A systematic review of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stanley, Ian H.; Hom, Melanie A.; Joiner, Thomas E.
• Is Part Of: Clinical psychology review. Volume 44(2016)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: First responders -- Police -- Firefighters -- Emergency medical technicians -- Paramedics -- Suicide; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychology, Clinical -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.12.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-7358

Abstract

Abstract: First responders—police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics—experience significant job-related stressors and exposures that may confer increased risk for mental health morbidities (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], suicidal thoughts and behaviors) and hastened mortality (e.g., death by suicide). Inherent in these occupations, however, are also factors (e.g., camaraderie, pre-enlistment screening) that may inoculate against the development or maintenance of psychiatric conditions. Several reviews of the literature have documented the prevalence and potency of PTSD among first responders; the value of these extant reviews is considerable. Nonetheless, the literature has not been systematically described with regard to suicidality. In this systematic review, we present 63 quantitative studies examining suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and/or fatalities among first responders; identify population-specific risk and protective factors; and pinpoint strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature. Findings reveal elevated risk for suicide among first responders; however, studies utilizing more rigorous methodologies (e.g., longitudinal designs, probability sampling strategies) are sorely needed. First responders have an armamentarium of resources to take care of others; it is the duty of researchers, clinicians, and the public to aid in taking care of their health as well, in part by reducing suicide risk. Highlights: Police, firefighters, and EMTs/paramedics experience significant stressors. Suicide risk may be elevated among these first responders. We review studies examining rates and correlates of suicide among first responders.