First Responder Safety Training (FiRST)

Summary

As a result of chronic exposures to traumatic and stressful events, first responders are at elevated risk for experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems. Resilience training can reduce the risk for developing mental health symptoms in first responders. The National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration developed the Worker Resilience Training (WRT) program - a 4-hour interactive workshop to educate responders on the effects of traumatic exposures, PTSD and ways to increase adaptive coping resources and promote resilience. The investigators completed a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of the WRT for active responders (n = 167). Results indicated that the WRT, as compared to a waitlist control group, helped prevent the development of PTSD and depression symptoms, and improved important resilience indicators (i.e., healthy lifestyle behaviors, stress management, physical activity) over the course of three months. The proposed multi-site RCT seeks to build on our initial study by conducting a Stage III efficacy trial of the WRT workshop in N=800 first responders in New York (NY) and Texas (TX). Our specific aims are: Aim 1. To evaluate the efficacy of the WRT program for improving resilience indicators, defined as health promoting lifestyle behaviors, stress management and physical activity, and improving perceived resilience over the course of one year. Aim 2. To evaluate whether the WRT program serves to prevent the development or worsening of psychological symptoms and impairments in functioning over the course of one year among those first responders who are exposed to traumatic events after participation in the study workshop. Aim 3. To identify the target treatment mechanisms of the WRT for preserving mental and occupational health outcomes and functioning over the course of one year in first responders who are exposed to traumatic events post-workshop. Aim 4. To gather qualitative data to further inform a future effectiveness trial including perceptions about the use and potential impact of peer leaders delivering the program content, and perceptions about mode of program delivery via open-ended questions at follow-up. The investigators will use a cluster RCT design and multi-modal assessments including self-report measures, a web-based stress reactivity performance task, and real-time accelerometry. Participants in both conditions will also receive a booster session at 3 months post workshop to reinforce skills and intervention knowledge. This study will contribute to our understanding of how resilience training may serve to protect the mental health and functioning of first responders. This study has important clinical and public health implications, including preserving/strengthening mental health and reducing overall personal and financial costs. This study also takes a research to practice approach by working collaboratively with fire departments and EMS organizations in NY and TX. If successful, the investigators will work with these leaders to develop a method for annual WRT trainings to foster resilience and promote well-being long-term for first responders.

Conditions

• Resilience and Mental Health of First Responders

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Fire and Medical Safety (FAMS)

The 4-hour FAMS program consists of a review of standard fire and emergency medical health and safety guidelines, skills, and procedures common across fire and EMS departments nationally. The FAMS program will cover topics that are typically presented to fire and EMS providers annually for continuing education or recertification purposes. The FAMS program will adapt content relevant to fire and EMS health and safety operations, fire suppression and safety, gear operation and maintenance, as well as patient medical assessment and care. A booster session for a review of training materials and additional support will be conducted following the 3-month follow-up assessment.

BEHAVIORAL

Worker Resilience Training Program

The WRT is a 4-hour workshop to aid in building resilience and preventing the development of mental health problems among first responders and other workers frequently exposed to trauma. The WRT includes empirically supported psychological techniques such as motivational interviewing, health behavior goal setting, stress management skills and relaxation training. A booster session for a review of training materials and additional support will be conducted following the 3-month follow-up assessment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  collaborator NIH

• Texas A&M University

  collaborator OTHER

• Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

  collaborator OTHER

• Stony Brook University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Adam Gonzalez · Stony Brook University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-04-01

Primary Completion

2029-05-31

Completion

2030-06-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations