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Heisler M, Hampton K, McKay D. Dangerous use of crowd-control weapons against medics and protesters in Portland, OR. Lancet 2020; 396:e59-e60. [PMID: 33038945 PMCID: PMC7544454 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)32080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Nagamine M, Giltay EJ, Shigemura J, van der Wee NJ, Yamamoto T, Takahashi Y, Saito T, Tanichi M, Koga M, Toda H, Shimizu K, Yoshino A, Vermetten E. Assessment of Factors Associated With Long-term Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among 56 388 First Responders After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2018339. [PMID: 32990742 PMCID: PMC7525349 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.18339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE First responders are at risk for developing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Little is known about the risk factors for developing PTSD during a years-long period after complex mass disasters. OBJECTIVE To explore the long-term course of PTSD symptoms and to identify risk factors and their relative association with PTSD among first responders dispatched to the 2011 Japanese earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This 6-year, large, prospective cohort study was part of a continuous longitudinal study of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force first responders. The data were collected at 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 months after mission completion from 2011 to 2017. Of approximately 70 000 eligible participants, 56 388 were enrolled in this study. Data were analyzed from 2017 to 2020. EXPOSURES Stress exposures owing to personal or professional disaster experience (eg, duties with body recovery or radiation exposure risk) and working conditions (eg, deployment length, postdeployment overtime work). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The Impact of Event Scale-Revised score assessed PTSD symptoms; scores of at least 25 were defined as probable PTSD. Cox proportional hazards regression models assessed the risk factors for incidence of probable PTSD. RESULTS Among the 56 388 participants, 97.1% were men, and the median age at enrollment was 34 (range, 18-63) years. A probable PTSD rate was 2.7% at 1 month and showed a downward trend in the first year and a subsequent plateau. The cumulative incidence of probable PTSD was 6.75%. The severity of PTSD symptoms demonstrated a high degree of rank-order stability over time. Rather than professional disaster experience, sociodemographic factors and working conditions were independently associated with the incidence of probable PTSD: personal experience of the disaster (hazard ratio [HR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.72-2.24), deployment length of at least 3 months (HR vs <1 month, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.52-2.02), increased age (HR for ≥46 vs ≤25 years, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.79-2.92), and postdeployment overtime work of at least 3 months (HR vs little to none, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.39-1.87). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Given these findings, in the future, first responders' PTSD symptoms might be mitigated by shortening deployment length, avoiding postdeployment overtime work, and paying special attention to the needs of personnel with personal experience of the disaster or older age. Efforts to alleviate responders' initial symptoms will be required.
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Kshtriya S, Kobezak HM, Popok P, Lawrence J, Lowe SR. Social support as a mediator of occupational stressors and mental health outcomes in first responders. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 48:2252-2263. [PMID: 32841385 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to address whether occupational stressors are associated with adverse mental health outcomes in first responders via lower social support. A total of 895 first responders including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters from 50 US States and the Virgin Islands (mean = 37.32, standard deviation = 12.09, 59.2% male, and 91.3% White) completed an online survey. Bivariate analyses indicated that occupational stressors were positively correlated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression (MD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms, and negatively correlated with social support, whereas social support was negatively correlated with PTSD, MD, and GAD symptoms. Mediation analyses revealed significant indirect effects of occupational stressors on PTSD, MD, and GAD symptoms via social support, after controlling for covariates. Although longitudinal research is needed for a more robust examination of this pathway, the results highlight the importance of social support in first responders. Efforts to augment the support systems of first responders are recommended.
