Risk factors for Firefighters

A few studies have also looked at what factors might put firefighters at greater risk for the development of PTSD. A number of risk factors for PTSD among firefighters have been identified. These include:

• Being previously in treatment for another disorder.
• Starting work as a firefighter at a younger age.
• Being unmarried
• Holding a supervisory rank in the fire service.
• Proximity to death during a traumatic event.
• Experiencing feelings of fear and horror during a traumatic event.
• Experiencing another stressful event (for example, loss of a loved one) after a traumatic event.
• Holding negative beliefs about oneself (for example, feeling as though you are inadequate or weak).
• Feeling as though you have little control over your life.
• Hostility.

Most stress tends to be cumulative rather than a singular incident or event, which appears to have developed for no apparent reason. Consistently dealing with stress often causes people to acquire ineffective coping skills and often progressively high risk behaviours. This usually results in poor decision making, bad choices and a strain on our thinking and performance. This can evolve into a conspiracy of silence that characterizes Firefighters reactions to stress and trauma

Treatments

PTSD is treatable. If you think you may have it, the first step is to see your GP, who will probably refer you for treatment. This often involves psychotherapy, medication or a combination of the two.

• Psychotherapy. Therapists tend to use behavioural therapy, which encourages you to talk about the trauma in detail and cope with the emotions that surround it, and/or cognitive therapy, which helps you to overcome any negative thoughts that you've developed since the trauma (such as, I cant see the point in living).
• Many people with PTSD also suffer from depression, so anti-depressants are often prescribed to reduce symptoms and make therapy sessions more effective. The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your disorder and how quickly you progress.

To make a PTSD claim

You simply have to fill in the Form which is to be found on this website and send it to us by e-mail. Please complete the Form with as much detail as possible.

You can also contact us by telephone and we will take your initial details from you. We can then advise you as to whether you have a potential claim.

For more information please call 0800 118 5855