Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

5-2022

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Epidemiology

First Committee Member

Sharon Medcalf, Ph.D.

Second Committee Member

Keith Hansen, MBA

Third Committee Member

Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Ph.D.

Abstract

First responders work in a high-stress environment that can potentially produce traumatic situations. This includes aiding in the recovery and response efforts of critical events such as a disaster. A significant risk factor for developing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms is people who have been through a disaster (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019). This literature review aims to search for evidence on PTSD in first responders following a disaster, identify the factors associated with the development of PTSD, and make recommendations on best practices to reduce or mitigate the incidences of PTSD. The search was conducted in three academic databases: PsycINFO, CINAHL, and MEDLINE. The articles included in this literature review primarily addressed the effect of post-traumatic stress disorder on first responders after experiencing a disaster. The studies included in this review provided evidence of PTSD in first responders following a disaster. However, the prevalence and severity of the disorder varied based on several factors. Future research is necessary to evaluate further the factors associated with the development and severity of PTSD symptoms in first responders after experiencing a disaster.

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