Psychological Issues Among Emergency Service Personnel

Catalog description

This course explores issues related to the reactions of emergency service personal responding to serious crisis events. It provides perspectives on psychological effects and covers supportive and practical assistance available in the aftermath of disasters as well as more commonplace critical events, e.g., dealing with the psychological aftermath of accidents, PTSD, robberies, suicide, homicide, drug related issues, or community violence. The course examines such issues from the perspective of emergency service personnel and organizations, including, working conditions unique to their respective positions, common and novel stressors inherent in their work, normal and abnormal adaptation to occupational stress and trauma, and research pertinent to resilience and recovery in emergency personnel. Students learn the effects of these issues on psychological functioning (cognitive and affective), risk factors and assessment, clinical intervention, operational support, the role of organizational culture and resources for follow-up care and treatment.