“Forgotten” First Responders
Posted on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
There are many workers who have an occupational responsibility to respond to trauma, but are not considered traditional first responders (i.e., police, fire, and paramedic). Such professions include (but are not limited to) correctional officers, frontline homeless shelter staff and security, harm reduction and supervised consumption site workers, and search and rescue teams. Research demonstrates that individuals in these professions experience similar trauma-responses to first responders, albeit often without the same support and safeguards. The study described in this protocol paper aims to explore the burnout and resilience experienced by these overlooked “forgotten” first responders. Using a mixed-methods approach, including an online survey, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews, the study will investigate burnout rates, resilience strategies, and barriers to well-being faced by people doing this important work.