Mechanism and strategies for preventing post-traumatic stress disorder in forensic workers responding to mass fatality incidents

Abstract Mass fatality incidents (MFIs) expose medical examiners/coroners and associated staff to circumstances that may increase their risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this paper is to provide guidance for efforts to prevent the development of PTSD in forensic t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic and legal medicine 2008-02, Vol.15 (2), p.78-88
Main Authors: Brondolo, Elizabeth, PhD, Wellington, Robin, PhD, Brady, Nisha, BA, Libby, Daniel, BA, Brondolo, Thomas J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Brain - physiology
Coroners and Medical Examiners - psychology
Emotions
Forensic workers
Humans
Job stress
Mass Casualty Incidents - psychology
Mass fatality incidents
Medical examiners
Mental Recall
Pathology
PTSD
Recovery workers
Rescue Work
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - diagnosis
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - prevention & control
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Summary:Abstract Mass fatality incidents (MFIs) expose medical examiners/coroners and associated staff to circumstances that may increase their risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this paper is to provide guidance for efforts to prevent the development of PTSD in forensic teams who respond to mass disasters. We present a model of the paths through which exposure to mass fatality incidents may lead to PTSD symptoms in forensic and recovery workers. The model is based on current research in stress and coping and the psychophysiology of PTSD and is used to generate worksite intervention strategies to reduce the risk for PTSD.
ISSN:1752-928X
1878-7487
DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2007.04.007