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Winograd RP, Phillips S, Wood CA, Green L, Costerison B, Goulka J, Beletsky L. Training to reduce emergency responders' perceived overdose risk from contact with fentanyl: early evidence of success. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:58. [PMID: 32831088 PMCID: PMC7443848 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00402-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Brite J, Alper HE, Friedman S, Takemoto E, Cone J. Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Asthma-Related Emergency Department Visits Among World Trade Center Rescue and Recovery Workers and Survivors. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e201600. [PMID: 32202645 PMCID: PMC7090833 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.1600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although the association between poor economic or social standing and health is well established, few studies have attempted to examine the mediational pathways that produce adverse outcomes in disadvantaged populations. OBJECTIVE To determine whether barriers to care mediate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study used data from the World Trade Center Health Registry, which comprises rescue and recovery workers and community members who worked, lived, studied or were otherwise present in downtown Manhattan, New York, during or immediately after the September 11, 2001, disaster. Data were matched to an administrative database of ED visits. Those who experienced an asthma-related ED visit and those who did not were compared in bivariate analysis. A mediation analysis was conducted to determine the role of barriers to care in the association between number of ED visits and SES. EXPOSURES Education, income, and race/ethnicity, which were collected at first survey in 2003 to 2004. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Asthma-related ED visits that occurred after survey responses regarding barriers to care were collected (2006-2007) but before 2016, the latest date that data were available. RESULTS The analytic sample included 30 452 enrollees (18 585 [61%] male; median [interquartile range] age, 42.0 [35.0-50.0] years; 20 180 [66%] white, 3834 [13%] African American, and 3961 [13%] Hispanic or Latino [any race]). Approximately half (49%) had less than a bachelor's degree, and 15% had an annual income less than $35 000. Those of lower SES were more likely to experience an asthma-related ED visit. Although number of barriers to care mediated this association, they explained only a small percentage of the overall health disparity (ranging from 3.0% [95% CI, 2.3%-3.9%]) of the differences between African American and white individuals to 9.8% [95% CI, 7.7%-11.9%]) comparing those with less than a high school diploma to those with at least a bachelor's degree. However, the association varied by specific barrier to care. Lack of money, insurance, and transportation mediated up to 11.8% (95% CI, 8.1%-15.9%), 12.5% (95% CI, 8.5%-17.4%), and 4.3% (95% CI, 1.7%-8.4%), respectively, of the association between SES and number of ED visits. Lack of childcare, not knowing where to go for care, and inability to find a health care professional mediated a smaller or no percentage of the association. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The identification of vulnerable subpopulations is an important goal to reduce the burden of asthma-related hospital care. More research is needed to fully understand all of the pathways that lead disaster survivors of lower SES to disproportionately experience ED visits due to asthma.
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Kritikos M, Gandy S, Meliker JR, Luft BJ, Clouston SAP. Acute versus Chronic Exposures to Inhaled Particulate Matter and Neurocognitive Dysfunction: Pathways to Alzheimer's Disease or a Related Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 78:871-886. [PMID: 33074229 PMCID: PMC7704925 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 92% of the world's population live in regions where people are regularly exposed to high levels of anthropogenic air pollution. Historically, research on the effects of air pollution have focused extensively on cardiovascular and pulmonary health. However, emerging evidence from animal and human studies has suggested that chronic exposures to air pollution detrimentally change the functioning of the central nervous system with the result being proteinopathy, neurocognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disease. Case analyses of aging World Trade Center responders suggests that a single severe exposure may also induce a neuropathologic response. The goal of this report was to explore the neuroscientific support for the hypothesis that inhaled particulate matter might cause an Alzheimer's-like neurodegenerative disease, in order to consider proposed mechanisms and latency periods linking inhaled particulate matter and neurodegeneration, and to propose new directions in this line of research.
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Scott CK, Dennis ML, Grella CE, Nicholson L, Sumpter J, Kurz R, Funk R. Findings from the recovery initiation and management after overdose (RIMO) pilot study experiment. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020; 108:65-74. [PMID: 31493942 PMCID: PMC6893133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of the Recovery Initiation and Management after Overdose (RIMO) intervention to link individuals to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) following an opioid overdose. The study team worked with the Chicago Fire Department to train Emergency Medical Service (EMS) teams to request permission from individuals after an opioid overdose reversal to release their contact information; individuals were subsequently contacted by the study team for participation. A mixed-methods study design comprised: (1) an experimental pilot study that examined participation at each stage of the intervention and compared the odds of treatment received for individuals who were randomly assigned to either the RIMO intervention (n = 16) or a passive referral control (n = 17); and (2) a focus group that was subsequently conducted with participants in the RIMO group to obtain their feedback on the intervention components. Quantitative data was collected on participant characteristics at study intake and treatment received was based on self-report at a 30-day follow-up. The RIMO group had higher odds of receiving any treatment for opioid use (OR = 7.94) and any MAT (OR = 20.2), and received significantly more days of opioid treatment (Ms=15.2 vs. 3.4) and more days of MAT in the 30 days post-randomization (Ms=11.2 vs. 0.76), relative to the control group (all p < .05). Qualitative data illustrated that participants valued the assertive outreach, engagement, and persistent follow-up components of RIMO, which differed from their prior experiences. The pilot study suggests that the RIMO intervention is able to address the challenges of linking and engaging individuals into MAT after an opioid overdose.
