What is it about?
This study focused on adapting and validating a short screening tool to help identify signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Turkish firefighters. Firefighters often experience traumatic events in their daily work, but many do not receive the mental health support they need. We translated an existing PTSD screening tool (called the PC-PTSD-5) into Turkish and tested it with over 200 firefighters in Istanbul. Our results showed that this version works well in detecting PTSD symptoms and can be used in routine health checks. This tool can help make early mental health support more accessible to first responders, improving their well-being and work performance.
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Why is it important?
Firefighters are regularly exposed to life-threatening situations, yet many go without proper psychological support due to stigma and a lack of practical screening tools. This study is the first to offer a culturally adapted, scientifically validated Turkish version of a widely used PTSD screening tool specifically for firefighters. It comes at a critical time when global awareness of mental health in first responders is rising. By offering a brief, reliable, and accessible method to detect PTSD symptoms early, this work has the potential to reduce suffering, improve well-being, and strengthen the resilience of emergency workers in Turkey and other non-English-speaking regions.
Perspectives
As a researcher and physician, I have long been aware of the psychological burden placed on first responders, particularly firefighters. However, I noticed a clear gap in culturally appropriate and practically applicable tools for screening PTSD in this population in Turkey. This project was deeply meaningful to me not only as a scientist but also as someone who values the mental health of those who risk their lives for public safety every day. I hope that this work can contribute to breaking the stigma around psychological help among first responders and serve as a stepping stone for wider mental health initiatives in occupational health.
Assistant Professor Ahmet Erhan BAKIRCI
İstanbul Üniversitesi Cerrahpaşa
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Screening for PTSD in first responders: Turkish adaptation and psychometric validation of the primary care PTSD screen for DSM-5., Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy, March 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/tra0001887.
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