Burnout is an occupational problem caused by high chronic workplace stress that is not well managed. It occurs in people with stressful jobs, such as first responders, health care workers, teachers, and public servants. The stress could be related to heavy workload, lack of breaks or time off, and short staffing. In the first responder environment, this stress is worsened by shift work schedules and exposure to traumatic events. Burnout is characterized by the long-term presence of cortisol in the body. While cortisol is beneficial for emergencies, it can cause problems in the long run.

Burnout is common. One study found that 43% of 911 dispatchers experienced high levels of burnout. The dispatchers reported an “overall feeling of being misunderstood and underappreciated”. Contributing to this high prevalence was the high perceived lack of control and high exposure to vicarious trauma.

Other reports highlight what happens to people with burnout. For example, a police officer who developed burnout might have been originally enthusiastic about the job but began to feel frustrations at work. The frustration then led to resenting superiors, drinking too much while off duty, experiencing problems at home, and ceasing to take the initiative on the job. The result was a police officer with burnout with problems both at work and home.

Emotional symptoms most commonly reported by first responders with burnout are anger and frustration. These symptoms may lead to depression, with sleep and eating disturbances and a feeling cynical at work and at home.

There are treatment options for agencies and individuals. Each is described below.
What can first responder agencies do?

Agencies can take many steps to reduce burnout. These steps begin with reversing the impression that self-care is “weakness”. First responders are expected to be strong no matter what is happening at work. However, being strong means knowing that breaks or stepping away even at work to regroup can help keep people healthy. To do this, the agency needs to actively encourage people to take breaks at work and superiors importantly need to model this behavior.

Second, the agency should encourage first responders to take vacation and sick leaves when needed. These breaks away from work are also needed to avoid burnout.

Lastly, encourage first responders to use supportive programs such as peer support and Employee Assistance programs to discuss work and life stressors when needed. There should be no consequence of using these confidential resources. Check here for additional tools on how leadership and agencies can help their employees.

What individuals can do

As individuals, first responders can take steps to reduce stress that may lead to burnout in their lives.

• For dispatchers, take regular quick breaks from phones and computers throughout the day, even for a few moments. In the study of the 9-1-1 dispatchers, mindfulness training was recommended as a way to increase perceived control over their work role. Even though dispatchers can’t control when calls come in, they can control the influence that those events have on them through mindfulness techniques.
• For all first responders, move. Long periods of time sitting in a vehicle or in front of a computer contribute to stress. Also, research shows that being physically active may help to reduce or prevent burnout.
• Create a separation between work and home. It is important to save “at home or off time” for family and friends. This means spending time on activities, like hobbies, that bring joy. Talking about work happens but it should not dominate at home time.
• Do things you enjoy and brings joy to your life, like getting outside, laughing at stupid jokes, listening to music, playing games etc.

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Frontline-Wellness/2020/How-to-Tell-When-Your-Stress-Level-is-Becoming-Harmful

https://www.joinipsa.org/IPSA-Blog/1068088

https://emotionalsurvival.com/about.htm#:~:text=Dr.%20Gilmartin%E2%80%99s%20book%2C%20Emotional%20Survival%20for%20Law%20Enforcement%2C,through%20the%20personal%20challenges%20faced%20by%20every%20cop

https://www.health.com/condition/stress/burnout

https://www.bizlibrary.com/blog/workforce-management/workplace-mental-health/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343403733_Peer_Support_Programs-_Mitigating_the_Emotional_Effects_of_Vicarious_Trauma_Experienced_by_911_Dispatchers