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Ma G, Tan S, Shang S. The Evaluation of Building Fire Emergency Response Capability Based on the CMM. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16111962. [PMID: 31163571 PMCID: PMC6603904 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16111962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The construction of smart cities is a theme of urban development, and building fires greatly threaten public safety and urban environmental governance, in which fire emergency management is one of the key factors. However, most studies on the evaluation of emergency response capacity ignore the process of improvement, as well as the intelligence and practicality of the results. The evaluation system of building fire emergency response capability maturity (FE-CMM) was innovatively proposed based on the capability maturity model (CMM), including the evaluation index, evaluation grade, evaluation method, and evaluation process. At the same time, a plug-in for evaluating fire emergency response capability was developed based on the building information modeling (BIM) platform. Finally, an empirical study was carried out in combination with the case of a district fire center. The research demonstrates that the evaluation system can effectively judge the maturity of fire emergency response capability, and the established plug-in can preliminarily realize the intelligent evaluation of building fire emergency response capability, which improves the practice and intelligence of the fire emergency response capability evaluation system when fully considering the process of improvement. It has guiding significance for ex ante control and refined management of building fires, thus providing support for urban public safety and environmental governance.
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van Gerwen MAG, Tuminello S, Riggins GJ, Mendes TB, Donovan M, Benn EKT, Genden E, Cerutti JM, Taioli E. Molecular Study of Thyroid Cancer in World Trade Center Responders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1600. [PMID: 31067756 PMCID: PMC6539993 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer incidence is higher in World Trade Center (WTC) responders compared with the general population. It is unclear whether this excess in thyroid cancer is associated with WTC-related exposures or if instead there is an over-diagnosis of malignant thyroid cancer among WTC first responders due to enhanced surveillance and physician bias. To maximize diagnostic yield and determine the false positive rate for malignancy, the histological diagnoses of thyroid cancer tumors from WTC responders and age, gender, and histology matched non-WTC thyroid cancer cases were evaluated using biomarkers of malignancy. Using a highly accurate panel of four biomarkers that are able to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid cancer, our results suggest that over-diagnosis by virtue of misdiagnosis of a benign tumor as malignant does not explain the increased incidence of thyroid cancer observed in WTC responders. Therefore, rather than over-diagnosis due to physician bias, the yearly screening visits by the World Trade Center Health Program are identifying true cases of thyroid cancer. Continuing regular screening of this cohort is thus warranted.
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van Reemst L, Fischer TFC. Experiencing External Workplace Violence: Differences in Indicators Between Three Types of Emergency Responders. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2019; 34:1864-1889. [PMID: 27413089 DOI: 10.1177/0886260516657913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical workers are at a relatively high risk of experiencing external workplace violence (EWPV), that is, violence initiated by people outside the organization. Based on criminal opportunities theories, the aim of this research was to study to what extent socio-demographic and work characteristics are related to experiencing EWPV. In addition, the aim was to explore how these relations differ between the three types of emergency responders. Data from a workplace violence survey of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands was used, from which emergency medical workers ( n = 264), firefighters ( n = 255), and police officers ( n = 296) were selected. Results indicated that police officers experienced most and firefighters experienced least EWPV. Younger professionals and professionals who have more frequent and risky contact experienced more EWPV. The expectations that males and those with less skills or experience to avoid EWPV experience more EWPV were not convincingly supported. The relationships between characteristics and EWPV, and the explanatory power of the models, differed between types of emergency responders. The studied characteristics best explained variations in EWPV of police officers, and therefore prevention of EWPV by addressing these characteristics will be most successful for police officers. The prediction of EWPV should be improved, for example, by studying the relationship with "attractiveness" or "vulnerability" of the possible victim, such as psychological characteristics of professionals. The study showed that research about indicators and prevention of EWPV should be aimed at separate professions.
