(PS11-A8) Helping the Helpers: Clarifying the Nature of Trauma Exposure, Posttraumatic Stress, and Job Satisfaction Among First Responder Subgroups

Background: Trauma exposure is common among first responders and associates with posttraumatic stress (PTS; Davis et al., 2019; Marmar et al., 2006). However, there is a dearth of research on differences among first responder subgroups in terms of types of trauma exposure and associated (PSS) and job satisfaction. The limited research to date limits the understanding of how this at-risk group may benefit from the allocation of mental health resources. The present study examined differences between first responder subgroups in terms of trauma exposure, PTS severity, and job satisfaction to clarify the nature of trauma exposure among these subgroups and to investigate the associations between trauma and PSS and job satisfaction. It was hypothesized that trauma exposure would associate with lower levels of job satisfaction and that those identifying as paramedics would have higher levels of PTS relative to firefighter and dual-role responders.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to anonymously collect data from first responder participants that voluntarily completed online measures of trauma exposure (Life Events Checklist; LEC-5), PTS (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM5; PCL5), and job satisfaction (Professional Quality of Life Scale; ProQol). First responder subgroups included firefighters (n = 41), paramedics (n = 49), and those working in both occupations (dual-role, n = 153). Group comparisons were conducted using ANOVA.

Results: Findings confirmed elevated rates of job-related trauma exposure across all groups (LEC5: M = 10.41, SD = 3.59) and elevated PSS (PCL5: M = 28.82, SD = 20.26). Additionally, paramedics evidenced significantly higher levels of ProQol-Burnout (p < .05) and lower levels of ProQol-Compassion satisfaction (p < .001), despite no significant group differences on PSS (PCL5: p > .05).

Discussion: Study findings are consistent with the limited research available indicating a high rate of trauma exposure and elevated PSS severity among first responders. The results presented here add to the literature by underscoring the need to examine the specific roles of first responders. The finding that paramedics are at greater risk for additional deleterious mental health consequences (i.e., burnout, compassion satisfaction), despite comparable trauma exposure and PSS, may reflect the interpersonal nature specific to this role (e.g., exposure to physical injuries and death versus fire) and suggest the potential utility of targeted mental health outreach efforts and allocation of mental health resources. Discussion will focus on the clinical implications of the study findings and further examination of the role of specific trauma exposures in relation to PSS and job satisfaction among this sample of first responder subgroups.