Reducing the impacts of exposure to potentially traumatic events on the mental health of public safety personnel: A rapid systematic scoping review

Police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians and paramedics are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events (PTE) in their work as public safety personnel (PSP). PTE are a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. This systematic rapid scoping review summarizes evaluation research on psychosocial interventions to reduce the negative consequences of exposure to work-related PTE on the mental health of PSP. Articles were identified using PubMed and PsycInfo. Publications from January 1, 2013, to December 1, 2020, were retained because the research published before 2013 was covered by other reviews. We identified 601 unique documents; 30 met preliminary eligibility criteria; and 18 were retained. Most studies were limited to police officers and firefighters. Participants exposed to prevention measures reported improvements of symptoms of depression, burnout, anxiety, sleep problems, and well-being. Most articles identified factors that may hinder or facilitate the use of program components. Studies on ways to support PSP recently affected by a PTE are lacking. There are little data on the efficacy of prevention programs in reducing the prevalence of mental disorders associated with PTE. More studies should focus on identifying participant characteristics and intervention components that influence program use, adherence, and efficacy. Realistic evaluations combined with participatory research could help address important knowledge gaps.