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Med. Pr. 2001;52(3)

Post-traumatic stress disorder and firefighters' attitute to wards their job

Zespół zaburzeń po stresie urazowym a stosunek do pracy strażaków

J. Koniarek, B. Dudek

Abstract

Work in a fire-brigade is very often associated with exposure to traumatic events. Some firefighters manifest post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. In spite of PTSD development, firefighters have to perform various tasks according to their responsibilities. The paper addresses the problem of the relationship between PTSD symptoms development and firefighters' attitudes to their job. The survey covered a representative sample of Polish firefighters (n = 974). The results showed that the higherlevel of PTSD symptoms the lower level of work satisfaction among firefighters; and the more evident readiness to quit the job. They also indicated that the was perceived physically and mentally exhausting,and having negative impact on private life of the subjects.

Key words

firefighters, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), work motivation