A Qualitative Investigation into the Trauma Exhibited by First Responders Impacted by the Opioid Epidemic

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to capture the lived experiences of first responders (FRs) combatting the opioid epidemic in an effort to better understand how the increase in opioids, opioid-related harm, and opioid-related death has affected the FR profession. FRs (N = 30) from Tennessee partook in semi-structured interviews investigating the impact of responding to opioid-related incidents. Using a phenomenological approach, three response themes emerged including (1) opioid epidemic burden on FR mental health, (2) variable availability and effectiveness of resources, and (3) identified roles of FRs in reducing the impact of the epidemic. The findings indicate that FRs are experiencing posttraumatic stress and secondary traumatic stress symptoms due to a shift in their duties, as well as repeated exposures to the adverse impacts of opioid use. This study finds a deficit in resources and support to combat the mental health repercussions FRs have experienced due to the epidemic. Given that FRs are often directly involved in preventing opioid-related deaths, ensuring that they are well resourced is an essential component of harm reduction and will ultimately augment care for individuals experiencing opioid-related harm.