BACKGROUND:

This paper investigates risk factors for the development of posttraumatic stress symptoms in the different survivor groups involved in a technological disaster in Ghislenghien (Belgium). A gas explosion instantly killed five firefighters, one police officer and 18 other people. Moreover, 132 people were wounded among which many suffered severe burn injuries.

METHODS:

Background: Working in humanitarian crisis situations is dangerous. National humanitarian staff in particular face the risk of primary and secondary trauma exposure which can lead to mental health problems. Despite this, research on the mental health of national staff is scarce, and a systematic analysis of up-to-date findings has not been undertaken yet.

Aims and method To examine treatment response in traumatised refugees, we compared routine outcome monitoring data (Harvard Trauma Questionnaire) of two refugee populations with those of individuals experiencing profession-related trauma who were treated at a specialised psychotrauma institute.

Emergency workers perform a vital role in our society. They protect the rule of law, ensure our safety and
provide assistance in emergencies. Surveys consistently show that emergency workers are one of the most
valued and trusted occupational groups. However, there is increasing realisation that emergency work can
come at a cost. Large numbers of emergency workers report ongoing psychological consequences from
exposure to trauma, most notably post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).