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Bellehsen M, Moline J, Rasul R, Bevilacqua K, Schneider S, Kornrich J, Schwartz RM. A Quality Improvement Assessment of the Delivery of Mental Health Services among WTC Responders Treated in the Community. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1536. [PMID: 31052246 PMCID: PMC6540212 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides mental health services through diverse service delivery mechanisms, however there are no current benchmarks to evaluate utilization or quality. This quality improvement (QI) initiative sought to examine the delivery and effectiveness of WTCHP mental health services for World Trade Center (WTC) responders who receive care through the Northwell Health Clinical Center of Excellence (CCE), and to characterize the delivery of evidence-based treatments (EBT) for mental health (MH) difficulties in this population. Methods include an analysis of QI data from the Northwell CCE, and annual WTCHP monitoring data for all responders certified for mental health treatment. Nearly 48.9% of enrolled responders with a WTC-certified diagnosis utilized treatment. The majority of treatment delivered was focused on WTC-related conditions. There was significant disagreement between provider-reported EBT use and independently-evaluated delivery of EBT (95.6% vs. 54.8%, p ≤ 0.001). EBT delivery was associated with a small decrease in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms over time. Providers engaged in the process of data collection, but there were challenges with adherence to outcome monitoring and goal setting. Data from this report can inform continued QI efforts in the WTCHP, as well as the implementation and evaluation of EBT.
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Lewis-Schroeder NF, Kieran K, Murphy BL, Wolff JD, Robinson MA, Kaufman ML. Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment of Traumatic Stress in First Responders: A Review of Critical Issues. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2019; 26:216-227. [PMID: 29975339 PMCID: PMC6624844 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
First responders are regularly confronted with exposure to traumatic events, including potentially life-threatening situations as well as the grave injuries and deaths of colleagues and civilians. Evidence indicates that the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is substantially higher among first responders than the general population. This article provides information about the outpatient trauma services at McLean Hospital's LEADER (Law Enforcement, Active Duty, Emergency Responder) program to assist clinicians who encounter these first responders in their practices or who are specifically interested in working with this patient population. We begin by synthesizing the literature on the prevalence of PTSD in first responders following work-related exposure to traumatic stress, and by addressing the occupation-specific risk factors and the third-variable risk factors that may contribute to potentiated risk. We then discuss assessment strategies and treatment options used in our program, which is tailored for individuals who are dealing with mental health issues stemming from occupation-specific traumatic-stress exposure. We also address the unique challenges of treating traumatized first responders with more complex issues such as traumatic stress exposure across the lifespan and safety issues, including acute suicidality. We conclude by discussing notable gaps in the literature, including the need to investigate why and how women present with different PTSD symptoms than men and how these differences need to be taken into account in determining appropriate treatment for women.
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Tuminello S, van Gerwen MAG, Genden E, Crane M, Lieberman-Cribbin W, Taioli E. Increased Incidence of Thyroid Cancer among World Trade Center First Responders: A Descriptive Epidemiological Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1258. [PMID: 30970543 PMCID: PMC6479621 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
An increased incidence of thyroid cancer among 9/11 rescue workers has been reported, the etiology of which remains unclear but which may, at least partly, be the result of the increased medical surveillance this group undergoes. This study aimed to investigate thyroid cancer in World Trade Center (WTC) responders by looking at the demographic data and questionnaire responses of thyroid cancer cases from the Mount Sinai WTC Health Program (WTCHP). WTCHP thyroid cancer tumors were of a similar size (p = 0.4), and were diagnosed at a similar age (p = 0.2) compared to a subset of thyroid cancer cases treated at Mount Sinai without WTC exposure. These results do not support the surveillance bias hypothesis, under which smaller tumors are expected to be diagnosed at earlier ages. WTCHP thyroid cancer cases also reported a past history of radiation exposure and a family history of thyroid conditions at lower rates than expected, with higher than expected rates of previous cancer diagnoses, family histories of other cancers, and high Body Mass Indexes (BMIs). Further research is needed to better understand the underlying risk factors that may play a role in the development of thyroid cancer in this group.
