Early intervention and prevention of traumatic stress among first responders and health care workers

First responders (paramedics, fire and emergency workers, police, and medical emergency workers) are at high risk of being exposed to traumatic events in their occupational roles. Responding to critical incidents often involves exposure to life-threatening circumstances, dealing with fatalities, as well as encountering highly stressful situations that may trigger traumatic responses. There is a need for evidence-based support for first responders and healthcare workers who have been exposed to trauma in their working roles.