Psychological Preparedness of the Rescuers and Volunteers: A Case Study of 2023 Türkiye Earthquake

By Vladimir CvetkovicNews

Authors

  • Žarko MarcetaSecurity Research Center, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Dragiša JurišicSecurity Research Center, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

DOI: 

https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2024.6.1.3

Keywords: 

rescuers, volunteers, psychological preparedness, earthquake, Türkiye

Abstract

When disaster strikes, first responders must be not only operationally and logistically but also psychologically prepared. Psychological preparation for a potential adverse event can have a critical impact on the success of responses, and recovery efforts. The aim of this paper is to analyze the psychological preparedness of rescuers and volunteers from Bosnia and Herzegovina who were assigned to the mission of minimizing the consequences of the earthquake in the Republic of Türkiye in February 2023. As a module in the training of the organizations that engaged them, the existence of psychosocial assistance provided to rescuers and volunteers (psychological first aid) in the circumstances of natural disasters was analyzed. The psychological readiness of the rescuers sent from Bosnia and Herzegovina to perform the assigned tasks, their status and condition during the mission were analyzed. The research was conducted in the period March – June 2023 using an anonymous questionnaire with combined questions. The results of this research determined that the majority of respondents believe that training aimed at protecting mental health and preventing the harmful effects of stressful situations in their work organization does not meet the challenges they encountered during the rescue mission in the Republic of Türkiye in February 2023. The results of this research highlight the need to find practical solutions – the inclusion of psychosocial assistance activities. It is therefore vital that psychological preparedness be included in emergency response plans.

References

Ajduković, D., Bakić, H., i Ajduković, M. (2016). Psihosocijalna podrška u kriznim situacijama velikih razmjera. Zagreb: Hrvatski Crveni križ.

Alden, L., Matthews, L., Wagner, S., Fyfe, T., Randall, C., Regehr, C., White, M., Buys, N., Carey, M., Corneil, W., White, N., Fraess-Phillips, A. & Krutop, E. (2021): Systematic literature review of psychological interventions for first responders, Work & Stress, 35(2), pp. 193-215.

Allen, B., Brymer, M., Steinberg, A., Vernberg, E., Jacobs, A., Speier, A. & Pynoos, R. (2010). Perceptions of psychological first aid among providers responding to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Journal Trauma Stress, 23(4), pp. 509-513.

BBK. 2024. Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community. Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. https://www.bmi.bund.de/EN/topics/civil-protection/bbk/bbk-node.html , Accessed: 2024-06-12.

Benedek, D., Fullerton, C., & Ursano, R.J. (2007). First Responders: Mental Health Consequences of Natural and Human-Made Disasters for Public Health and Public Safety Workers. Annual Review of Public Health, 28(1), pp. 55-68.

Bisson, J., & Lewis, C. (2009). Systematic Review of Psychological First Aid. Geneva: World Health Organisation.

Bisson, J., & Tavako, B. (2008). The TENTS Guidelines for Psychosocial Care following disasters and major incidents. United Kingdom: Cardiff University, Wales.

Brooks, S., Dunn, R., Amlôt, R., Greenberg, N., & Rubin, G. (2016). Social and occupational factors associated with psychological distress and disorder among disaster responders: a systematic review. .BMCPsychology ,18(4).

Brooks, S., Dunn, R., Sage, C., Amlôt, R., Greenberg, N., & Rubin, G. (2015). Risk and resilience factors affecting the psychological wellbeing of individuals deployed in humanitarian relief roles after a disaster. Journal of mental health 24(6), pp: 385-413.

Coleman, D. (2021). Disaster response and mental health: Working towards psychological well-being for volunteers (Master’s thesis). Victoria: Royal Roads University, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences.

Crveni krst Srbije. (2017). Psihološka prva pomoć: Vodič za terenske radnike. Beograd: Crveni krst Srbije.

Cvetković, V. M. (2023). Otpornost na katastrofe – Vodič za prevenciju, reagovanje i oporavak – Disaster resilience – A Guide to Prevention, Response and Recovery. Beograd: Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375645109_Otpornost_na_katastrofe_-_Vodic_za_prevenciju_reagovanje_i_oporavak_-_Disaster_resilience_-_A_Guide_to_Prevention_Response_and_Recovery , Accessed: 2024-06-12.

Dyregrov, A., Kristoffersen, J., & Gjestad, R. (1996). Voluntary and professional disaster-workers: similarities and differences in reactions. Journal of Trauma Stress, 9(3), pp. 541-555.

ESTSS. (2011a). Interventions in the aftermath of disaster. Amsterdam: Academic Medical Center University.

ESTSS. (2011b). The TENTS Guidelines for psychosocial care following disasters and major incidents. Cardiff: Cardiff University.

ESTSS. (2023). The European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. https://estss.org/about/ , Accessed: 2024-04-10.