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Rojano B, West E, Goodman E, Weiss JJ, de la Hoz RE, Crane M, Crowley L, Harrison D, Markowitz S, Wisnivesky JP. Self-management behaviors in World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers with asthma. J Asthma 2019; 56:411-421. [PMID: 29985718 PMCID: PMC7553201 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2018.1462377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a major source of morbidity among World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery workers. While physical and mental health comorbidities have been associated with poor asthma control, the potential role and determinants of adherence to self-management behaviors (SMB) among WTC rescue and recovery workers is unknown. OBJECTIVES To identify modifiable determinants of adherence to asthma self-management behaviors in WTC rescue and recovery worker that could be potential targets for future interventions. METHODS We enrolled a cohort of 381 WTC rescue and recovery workers with asthma. Sociodemographic data and asthma history were collected during in-person interviews. Based on the framework of the Model of Self-regulation, we measured beliefs about asthma and controller medications. Outcomes included medication adherence, inhaler technique, use of action plans, and trigger avoidance. RESULTS Medication adherence, adequate inhaler technique, use of action plans, and trigger avoidance were reported by 44%, 78%, 83%, and 47% of participants, respectively. Adjusted analyses showed that WTC rescue and recovery workers who believe that they had asthma all the time (odds ratio [OR]: 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-4.08), that WTC-related asthma is more severe (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.02-2.93), that medications are important (OR: 12.76; 95% CI: 5.51-29.53), and that present health depends on medications (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.39-4.13) were more likely to be adherent to their asthma medications. Illness beliefs were also associated with higher adherence to other SMB. CONCLUSIONS Low adherence to SMB likely contributes to uncontrolled asthma in WTC rescue and recovery workers. Specific modifiable beliefs about asthma chronicity, the importance of controller medications, and the severity of WTC-related asthma are independent predictors of SMB in this population. Cognitive behavioral interventions targeting these beliefs may improve asthma self-management and outcomes in WTC rescue and recovery workers. Key message: This study identified modifiable beliefs associated with low adherence to self-management behaviors among World Trade Center rescue and recovery rescue and recovery workers with asthma which could be the target for future interventions. CAPSULE SUMMARY Improving World Trade Center-related asthma outcomes will require multifactorial approaches such as supporting adherence to controller medications and other self-management behaviors. This study identified several modifiable beliefs that may be the target of future efforts to support self-management in this patient population.
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Li J, Cone JE, Brackbill RM, Giesinger I, Yung J, Farfel MR. Pulmonary Fibrosis among World Trade Center Responders: Results from the WTC Health Registry Cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16050825. [PMID: 30866415 PMCID: PMC6427469 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Dust created by the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) towers on 9/11 included metals and toxicants that have been linked to an increased risk of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in the literature. Little has been reported on PF among WTC responders. This report used self-reported physician diagnosis of PF with an unknown sub-type to explore the association between levels of WTC dust exposure and PF. We included 19,300 WTC responders, enrolled in the WTC Health Registry in 2003–2004, who were followed for 11 years from 2004 to 2015. Exposure was defined primarily by intensity and duration of exposure to WTC dust/debris and work on the debris pile. Stratified Cox regression was used to assess the association. We observed 73 self-reported physician-diagnosed PF cases, with a PF incidence rate of 36.7/100,000 person-years. The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) of PF was higher in those with a medium (AHR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1–5.8) and very high level of exposure (AHR = 4.5, 95% CI = 2.0–10.4), compared to those with low exposure. A test for exposure—response trend was statistically significant (Ptrend = 0.004). Future research on WTC dust exposure and PF would benefit from using data from multiple WTC Health Program responder cohorts for increased statistical power and clinically confirmed cases.
