Terror attacks: are risks greater for patients or first responders? An apprentice dissertation

Tew, Joanna and Ward, Richard ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8776-0824 (2024) Terror attacks: are risks greater for patients or first responders? An apprentice dissertation. In: Centre of Excellence in Paramedic Practice Annual Staff Conference, 21-23 August 2024, University of Cumbria, Ambleside, UK. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: Terror attacks have a significant impact on first responders’ wellbeing, with an associated risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Aims: To improve our understanding of the impact on paramedics’ mental health who respond to real-life terror attacks.

Methodology: A literature search was carried out on databases using the PRISMA strategy. Critical appraisal tools were utilised alongside a simple thematic analysis to appraise and synthesis the literature.

Findings: Ten papers were identified with two main themes. (1) ‘Level of Exposure’: increases responder’s risk of developing PTSD and poor psychopathology. (2) ‘Lack of Preparedness’: unfamiliar tasks, working outside scope of practice and lack of psychological impact education increased risks to responders’.

Conclusion: To deploy paramedics into terror attack warm zones policy needs to consider the associated psychological risk. Training should incorporate individual stress management techniques and education on the extreme emotions paramedics may experience. However, more research specifically with the paramedic population is required.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Lecture)
Departments:	Institute of Health > Centre for Excellence in Paramedic Practice
Additional Information:	Paper accepted by Journal of Paramedic Practice - see Insight item 8381.
Depositing User:	Richard Ward
Date Deposited:	05 Sep 2024 08:44
Last Modified:	06 Sep 2024 09:21
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/7849

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