Impact of disasters on the disaster responders: A review of stress, coping, resilience, and supportive methods

Abstract

Abstract: As disasters are becoming more common, there is an ever-increasing need for support from personnel working in those situations, from search and rescue to emergency health care, relief, and postdisaster short- and long-term support. Exposure to traumatic situations affects disaster responders psychologically for various reasons and to different degrees. These mental health sequelae need to be identified, and the responders should be appropriately supported. A narrative review was conducted from the available literature in this regard. There are reports of the impact of disaster stress on disaster responders, and many have short- and long-term consequences. These are mostly anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. In some cases, it might impair their effectiveness in disaster work. There is information about improving preparedness for disaster exposure, coping strategies, and effective psychological intervention methods for the responders. However, the availability and adequacy of the support system in various situations are not clear. The impact of disaster trauma on disaster responders needs to be extensively studied and support systems should be in place to manage the negative psychosocial outcomes.