• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.53-62
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate duty-related incidental stress, coping method, and stress factors in 133 new firefighters. Methods: A self-reported questionnaire was administrated to 133 new firefighters between April and May 2010. It consisted of 33 and 62 items concerning duty-related incident stress and coping methods, respectively. Data were analyzed by using the t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results: New firefighters experienced the most stress when inappropriately dispatched. Duty-related incidental stress correlated with active (r = .420, p < .001) and passive coping (r = .450, p < .001). Also active coping statistically correlated with passive coping (r = .890, p < .001). Influencing factors of duty-related incidental stress were passive coping (t = 2.12, p < .05), experience of having a co-worker in a dangerous situation (t = 3.30, p < .001), having less than 6 months of work experience (t = 2.30, p < .05), and experience of having oneself in a dangerous situation (t = 2.05, p < .05). Conclusion: New firefighters need to be provided with training on active coping to prevent posttraumatic stress disorders and, social support immediately after an inappropriate and stressful dispatch.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2225-2233
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• 2013

This study was designed to identify the extent of incident shock who are in high risk of post traumatic shock stress, and analyze the related factors that affect the extent of incident shock. The subjects are 415 rescue workers from Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters, who are in high frequency of fire outbreaks and rescue mobilization. With a reliability of Cronbach's ${\alpha}$=.975, the results show invasion, avoidance, sleep disorder and emotional paralysis, dissociative symptom, hyper arousal as foremost causes respectively. Moreover, the results imply that the extent of incident shock was higher in people with more age or being married. Also, from the occupational perspective, the number of years as fire fighters, as rescue workers, mobilization and experiences at work in proportion to incident shocks has risen exponentially. It is notable that the groups who alleviate stress by consuming liquors had higher extent of incident shock. In conclusion, to deal with groups in high risk, management system and prevention care programs for incident shocks need to be introduced immediately and put into effect.