First responders are at increased risk for adverse mental health conditions (e.g., acute stress), possibly due to exposure to traumatic events; however, not all first responders exhibit symptoms to the same degree. Positive and negative attributes of working as a first responder (e.g., professional quality of life [QOL]) may contribute to vulnerability to or protection from distress. Additionally, beliefs about one’s ability to problem-solve and attain goals (e.g., self-efficacy) may ameliorate job-related difficulties and distress; this premise has not been tested. We examined the relations between professional QOL, self-efficacy, and acute stress in first responders. At the bivariate level, we hypothesized that self-efficacy and compassion satisfaction would be inversely related to acute stress, and burnout and secondary traumatic stress would be positively related to acute stress. At the multivariate level, three hypotheses were made: (1) higher selfefficacy would predict lower acute stress; (2) each professional QOL subscale would predict acute stress, such that higher compassion satisfaction would predict lower acute stress and higher secondary traumatic stress and burnout would predict greater acute stress; and, (3) self-efficacy would moderate the relation between each professional QOL subscale and acute stress. Our sample of 170 first responders were primarily male (73%, n = 124) and White (89.4%, n = 151) with a mean age of 34.75 years (SD = 8.79). Participants were recruited via workplace email and completed self-report measures: General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL), and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R; index of acute stress). In addition to bivariate analyses, we conducted multivariate regression analyses to examine the relation between QOL and trauma, and the moderating effect of self-efficacy. At the bivariate level, all correlations were as predicted. At the multivariate level, hypotheses were partially supported. Self-efficacy, compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout all significantly predicted acute stress. Self-efficacy significantly moderated the relation between compassion satisfaction and acute stress, β = 0.12, p = .03, accounting for a significant increase in the variance in acute stress, ΔR 2 = .03, F (1, 148) = 4.80, p = .03. However, self-efficacy did not moderate in other models. Better professional QOL and self-efficacy were related to acute stress in first responders. Further, the relation between compassion satisfaction and acute stress was dependent on level of self-efficacy; with greater competence, the beneficial relation between compassion satisfaction and distress, is strengthened. Therapeutically addressing professional QOL, specifically secondary traumatic events, and increasing self-efficacy (e.g., via Cognitive Behavioral Therapies), may reduce risk for adverse stress reactions in first responders.

Thesis (M.A.)--Naval Postgraduate School, 2004. / Title from title page of source document (viewed on April 23, 2008). Includes bibliographical references (p. 105-113).

Social media plays an important role during multiple phases of a disaster. While it is widely known that citizens turn to social media during disasters to gain information and send help requests, there is a significant gap in our knowledge of how, or if, first responders use social media to conduct disaster response operations. To help address this gap this study employed qualitative, semi-structured interviews with a sample of first responders (N = 20) who were deployed to Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The interviews sought to gain a better understanding of how social media was used to conduct response operations and identify both limitations and advantages of social media as perceived by first responders. Through a systematic coding process the analysis identified four themes related to social media usage among first responders to disasters: (1) more than just Twitter; (2) rumor has it; (3) one size does not fit all; and (4) timing is everything. The findings of this research highlight the importance of social media for both organizations and individuals involved in responding to disasters.

The researchers in this project studied the prevalence and impact of burnout among first responders, after which they produced CRISP (Creative Resilience Initiatives for Service Providers), a groundbreaking art therapy-based program published in an electronic book format aimed at addressing burnout and fostering resilience among first responders. Our program aims to foster resilience by integrating art therapy's Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) model with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and anti-racism strategies. The ETC model aligns with inclusive and diverse practices as it emphasizes a system-focused approach in using creativity, self-reflection, and cultivation of effective body-mind empathy. The CRISP eBook features 18 arts-based activities, each accompanied by relevant psychoeducation and self-reflective questions. These activities engage first responders in kinesthetic, sensorial, perceptual, affective, cognitive, and symbolic components of information processing in the ETC, utilizing multifaceted creativity as a powerful tool for building resilience and countering burnout signs that can lead to depersonalized and biased practices in their work. Future studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of art interventions, such as those explored in the CRISP eBook, in addressing the unique stressors faced by first responders.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) continues to burden a significant number of 9/11 World Trade Center (WTC) first responders years after the tragedy. Research suggests that physical activity is negatively related to PTSD symptoms in diverse samples, but most of this work has relied on self-report rather than more objective actigraphy, has not had long follow-ups (e.g., > 1 year), and has rarely assessed this relationship among WTC responders, a unique first responder population. To redress gaps, the present study examined the relationship between physical activity measured through actigraphy and PTSD symptoms in a sample of WTC first responders (N = 461), who participated in four yearly waves of data collection. The relationship between physical activity and PTSD (total and individual symptoms) was assessed concurrently via ecological momentary assessment (EMA), from one day to the next, and across years. Analyses found that total physical activity and number of daily steps were significantly associated with reduced PTSD symptoms from one year to the next, while short-term and symptom cluster-level effects were less clear. Significant effects disappeared after controlling for depression, further supporting the presence of a general distress factor in PTSD. No support was found for the role of intensity or time of day of physical activity. Findings from this study highlight the clinical utility of physical activity, which is generally accessible and flexible, as an adjunctive treatment for PTSD, particularly in the long term.

