Firefighters Accessing Care for Trauma: A Clinical Case Series of Distance NET for PTSD/I Symptoms

Repeated exposure to trauma is an unavoidable part of the job for firefighters. Because of this, many Canadian firefighters screen positive for posttraumatic stress disorder/injury (PTSD/I). Unfortunately, like the general population, firefighters face many barriers to accessing mental health care. As a result, additional efforts are needed to increase timely access to effective PTSD/I services that are delivered in a way that reduces confidentiality and stigma risk.

This research study will test the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of distance-delivered Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) delivered by a paraprofessional for firefighters with PTSD/I. NET is an evidence-based intervention approach developed specifically for PTSD/I resulting from repeated and continuous trauma. The intervention will be conducted via videoconference with a trained paraprofessional supervised by a clinical psychologist. The NET intervention will consist of 12 weekly 90-minute videoconference sessions.

Approximately 25 firefighters will be recruited to participate in the study. To test the efficacy of the intervention, participants will complete self-report questionnaires about PTSD/I and other mental health symptoms pre- and post-intervention as well as two- and six-months following intervention completion. Participants will also complete an open-ended interview at the end of the intervention to assess feasibility and participant satisfaction.