First Responder Study: The Development of a First Responder Clinic

Status: Completed
Project Lead: Dr. Simon Hatcher (PI)
Main Research Contact: Brooklyn Ward
Funded By: Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)

Due to the nature of their employment, first responders (including firefighters, paramedics and police officers) regularly encounter emergency situations, and are frequently exposed to critical stress incidents either as witnesses or victims1. Routine exposure to these dangerous, often life-threatening and potentially traumatizing incidents, places first responders at increased risk of developing mental disorders such as: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder and the development of suicidal thoughts.

To address this, we are conducting a two-part study which will inform the development of a First Responder Operational Stress Injury Clinic.

Qualitative Interviews

In the first part of the study, we conducted qualitative interviews with Ottawa police, paramedics and firefighters to determine what a first responder specific clinic should look like. This sought to address questions like “where should the clinic be located?”, “what mental health professionals should be employed at the clinic?”, and “should the clinic be a uniform-free space?”

Evaluation of Intake Assessment Methods

In the second part of the study, we are comparing exploring the feasibility and acceptability of different intake assessment procedures to be used in the clinic. This includes a series of questionnaires that evaluate the symptoms of mental health disorders, such as PTSD, depression, and substance misuse. We will also evaluate how
these mental health symptoms relate to other wellness measures like the number of
days off work and quality of life.