How Correctional Officers Experience Inmates Suicidal Behavior? – Qualitative Research and Development of The Model of a House

As first responders in prisons, correctional officers are more exposed to suicides than the general population. The aim of the study was to explore how they experience the suicidal behavior of inmates and how they cope with potential psychological consequences of these experiences. We conducted interviews with 11 male correctional officers working in 12-h shifts, and analysed the data using a grounded theory approach. Results were conceptualised in The Model of a House, which consists of five parts representing different aspects of the experience. The model provides an overall understanding of how correctional officers experience the suicidal behavior of inmates.

Closing the Gap on COVID-19 Vaccinations in First Responders and Beyond: Increasing Trust

Although COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in the U.S. and much of the world, many have chosen to forgo this vaccination. Emergency medical services (EMS) professionals, despite their role on the frontlines and interactions with COVID-positive patients, are not immune to vaccine hesitancy. Via a survey conducted in April 2021, we investigated the extent to which first responders in the U.S. trusted various information sources to provide reliable information about COVID-19 vaccines. Those vaccinated generally trusted healthcare providers as a source of information, but unvaccinated first responders had fairly low trust in this information source—a group to which they, themselves, belong. Additionally, regardless of vaccination status, trust in all levels of government, employers, and their community as sources of information was low. Free-response explanations provided some context to these findings, such as preference for other COVID-19 management options, including drugs proven ineffective. A trusted source of COVID-19 vaccination information is not readily apparent. Individuals expressed a strong desire for the autonomy to make vaccination decisions for themselves, as opposed to mandates. Potential reasons for low trust, possible solutions to address them, generalizability to the broader public, and implications of low trust in official institutions are discussed.

Impact of dual dispatch system implementation on response times and survival outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in rural areas

Objectives: Dual dispatch early defibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims provided by firefighters in addition to Emergency medical services (EMS) has proven to increase rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and thus survival in the metropolitan or suburban areas whereas the data in rural areas are scarce. Methods: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of EMS resuscitated OHCA victims in regions with dual dispatch of volunteer firefighters as first responders (intervention group). Historical group was based on all OHCAs occurring in these regions before the implementation of first responders (EMS response only). Multivariate logistic regression with following variables: intervention, age, gender, witnessed status, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first rhythm and etiology were used to control for confounding factors affecting ROSC. Results: A total of 312 OHCAs were included in the study (historical group, n = 115 and intervention group, n = 197). Median time to arrival of first help shortened significantly for all patients, patients with ROSC and patients with Cerebral Performance Category 1/2 (CPC 1/2) in intervention vs historical group (8 vs 12 min, p < 0.001; 7.5 vs 11 min, p = 0.002; 7 vs 10 min, p = 0.011; respectively). The proportion of patients with ROSC, 30-day survival and CPC 1/2 at hospital discharge remained unchanged in intervention vs historical group (21% vs 23%, p = 0.808; 7% vs 6%, p = 0.914; 6% vs 3%, p = 0.442; respectively). The logistic regression model of adjustment confirms the absence of improvement in the ROSC rate after the implementation of first responders. Conclusions: Introduction of a dual dispatch of local first responders in addition to EMS in cases of OHCA significantly shortened response times. However, reduced response times were not associated with better survival outcomes.

Salutogenesis and the Mental Health of First Responders

In this chapter, the author addresses salutogenesis and the mental health of first responders (FRs). Research has observed FRs to be prone to psychological distress and psychopathology resulting from their repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events. Most of the literature is focused on postevent treatment. The author discusses a mental fitness model that includes salutogenically oriented psychoeducation and other activities to enhance mental fitness among FRs and build their psychological strengths as they face adversities on their job.In closing, the author recommends that besides psychopathology-oriented programs intended for providing mental first aid to FRs and for the communities who experience potentially traumatic events, intervention also should include salutogenically based mental preparation programs. These should emphasize the strengths and resources that could help FRs arrive at scenes of disaster equipped with salutogenic resources, at the strategic as well as tactical levels.

Training Program Analysis for Incidents in Hydrogen Refueling Stations

As the number of hydrogen refueling stations has increased rapidly in recent times, evaluating their incident training programs for first responders, has gained importance. In this study, the Delphi method was used for investigating the training programs, and the importance of the consensus programs was analyzed using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Location and operating methods of the emergency shutdown devices, safety distance, and response procedures depending on the hydrogen refueling station and hydrogen vehicle, were deduced. The results reveal that the training regarding emergency shutdown devices is the most important, followed by the one regarding safety distance. Quantitative analysis with regard to the training programs for hydrogen refueling stations can improve the response capability of first responders.

‘It’s the Same Thing as Giving Them CPR Training’: Rural Emergency Responders Perspectives on Naloxone

Most states in the US have implemented Good Samaritan Laws (GSLs) that provide legal protections for anyone calling law enforcement and first responders trained to administer naloxone and reverse overdoses. Despite these laws, some bystanders are reluctant to call the authorities, prompting requests to increase naloxone access and administration training among lay persons. This study examines the perceptions of emergency first responders in a frontier and remote (FAR) state to understand their job responsibilities and perceptions of layperson naloxone administration training. This study includes 22 interviews with law enforcement, EMS and/or fire personnel, members of community organizations responsible for responding to opioid overdoses. The study finds widespread support for layperson naloxone training and administration throughout Montana due to rural first responders’ inability to meet the needs of residents and an overall lack of resources to address substance use. This study adds to the literature because of it focuses on first responders in a frontier and remote area (FAR) that would benefit from layperson naloxone education and administration training due to its geographic expansiveness and the area’s overall lack of resources. A harm reduction approach that trains laypeople to administer naloxone might be FAR residents’ best chance for survival after an opioid overdose.

Project Faster — Tools For First Responders

This paper presents tools and technologies for first responders (FRs) carrying out tasks at crisis scenes. These technologies are being developed in the framework of the European scientific research project FASTER. There are innovative tools that can help rescuers respond quickly and effectively to save human life and health. This work concerns improving and extending communication and situational awareness for rescuers, smart textiles, autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles. The main point is to integrate the tools into a system coordinated using a mobile operation command centre that will provide a portable common operational picture (PCOP). For the project, the key is to increase the safety of first responders, not just the efficiency of their operations.