First Responders addiction wellness in New Hampshire

WHO ARE FIRST RESPONDERS

While emergency medical technicians (EMTs), police, and firefighters are the first few jobs that come to mind when most people think about first responders, several other jobs also put workers right in the middle of tense situations. Park rangers, FEMA personnel, animal control personnel, Red Cross personnel, and military personnel are all professionals who can be considered first responders.

A first responder is defined as a person with specialized training who is among the first to appear at the scene of an emergency, such as an accident, catastrophe, medical emergency, structure fire, crime, or terrorist attack, to provide help, assistance, or any form of resolution to the incident. And to be adequately equipped to deal with these dangers, hazardous circumstances, or uncertainties, a first responder requires specialized training and abilities that distinguish them from other members of society.

Due to the nature of their work, first responders are exposed to risk and trauma almost constantly. It has become increasingly apparent that everyone in these positions is at heightened risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic stress, and burnout. In the past, a popular opinion held by most people was that any individual could handle the pressure brought about by this high-intensity profession. However, this is no longer the case.

FIRST RESPONDERS AND ADDICTION

First responders deal with various scenarios that most people would find challenging. Due to this, there is a much greater chance of acquiring mental health problems. According to experts, nearly 30% of first responders have behavioral health problems while serving. Anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are some problems these brave men and women face.

They could also experience increased stress even if they don’t have a specific illness. And as a result, these people tend to develop traits like anger issues and trouble eating or sleeping.  First responders struggle with working in a dangerous, high-stress situation while being expected to hide their mental health due to how the work environment has conditioned them to frown against any form of weakness.

First responders, particularly police officers, deal with many distressing incidents daily. They risk getting hurt physically and could run into painful things like murder, suicide, and domestic abuse. Additionally, police personnel must present a respectable image to the public. This may be a very delicate balance to maintain.

When comparing police personnel to the general population, the tendency to indulge in illicit drugs is less likely. However, they are more susceptible to becoming addicted to alcohol. Numerous studies reveal that police personnel has high rates of drunkenness or risky behaviors. According to a 2010 survey, 16% of female and 11% of male police officers had consumed alcohol at a level that put them at risk the week before.

In firefighters’ cases, the risk of smoke inhalation, severe burns, and even death is increased for them. They can also be on edge due to the 24-hour shifts that firefighters perform. As a result, the probability of developing mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and acute stress disorders is heightened. To cope with their intense situation, many firefighters, unfortunately, attempt self-medication to treat the symptoms of these illnesses.

According to a recent national poll, 29% of firefighters misuse alcohol, and over 10% misuse prescription medications. In addition, compared to the general population, firefighters had substantially greater rates of drinking alcohol in excess. This situation is more or less similar to other professions that fall under the first responder’s category.