Spurred by change in government regulations and to leverage lower-cost technology and services, many land mobile radio (LMR) operators have begun transitioning from circuit-switched to packet-switched backbone networks to handle their future communication needs. Due to the unique demands of packet-switched backbone networks for LMR, it may not be wise to carry over the previously implemented security methods used with circuit-switch systems or to treat an LMR backbone as a regular packet-switched network. This thesis investigates security in packet-switched LMR backbone networks to identify security issues in packet-switched LMR networks and provide possible solutions for them. Security solutions that are examined include different types of virtual private networks (VPNs), various encryption and keying procedures for safe communication, and logic behind how and where to implement security functions within the network. Specific schemes examined include IP Security (IPSec), OpenVPN, Virtual Tunnel (VTun), and Zebedee. I also present a quantitative analysis of the effects that the solutions have on packet-switched networks, in terms of link utilization, and on voice traffic, in terms of delay and delay jitter. In addition, I evaluate, in general terms, the additional cost or complexity that is introduced by the different security solutions. Simulation with OPNET Modeler was used to evaluate how the various security schemes affect voice communication and network performance as a whole. Since OPNET Modeler does not provide models of security functions, the source code of the transceiver system models was modified to introduce additional overhead that is representative of the various security solutions. Through experimentation, simulation, and analysis of the security schemes considered, it was found that the most effective security scheme overall for a packet-switched LMR backbone network would either be IPSec or OpenVPN implemented at the base stations and end-hosts. Both security schemes provide strong encryption, flexibility, and are actively supported. However, if bandwidth is scarce and flexibility is less important, then a security solution with less overhead, such as VTun, should be considered. Thus, one has to balance performance with security to choose the most effective security solution for a particular application. / Master of Science

Background and aims: Heart failure (HF) is a life threatening condition and optimal handling is necessary to reduce risk of therapy failure. The aims of this thesis were: (Paper I) to examine whether BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)-guided HF treatment improves morbidity and mortality when compared with HF therapy implemented by a treating physician at sites experienced in managing patients with HF according to guidelines; (Paper II) to investigate how to define a responder regarding optimal cut-off level of BNP to predict death, need for hospitalisation, and worsening HF and to determine the optimal time to apply the chosen cut-off value; (Paper III) to evaluate how Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) is influenced by natriuretic peptide guiding and to study how HR-QoL is affected in responders compared to non-responders; (Paper IV) to evaluate the impact of patient age on clinical outcomes, and to evaluate the impact of duration of the HF disease on outcomes and the impact of age and HF duration on BNP concentration. Methods: A randomized, parallel group, multi-centre study was undertaken on 279 patients with HF and who had experienced an episode of worsening HF with increased BNP concentration. The control group (n=132) was treated according to HF guidelines and in the BNP-guided group (n=147) the HF treatment algorithm goal was to reduce BNP concentration to < 150 ng/L in patients < 75 years and <300 ng/L in patients > 75 years (Paper I), and to define the optimal percentage decrease in BNP and at what point during the follow-up to apply the definition (Paper II). To compare the BNP-guided group with the conventional HF treated group (Paper I), and responders and non-responders (Paper II) regarding HR-QoL measured with Short Form 36 (SF-36) at study start and at study end (Paper III) and to evaluate if age or HF duration influenced the HF outcomes and the influence of BNP on age and HF duration (Paper IV). Results: The primary outcome (mortality, hospitalisation and worsening HF) was not improved by BNP-guided HF treatment compared to conventional HF treatment or in any of the secondary outcome variables (Paper I). Applying a BNP decrease of at least 40 percent in week 16 (compared to study start) and/or a BNP<300 ng/L demonstrated the best risk reduction for cardiovascular mortality, by 78 percent and 89 percent respectively for HF mortality (Paper II). The HR-QoL improved in four domains in the BNP-guided group and in the control group in six of eight domains; however there were no significant differences between the groups (Paper III). For responders the within group analysis showed improvement in four domains compared to the non-responders that improved in one domain; however there were no significant differences between the two groups. There were improvements in HR-QoL in all four groups (Paper III). Age did not influence outcome but HF duration did. HF duration was divided into three groups: HF duration less than 1 year (group 1), 1-5 years (group 2) and >5 years (group 3). A 1.65-fold increased risk could be demonstrated in those with HF duration of more than five years compared to patients with short HF duration. The BNP concentration was increased with increased age, and there was a better response regarding BNP decrease in NP-guiding in patients with short HF duration, independent of age (Paper IV). Conclusions: There were no significant differences between BNP-guided HF treatment group and the group with conventional HF treatment as regards mortality, hospitalisation or HR-QoL. The responders to HF treatment showed a significantly better outcome in mortality and hospitalisation compared to non-responders but no significant differences in HR-QoL. The duration of HF might be an important factor to consider in HF treatment by BNP-guiding in the future.

