatic events on the job. 3 According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, about 1 in 3 first responders will show symptoms of full-blown PTSD. 2 In comparison, 1 in 5 people in the general population develop PTSD. However, these numbers are rough estimates as first responders and the general population may not report their symptoms.

According to one study (4), PTSD was reported in approximately:

• 15% of emergency personnel – EMS
• 13% of rescue teams
• 7% of firefighters
• 5% of police officers

In absolute numbers, an estimated 400,000 first responders in America have at least some symptoms of PTSD. 3 More people have at least one symptom than have the psychiatric diagnosis of PTSD. These symptoms can still impact work and the person’s family even if symptoms and impairment do not warrant a diagnosis.

We have effective treatments which can lead to complete or partial eradication of the symptoms or distress. Treatment is based on therapy and self-management strategies with assistance as needed from medications. Treatment is also encouraged for symptoms of PTSD even if there is not a diagnosis.

• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive processing therapy or narrative exposure
• Medications are often anti-anxiety medications which have minimal side effects
• Self-management strategies, such as exercise and mindfulness techniques,

It is important to seek help and treatment as soon as possible, as PTSD not only can negatively affect a person’s life and livelihood, it also has detrimental impact on the brain and physical health. PTSD can increase risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, pain, substance use, and depression.

For more information on how to access a provider for assessment and treatment of possible PTSD please see: https://fst5.org/treatment/

https://theconversation.com/the-aching-blue-trauma-stress-and-invisible-wounds-of-those-in-law-enforcement-146539

https://theconversation.com/the-aching-red-firefighters-often-silently-suffer-from-trauma-and-job-related-stress-164994

https://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder/Overview

https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/04/health/life-you-evolved-for-partner/index.html

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd

https://institutesofhealth.org/ptsd-in-first-responders/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/symptoms/

https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359178918302416?via%3Dihub

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0145445517725048