Introduction:

Police officers are often exposed to traumatic events, which can induce psychological distress and increase the risk of developing post-traumatic stress injuries. To date, little is known about support and prevention of traumatic events in police organizations. Psychological first aid (PFA) has been promoted as a promising solution to prevent psychological distress following exposure to a traumatic event. However, PFA has not yet been adapted to policing reality, let alone to the frequent exposure to traumatic events faced by this population.

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of PFA as an early intervention for the prevention of post-traumatic stress injuries among police officers in Quebec, Canada.

Specifically, the objectives were to evaluate: (1) the demand. (2) the practicality, and (3) the acceptability of PFA in a police organization.

Methods:

• 36 police officers participatedin semi-structured interviews between October 26th, 2021, and July 23rd, 2022.
• Participants were comprised of responders (n = 26), beneficiaries (n = 4) and
  managers (n=6).
• Interviews were transcribed, coded, and evaluated according toa thematic analysis.

Results & Discussion

• Results suggestedthat PFA met individual and organizational needs.
• Participants providedfeedback for improving the implementation and sustainability of a PFA program.

Regarding practicality, PFA were described as useful, helpful and flexible.

• Responders believed the training increased confidence in their abilityto support fellow colleagues. They reported being betterequipped to detect, understand, and act upon psychological distress.
• The PFA approachwas also characterized as easy to use, namely because it provided
  responders with clear action points.
• Further, PFA was viewed as morerelevant and respectful of individual pace than other trainings.
• Finally,responders valued having access to useful materials (e.g., reminder/checklist, intervention report canvas) to plan upcoming interventionsor to review completed sessions.

Overall, findings revealed that implementation of a PFA program in a law enforcement agency was feasible and could be accomplished without major issues. Importantly, PFA had beneficial consequences within the organization. Specifically, PFA destigmatized mental health issues and renewed a sense of hope among police personnel.

Authors : Steve Geoffrion, Marie-Pierre Leduc, Elody Bourgouin, François Bellemare, Valérie Arenzon and Christine Genest (2023)

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