Origins Behavioral Healthcare West Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Session Description: The hazards of the first responder's job include exposure to trauma resulting in mental health issues such as PTSD, as well as substance use disorders. First responder wellness can have implications for patients, crews, families, and the community at large. Therefore, it is a social problem. This presenter will examine the concept of compassion fatigue including the symptoms and treatment. The presenter will also consider the relationship between compassion fatigue and PTSD. She will also explore the realities of trauma exposure among first responders, the challenges of accepting treatment, and the concurrent treatment of co-occurring trauma, mental health, and SUDs. This presenter will also consider how COVID-19 impacted first responder wellness and how this may impact treatment strategies. This presenter will share research inspired by her work with the Palm Beach County Firefighters Union. In this role, she witnessed the impact of on-the-job trauma exposure.
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
Upon completion, participations will be able to describe how on the job trauma exposure affects first responders from a biopsychosocial perspective.
Upon completion, participations will be able to apply strategies for mitigating barriers to treatment unique to the first responder culture.
Upon completion, participations will be able to utilize specific evidenced-based interventions and treatment modalities to improve the efficacy of their clinical practice with this population.