ABSTRACT
Firefighting exposes individuals to a range of potentially psychologically traumatic events that may create negative effects on mental health and well-being. The extent to which Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been explored in the research literature in association with firefighting was unclear. Using a scoping review methodology, three distinct themes were identified in the literature: describing the nature of the trauma exposure among firefighters; understanding PTSD among firefighters; and developing approaches to dealing with PTSD among firefighters. Much progress has been made in understanding the risks, presentation, and impacts of PTSD on firefighters and, to a lesser extent, how best to decrease the effects of exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events and provide supports to those living with PTSD. The work completed by the current study has highlighted what is known in the literature as well as identifying the gaps for future research and programming.