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Wesemann U, Zimmermann P, Mahnke M, Butler O, Polk S, Willmund G. Burdens on emergency responders after a terrorist attack in Berlin. Occup Med (Lond) 2019; 68:60-63. [PMID: 29309698 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqx172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Terrorist attacks induce various responses in emergency responders. Addressing this range of responses in individual workers is of central interest. Aims To assess the gender- and occupation-specific effects of a terrorist attack, particularly in emergency responders. Methods This was a pilot study. Emergency responders present during the 2016 terrorist attack at Breitscheidplatz in Berlin were asked to participate. Measures for crisis management had been previously implemented. Stress (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]), quality of life (The World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL-BREF]), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 [PCL-5]) and current psychological symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]) were assessed. Results Thirty-seven subjects were included, 11 female and 26 male. The occupational groups included 16 firefighters, six police officers, five psychosocial health care personnel and nine members of aid organizations. Three months after the attack, female workers showed higher scores in stress and paranoid ideation, police officers showed higher scores in hostility and firefighters scored lower quality of life in environment and physical health. Conclusions The mental health burden identified in this study plays an important role for emergency responders after terrorist attacks. Differences between occupational groups may be attributable to differences in tasks that responders perform during acute incidents. The presence of these differences 3 months after the incident suggests that these are at least medium-term conditions. This study may inform the development of treatments and policies and it thus recommended to develop a multi-level assessment and treatment programme that is gender- and occupation-specific.
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Graber JM, Chuang CT, Ward CL, Black K, Udasin IG. Head and Neck Cancer in World Trade Center Responders: A Case Series. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 60:e439-e444. [PMID: 29933317 PMCID: PMC6131053 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to report on cases of head and neck cancer (HNC) among World Trade Center (WTC) responders participating in the WTC Health Program and seen at Rutgers WTC Center of Clinical Excellence. METHODS Medical records were abstracted by two clinical reviewers and discrepancies resolved. Cases were defined as WTC responders diagnosed with HNC between December 9, 2005, and December 31, 2016. RESULTS Sixteen HNC patients met the case definition, most (13) arrived at the WTC location on 9/11 or within the following 2 days, and half worked in law enforcement during the 9/1 response. CONCLUSION An association between HNC and WTC exposure is biologically plausible and should be further investigated. Research to enumerate the risk factor profile for these cancers may contribute to understanding mechanisms by which WTC exposure can contribute to carcinogenesis and to prevention and early detection strategies.
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Bezabh YH, Abebe SM, Fanta T, Tadese A, Tulu M. Prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder among emergency responders of Addis Ababa Fire and Emergency Control and Prevention Service Authority, Ethiopia: institution-based, cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020705. [PMID: 30049692 PMCID: PMC6067328 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among emergency responders at Addis Ababa Fire and Emergency Control and Prevention Service Authority, Ethiopia. DESIGN Institution-based, cross-sectional design. SETTING The study was conducted at the Fire and Emergency Control and Prevention Service Authority, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS 603 emergency responders who worked in the Fire and Emergency Control and Prevention Authority during the study period. MEASUREMENT Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire: an adaptation of the standardised PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version. The questionnaire was administered to subjects on duty. Social support was measured using the Oslo 3-Item Social Support Scale, while other stressful life events were measured using the List of Threatening Experiences, that is, experiencing one or more stressful life events in the last 6 months. Reliability and construct validity were verified. To be diagnosed with PTSD, a subject must display at least three different types of symptoms at once. Coded variables were entered into Epi Info V.3.5.1 and then exported to SPSS V.20 for analysis. Descriptive and bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions and 95% CI were employed to establish and test statistically significant associations. RESULTS A total of 603 subjects participated in the study, with 19.9% prevalence rate of PTSD (95% CI 16.9 to 23.1). The study found family history of mental illness (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.82; 95% CI 1.65 to 4.84), longer years of service (AOR=2.67; 95% CI 1.54 to 4.63), as well as prolonged exposure to emergency situations (AOR=0.44; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.84) and road traffic accidents (AOR=2.71; 95% CI 1.67 to 4.42) as significant predictors of PTSD among emergency responders. CONCLUSION The prevalence of PTSD was high among the study population. Family history of mental illness, length of service, duration of exposure and type of exposure were found to be associated with PTSD. Mental health education and linking emergency responders with available mental health services/facilities should be prioritised to mitigate the problem.