CHDS State/Local / Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / This thesis argues that first preventers are not limited to law enforcement and/or intelligence personnel. Private security officers are our true first preventers because they control access to the myriad of facilities we enter and exit every day. They are the individuals with their boots on the ground in our efforts to recognize abnormal or unusual activity. Based on the observation by President George W. Bush in the National Strategy for Homeland Security that 85% of the nation's critical infrastructure is owned by private agencies and organizations, one conclusion is incontrovertible: No one is in a better position to be a first preventer than the private security officer in America. In New York State, a professionally trained and licensed security officer's primary directive is defined as detecting, deterring and reporting on conditions which might harm life or property. It is incumbent upon government public security officials, and private security executives themselves, to cultivate and exploit this undervalued segment of our efforts to combat terrorism on a national basis. In order to do so, and to assure the public of the competency of the private security workforce, it is imperative that private security officers be mandated to meet minimum standards. Therefore, this thesis makes the argument that advocating nationwide, state controlled licensing and training of private security officers is essential to the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to employ 'First Responder' and 'First Preventer' strategies in the war on terrorism. / Civilian, Chief of Staff, New York City Police Pension Fund

Le présent mémoire de maîtrise constitue une recherche qualitative qui porte sur le rôle des agents d’intervention œuvrant au sein des centres jeunesse, dans le processus de réadaptation des jeunes. Peu des études et chercheurs se sont consacrés au rôle des agents d’intervention. Pourtant ils travaillent quotidiennement auprès des jeunes placés en CJM-IU et collaborent avec les éducateurs. Les pages suivantes s’attardent au rôle de l’agent d’intervention ainsi qu’à la manière dont ce rôle est situé dans un contexte de centre de réadaptation comme le Centre jeunesse de Montréal – Institut universitaire (CJM-IU). Le rôle et les pratiques de l’agent d’intervention sont expliqués selon la perception des agents eux-mêmes, de jeunes et de chefs de permanence rencontrés. Ainsi, à la fin de ce mémoire de maîtrise, un portrait plus détaillé de l’agent d’intervention qui travaille auprès des adolescents de la Cité-Des-Prairies et du Mont St-Antoine est dressé. L’évolution du rôle et les pratiques du milieu sont également relatées afin de répondre aux objectifs de recherche. / This document is a qualitative research that focuses on the impact of emergency responders working in youth centres in the rehabilitation process of young people. This question stems from the fact that the practices of those responders are not always the same and the perceptions about these actors can be very different. Often, emergency responders are more important than we think for the youth they work with. The following pages will focus on their role and how that role plays out in a rehabilitation centre environment such as that of the Centre jeunesse de Montréal – Institut universitaire (CJM-IU). The emergency responder’s role and practices will be explained here through the perception of the responders themselves, as well as the perceptions of the youth and managers that we encountered. Thus, at the end of this master's thesis, it will be possible to draw up a more detailed picture of the emergency responder working with the Cité-Des-Prairies and Mont St-Antoine teenagers. The evolving role and the practices in this field are also presented in order to meet our research objectives.

This dissertation used a person-environment fit theoretical framework to examine the influence of person-job misfit as an organizational stressor on strain and well-being outcomes for emergency responders. Independent variables consisted of job attributes such as skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy and job-based feedback. These job characteristics are often used in work redesign efforts as they are amendable to organizational change initiatives. Dependent variables included strain outcomes relevant to those working in emergency services: physical symptoms, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Also, to include a positive aspect of emergency services work, the well-being outcome of compassion satisfaction was examined. Data were collected from 358 emergency responders across the United States via online survey, including law enforcement, firefighters, police/fire/medical dispatch, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics. Methodology utilized polynomial regression analysis in which joint linear and curvilinear effects from two predictors upon one outcome correspond to a three-dimensional response surface reflecting the fit-outcome relationship. This approach allowed a detailed examination of the nature of fit and the nature of misfit for each job attribute in relation to strain and well-being. Maximum likelihood with bootstrapping was used to estimate model parameters and test response surface features. Findings identified several influential fit-outcome relationships including skill variety fit-compassion satisfaction (a1 = 0.366), task identity fit-burnout (a2 = -0.083), task significance fit-burnout (a1 = -0.241) task significance fit-compassion satisfaction (a1 = 0.496,), job-based feedback fit-physical symptoms (a1 = -3.807), job-based feedback fit-burnout (a1 = -0.323), and job-based feedback fit-compassion satisfaction (a1 = 0.391). In terms of misfit, task identity misfit was related to secondary traumatic stress (a3 = -0.209) and job-based feedback misfit was related to burnout (a3 = -0.234). Conclusions regarding identified fit-outcome relationships suggested a potential to reduce frequency of physical symptoms, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress and increase employees’ experience of compassion satisfaction by considering employees’ preference for these job characteristics. On the basis of these findings, opportunities for Emergency Services Management agencies to facilitate wellness for personnel, as well as future research directions are discussed.