First Responders
A first responder is someone who is responsible for providing help to people who are in an accident or are in an emergency situation. For example, firefighters, police officers, army, military, navy, doctors, nurses, paramedics, among others. Those who work in these positions face traumatic experiences on a near daily basis. Because first responders encounter these experiences so often, it can lead to issues in all aspects of their lives.
Some of these include nightmares, intrusive thoughts or images, difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal ideation or thoughts, self-harm behaviours, anger problems, emotional dysregulation, dissociation, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, feeling a sense of numbness, engaging in risky behaviours, isolation, addiction, obsessive and compulsive behaviours, change in appetite, unexplained body ailments, difficulty connecting with others, among many more.
When helping first responders in a therapy setting, it’s important to understand the impact that workplace trauma has on the person and their loved ones. It can be retraumatizing for first responders, or anyone who has experienced ongoing trauma, to discuss any detail about their traumatic experiences. This is why taking a body centered or emotions-based approach is helpful with this population. It is beneficial to have a foundation of how the body and mind intersect, unconditional positive regard and compassion, and the patience and courage to walk alongside those who have experienced ongoing and persistent trauma reactions and responses.