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Goh CE, Mooney SJ, Siscovick DS, Lemaitre RN, Hurvitz P, Sotoodehnia N, Kaufman TK, Zulaika G, Lovasi GS. Medical facilities in the neighborhood and incidence of sudden cardiac arrest. Resuscitation 2018; 130:118-123. [PMID: 30057353 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical establishments in the neighborhood, such as pharmacies and primary care clinics, may play a role in improving access to preventive care and treatment and could explain previously reported neighborhood variations in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) incidence and survival. METHODS The Cardiac Arrest Blood Study Repository is a population-based repository of data from adult cardiac arrest patients and population-based controls residing in King County, Washington. We examined the association between the availability of medical facilities near home with SCA risk, using adult (age 18-80) Seattle residents experiencing cardiac arrest (n = 446) and matched controls (n = 208) without a history of heart disease. We also analyzed the association of major medical centers near the event location with emergency medical service (EMS) response time and survival among adult cases (age 18+) presenting with ventricular fibrillation from throughout King County (n = 1537). The number of medical facilities per census tract was determined by geocoding business locations from the National Establishment Time-Series longitudinal database 1990-2010. RESULTS More pharmacies in the home census tract was unexpectedly associated with higher odds of SCA (OR:1.28, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.59), and similar associations were observed for other medical facility types. The presence of a major medical center in the event census tract was associated with a faster EMS response time (-53 s, 95% CI: -84, -22), but not with short-term survival. CONCLUSIONS We did not observe a protective association between medical facilities in the home census tract and SCA risk, orbetween major medical centers in the event census tract and survival.
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Hughes HE, Colón-González FJ, Fouillet A, Elliot AJ, Caserio-Schonemann C, Hughes TC, Gallagher N, Morbey RA, Smith GE, Thomas DR, Lake IR. The influence of a major sporting event upon emergency department attendances; A retrospective cross-national European study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198665. [PMID: 29898000 PMCID: PMC5999282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Major sporting events may influence attendance levels at hospital emergency departments (ED). Previous research has focussed on the impact of single games, or wins/losses for specific teams/countries, limiting wider generalisations. Here we explore the impact of the Euro 2016 football championships on ED attendances across four participating nations (England, France, Northern Ireland, Wales), using a single methodology. Match days were found to have no significant impact upon daily ED attendances levels. Focussing upon hourly attendances, ED attendances across all countries in the four hour pre-match period were statistically significantly lower than would be expected (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.99) and further reduced during matches (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97). In the 4 hour post-match period there was no significant increase in attendances (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.04). However, these impacts were highly variable between individual matches: for example in the 4 hour period following the final, involving France, the number of ED attendances in France increased significantly (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13-1.42). Overall our results indicate relatively small impacts of major sporting events upon ED attendances. The heterogeneity observed makes it difficult for health providers to predict how major sporting events may affect ED attendances but supports the future development of compatible systems in different countries to support cross-border public health surveillance.
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Kim H, Baidwan NK, Kriebel D, Cifuentes M, Baron S. Asthma among World Trade Center First Responders: A Qualitative Synthesis and Bias Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15061053. [PMID: 29882850 PMCID: PMC6025114 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The World Trade Center (WTC) disaster exposed the responders to several hazards. Three cohorts i.e., the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), the General Responder Cohort (GRC), and the WTC Health Registry (WTCHR) surveyed the exposed responder population. We searched Pubmed and Web of Science for literature on a well-published association between the WTC exposures and asthma, focusing on new-onset self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma. The resulting five articles were qualitatively assessed for potential biases. These papers were independently reviewed by the co-authors, and conclusions were derived after discussions. While, the cohorts had well-defined eligibility criteria, they lacked information about the entire exposed population. We conclude that selection and surveillance biases may have occurred in the GRC and WTCHR cohorts, but were likely to have been minimal in the FDNY cohort. Health care benefits available to responders may have increased the reporting of both exposure and outcome in the former, and decreased outcome reporting in the FDNY cohort. Irrespective of the biases, the studies showed similar findings, confirming the association between WTC exposure and self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma among responders. This suggests that health data gathered under great duress and for purposes other than epidemiology can yield sound conclusions. Potential biases can, however, be minimized by having validated survey instruments and worker registries in place before events occur.
