Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 2 , Pages 78-88, February 2008

Mechanism and strategies for preventing post-traumatic stress disorder in forensic workers responding to mass fatality incidents

  • Elizabeth Brondolo, PhD

      Affiliations

    • St. John’s University, Department of Psychology, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439, United States
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 718 990 6496/6497; fax: +1 718 990 6705.
    • ,
  • Robin Wellington, PhD

      Affiliations

    • St. John’s University, Department of Psychology, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439, United States
    • ,
  • Nisha Brady, BA

      Affiliations

    • St. John’s University, Department of Psychology, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439, United States
    • ,
  • Daniel Libby, BA

      Affiliations

    • St. John’s University, Department of Psychology, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439, United States
    • ,
  • Thomas J. Brondolo

      Affiliations

    • Brondolo Associates, LLC, New York, NY, United States

Received 25 August 2006; accepted 26 April 2007.

Abstract 

Mass fatality incidents (MFIs) expose medical examiners/coroners and associated staff to circumstances that may increase their risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this paper is to provide guidance for efforts to prevent the development of PTSD in forensic teams who respond to mass disasters. We present a model of the paths through which exposure to mass fatality incidents may lead to PTSD symptoms in forensic and recovery workers. The model is based on current research in stress and coping and the psychophysiology of PTSD and is used to generate worksite intervention strategies to reduce the risk for PTSD.

Keywords: Mass fatality incidents, PTSD, Forensic workers, Recovery workers, Medical examiners, Job stress

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PII: S1752-928X(07)00066-2

doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2007.04.007

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 2 , Pages 78-88, February 2008

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