Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among first aid providers

Anna Marie Moe Øvstebø; Conrad Arnfinn Bjørshol; Sissel Grønlien; Helene Lund; Thomas Werner Lindner

doi:10.1016/j.resplu.2023.100373

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder among first aid providers

Resusc Plus. 2023 Mar 9:14:100373. doi: 10.1016/j.resplu.2023.100373. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Authors

Anna Marie Moe Øvstebø¹, Conrad Arnfinn Bjørshol^{1

2

3}, Sissel Grønlien⁴, Helene Lund⁵, Thomas Werner Lindner¹

Affiliations

¹ The Regional Centre for Emergency Medical Research and Development (RAKOS), Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
² Dept. of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
³ Clinical Institute 1, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
⁴ Emergency Medical Communication Center, Innlandet Hospital, Gjøvik, Norway.
⁵ Emergency Medical Communication Center, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.

Abstract

Background: Every year, large numbers of individuals are present or provide first aid in situations involving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, injuries, or suicides. Little is known about the impact of providing first aid or witnessing a first aid situation, but research indicates that many first aid providers (FAP) experience persistent psychological difficulties. Here we aimed to assess the level of psychological impact of being a FAP.

Methods: In this retrospective study, FAP attending follow-up were asked to complete the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), which is a self-report diagnostic measure of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). We recorded endorsement of a symptom or functional impairment (score ≥ 2/4 on at least one of 18 items).

Results: Of the 102 FAP in this study, 86 (84%) showed endorsement of a symptom or functional impairment. Common symptoms/functional impairments included being super-alert, watchful, or on guard; having powerful mental images; avoiding internal reminders or memories; and being affected in important parts of one's life. One-third had affected ability to work. Of the FAPs who attended follow-up more than one month after the incident (n = 32), 19% met the criteria for PTSD or CPTSD.

Conclusions: The majority of FAPs have endorsement of a symptom or functional impairment. Some FAPs fulfil the criteria of PTSD. We suggest that follow-up should be offered by the EMS to all FAPs involved in incidents with an unconscious patient.

Keywords: CPR; Cardiac Arrest; First aid; First aid provider (FAP); Follow-up; Resuscitation.