Majority Of First Responders Have Experienced Symptoms Related To Mental Health, Need Support To Receive Care, According To New Survey (NAPS)—First responders put their lives on the line for public safety every day and a recent University of Phoenix” College of Humanities & Sciences survey foundthat 84 percent’ offirefighters, po- pe=\ lice officers, EMT/paramedics, lifeguards and nurses surveyed have experienced a traumatic event on thejob. The results found that 85 percent” ofthese first responders have experienced symptomsrelated to mental health issues, but manyfeel stigmas may deter somefirst responders from receiving the help they need. “With so many first responders reporting that they have experienced traumatic events in their jobs, it is critical to provide access to mental health services and for their employers to encourage them to seek help if needed,’ said Samantha Dutton, Ph.D., MSW, program director for University of Phoenix’s Bachelor in Social Work. “It is also essential that providers help first responders learn how to address stress that comes from experiences they encounter” WarningSigns ‘The same survey found that one in three (33 percent)’ first responders have received a formal diagnosis of a mental health disorder, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dr. Dutton says early warning signs can manifest in different ways and it is important to get care as soon aspossible. “Signs a person should consider talking to a mental health professional include not wanting to spend time with friends and family, getting angryeasily, and abusing drugs oralcohol,” she said. “The key to prevention is to identify work-related pressures and notlet them build up, which could lead to moreseri- ous mental health needs.” Removing Stigmas First responders reported* that they felt that there could be negative repercussions (such as their supervisor treating them differently, being viewed as weak by colleagues or being looked over for promotions) for formalizing their need for mental health help. However, Dr. Dutton says that in her professional experience, seeking mental health care has rarely affected one’s position at the workplace, butit is when they do not seek care that things get progressively worse, and then their jobs could beaffected. “There’s no difference between seeking mentalhealth care and going to the First responders know how to save others but sometimes need help saving themselves. doctor to treat a cold,’ Dutton conclud- ed. “Just like you wouldn't expect a brokenleg to healbyitself, you can't expect your mentalhealth concerns to heal on their own” How Public Safety Agencies Can Help Although the survey found approximately half? of first responders have participated in pre-exposure mental health training (51 percent)* and “psychological first-aid” after an incident (49 percent)’, there arestill roughly half of first responders without any pre- or post-training or mental health support before or after an incident. Additionally, 69 percent offirst responders say mental health services are seldom or never utilized at their organization. To help first responders seek and feel comfortable receivingcare: Employers can be proactive educating first responders about the resources available to them to address mental health and to help eliminate the stigma around receiving mental health care. Organizations employing first re- sponders can encourage mental wellbeing—notjustafter a traumatic event but even from the effects of routine stress on the job. Managers can speak openly about mentalhealth to let people know there is nothing wrong with seekinghelp. University of Phoenix operates eight counseling centers in six states (California, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Colorado) that offer free services to members of the community. For more information or to set up an appointment, visit www.phoenix.edu/col leges_divisions/social-sciences/coun seling-skills-centers.html. Visit www.phoenix.edu/firstrespond ers to find full results from thefirst responders’ mentalhealth survey. "This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalfof University ofPhoenix between Feb. 2 and 21, 2017, among 2,004 U.S. adults aged 18 and older, who are employed aseithera firefighter, police officer, EMT/paramedic,lifeguard or nurse. Figures were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportionsin the first responder population. Propensity score weighting wasalso used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online. ?Ibid 3Ibid “Ibid SIbid Ibid "Ibid 8Ibid
