Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries Among Canadian Public Safety Communicators: A Nationwide Comparative Study: Prévalence des blessures de stress post-traumatique chez les communicateurs en sécurité publique canadiens : étude comparative nationale

AI Summary

Nearly half (48.6%) of Canadian public safety communicators screened positive for at least one post-traumatic stress injury, exceeding prevalence among other public safety professionals.
Symptoms of PTSD, major depression, generalized anxiety and panic disorder were significantly higher; alcohol use disorder similar, and suicide attempts occurred more frequently.
Being female predicted higher PTSI risk; higher education reduced risk. Trauma-informed training and organisational, profession-specific supports are essential.

AI Summary

Although PSCs do not intervene directly at emergency scenes, they are routinely exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events and high operational stress during calls, placing them at elevated risk for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSIs).

This study aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of various PTSIs and suicidal behaviors among Canadian PSCs, (2) compare the prevalence with those reported for other Canadian PSP, and (3) identify associated sociodemographic factors.MethodsThe final analytic sample included 508 PSCs.

Participants completed validated screening measures assessing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder, along with questions regarding suicidal behaviors.ResultsNearly half of PSCs (48.6%) screened positive for at least 1 PTSI, exceeding the prevalence observed among other Canadian PSP.

Basic summary

Can J Psychiatry. 2026 Jul 18:7067437261468881. doi: 10.1177/07067437261468881. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BackgroundPublic safety communicators (PSCs, 911 call-takers, dispatchers, and others) play a critical role in Canada’s emergency response system, yet they remain largely understudied compared with other public safety professionals (PSP). Although PSCs do not intervene directly at emergency scenes, they are routinely exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events and high operational stress during calls, placing them at elevated risk for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSIs). This study aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of various PTSIs and suicidal behaviors among Canadian PSCs, (2) compare the prevalence with those reported for other Canadian PSP, and (3) identify associated sociodemographic factors.MethodsThe final analytic sample included 508 PSCs. Participants completed validated screening measures assessing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder, along with questions regarding suicidal behaviors.ResultsNearly half of PSCs (48.6%) screened positive for at least 1 PTSI, exceeding the prevalence observed among other Canadian PSP. Symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and panic disorder were significantly higher, while alcohol abuse disorder symptoms were comparable to levels observed among other PSP. Suicide attempts were also significantly more frequent in our sample. Being female emerged as the strongest predictor of screening positive for a PTSI, whereas higher educational attainment was associated with reduced odds of both PTSI symptoms and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsThese findings highlight PSCs as a high-risk and overlooked subgroup within public safety. Trauma-informed training, targeted organizational adjustments, and profession-specific support resources are essential to mitigate the significant psychological burden on this workforce and foster long-term occupational well-being.

PMID:42470498 | DOI:10.1177/07067437261468881

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