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Hall EM, Patel K, Victory KR, Calvert GM, Nogueira LM, Bojes HK. Phosphine Exposure Among Emergency Responders - Amarillo, Texas, January 2017. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2018; 67:387-389. [PMID: 29621206 PMCID: PMC5889246 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6713a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Missikpode C, Peek-Asa C, Young T, Hamann C. Does crash risk increase when emergency vehicles are driving with lights and sirens? ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2018; 113:257-262. [PMID: 29444480 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergency vehicles, such as police, ambulances, and fire vehicles, need to arrive at the scene of emergencies as quickly as possible, and thus they often travel in emergency mode - using their lights and sirens and often bypassing traffic signals. We examined whether travelling in emergency mode increased crash risk among police, ambulance and fire vehicles. METHODS We conducted a quasi-induced exposure analysis using data from the Iowa Crash Database for the period of 2005 through 2013. The data are maintained by the Iowa Department of Transportation (IADOT), Office of Driver Services (ODS) and includes all investigating police officer's reports of motor vehicle crashes. The quasi-induced exposure method is an approach to calculate crash risk in the absence of exposure data using vehicles without a contributing cause (did not contribute to the crash) as a proxy for the baseline driving population. RESULTS From 2005 - 2013, police vehicles were involved in 2406 crashes and ambulances and fire vehicles were involved in 528 crashes. Police vehicles were 1.8 times more likely to crash while driving in emergency mode than usual mode; this was a statistically significant increase. Ambulance and fire vehicles were not more likely to crash in emergency mode compared with usual mode. For police, other factors that contributed to crash risk included gender, age, icy/snowy roads, unpaved roads, and intersections. For ambulances and fire vehicles, other factors that contributed to crash risk included gender, age, weekends, icy/snowy roads and urban locations. CONCLUSION Crash risk increased when police vehicles drove with lights and sirens but did not increase for ambulance and fire vehicles. Further research is necessary to develop and evaluate strategies to mitigate crash risk among police vehicles. Cultural approaches which prioritize transportation safety in conjunction with reaching the scene as quickly as possible may be warranted.
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Dufayet L, Médernach C, Bassi C, Garnier R, Langrand J. [Outbreak of carbon monoxide poisoning in the Ile-de-France region during the spring 2016 Seine flooding]. SANTE PUBLIQUE (VANDOEUVRE-LES-NANCY, FRANCE) 2017; 29:803-809. [PMID: 29473394 DOI: 10.3917/spub.176.0803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heavy rainfall in May 2016 caused large-scale flooding of the Seine and its tributaries. Analysis of this unusual event showed that it could recur on an even larger scale. The sanitary consequences were less frequently assessed in this analysis, particularly the risk of accidental collective carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by the use of combustion engine drainage pumps. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all cases of acute accidental carbon monoxide exposure observed in the Ile-de-France region, related to the use of drainage pumps in spring and summer 2016 and notified to the Ile-de-France CO poisoning surveillance network. RESULTS Five events were identified, including 45 people exposed to carbon monoxide. Thirty-four of these people were poisoned, 5 were not poisoned and insufficient data were available for 6 people. Three people showed signs of severity and 2 were treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The other poisoned individuals were managed in hospital and treated by oxygen therapy. All were cured. DISCUSSION Collective CO poisonings are common sanitary events during flooding and can be potentially severe. They can occur during the event or over the following days. Preventive measures may help to reduce the risk of CO poisoning, such as increased awareness among professionals, better information of individuals who rent these types of devices or even the use of CO detectors during their use.
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Schenk EJ, Yuan J, Martel LD, Shi GQ, Han K, Gao X. Risk factors for long-term post-traumatic stress disorder among medical rescue workers appointed to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake response in China. DISASTERS 2017; 41:788-802. [PMID: 27982458 DOI: 10.1111/disa.12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the risk factors for clinically-significant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Chinese medical rescue workers one year after the response to the Wenchuan earthquake on 12 May 2008. A sample of 337 medical workers who performed response work within the first three months of the event completed an online questionnaire, which included information on demographics, social support, the management and organisation of the disaster response, and an assessment of PTSD. Symptoms consistent with PTSD were prevalent in 17 per cent of the rescue workers. Those who developed PTSD symptoms were more likely to have been injured, experienced a water shortage, been disconnected from family and friends during the response, and have passive coping styles and neurotic personalities. Factors that cannot be changed easily, such as personality traits, should be evaluated prior to deployment to ensure that rescue workers at higher risk of PTSD are provided with adequate support before and during deployment.
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