Everly, G. & Lating, Ј. (2021).Psychological first aid (PFA) and disasters. International Review of Psychiatry, 33(8), pp: 718-727.

Forbes, D., Lewis, V., Varker, T., Phelps, A., O’Donnell, M., Wade, D., Ruzek, J., Watson, P., Bryant, R. & Creamer, M. (2011). Psychological first aid following trauma: implementation and evaluation framework for high-risk organizations. Psychiatry Interpersonal & Biological Processes 74(3), pp. 224-239.

Fox, J., Burkle M., Bass, J., Pia, F., Epstein, J., & Markenson D. (2012). The effectiveness of psychological first aid as a disaster intervention tool: research analysis of peer-reviewed literature from 1990 – 2010. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 6(3), pp. 247-252.

Government of the Netherlands. 2024. MHPSS resilience & self-reliance. https://www.government.nl/topics/mhpss/mhpss-resilience-self-reliance , Accessed: 2024-06-12.

Guterman P. (2005). Psychological preparedness for Disaster.

Helfman, L. (2018). How Do First Responders Experience and Cope With Trauma? The Dialogue, 14(1), pp. 14-16.

IASC. (2007). IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings. Geneva: IASC.

IFRC. (2009). Psychosocial interventions: A handbook. Copenhagen: IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support

Jones S. (2017). Describing the mental health profile of first responders: a systematic review. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc. 23(3), pp. 200-214.

Jones S., Agud, К. & McSweeney, Ј. (2020). Barriers and Facilitators to Seeking Mental Health Care Among First Responders: “Removing the Darkness”. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 26(1). pp. 43-54.

Kleim, B., & Westphal, M. (2011). Mental Health in First Responders: A Review and Recommendation for Prevention and Intervention Strategies. Traumatology, 17(4), pp. 17-24.

Kouvatsou, Z., Degermedgoglou, G., Karamagioli, E. & Pikoulis, E. (2022). Psychological First Aid Training of Police Officers. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 37, pp. 856-862.

Lewis, V., Varker, T., Phelps, A., Gavel, E., & Forbes, D. (2013). Organizational Implementation of Psychological First Aid (PFA): Training for Managers and Peers. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 6(6).

Lewis-Schroeder, N., Kieran, K., Murphy, B., Wolff, J., Robinson, M., & Kaufman, M. (2018). Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment of Traumatic Stress in First Responders: A Review of Critical Issues. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 26(4), pp. 216-227.

Lowery, A. & Cassidy, T. (2022) Health and well-being of first responders: The role of psychological capital, self-compassion, social support, relationship satisfaction, and physical activity. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 37(2), pp. 87-105.

Mano, R., Technion Kirshcenbaum, A., & Rapaport, C. (2019). Earthquake preparedness: A social media fit perspective to accessing and disseminating earthquake information. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 1(2), 19-29. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2019.1.2.2 , Accessed: 2024-06-12.

MSB.2024. MSB – Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. https://www.msb.se/en/ , Accessed: 2024-06-12.

Norwegian Red Cross. (2024). Support our work. https://www.rodekors.no/en/about-us/support-our-work/ , Accessed: 2024-06-12.

Öcal, A. (2019). Natural disasters in Turkey: Social and economic perspective. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 1(1), 51-61. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2019.1.1.3 , Accessed: 2024-06-12.

PFA-CE. (2017). Psychological First Aid and Psychosocial Support in Complex Emergencies. Brussels: European Commission, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. https://ec.europa.eu/echo/funding-evaluations/financing-civil-protection-europe/selected-projects/psychological-first-aid-and_en , Accessed: 2024-04-10.

Polemikou, A. (2021). Disaster-Induced Psychological Trauma: Supporting Survivors and Responders. In: Pikoulis, E., Doucet, J. (eds), Emergency Medicine, Trauma and Disaster Management. Hot Topics in Acute Care Surgery and Trauma. Springer, pp. 545-554.

Police Federation of England and Wales. 2024. Mental health. https://www.polfed.org/our-work/wellbeing/mental-health/ , Accessed: 2024-06-12.

Rico, G. C. S. (2019). School-community collaboration: Disaster preparedness towards building resilient communities. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 1(2), 45-59. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2019.1.2.4 , Accessed: 2024-06-12.

Rowe, C., Ceschi, G., & Boudoukha, A. (2022). Trauma Exposure and Mental Health Prevalence Among First Aiders. Frontiers in psychology, 13, Article 824549.

SAMHSA. (2018) Disaster Technical Assistance Center Supplemental Research Bulletin First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma. Rockville: SAMHSA.

Shoygu, J. (2014). Psychological aid in crisis and emergency situations: Psychological follow-up by emergency-related professionals. Psychology in Russia: State of the Art, 7(4), pp. 33-42.

Shoygu, J. (Ed.). (2009). Psychology of extreme situations. Moscow: Smysl, Academia.

Sphere Association. (2018). The Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response (4th edition). Geneva: Sphere Association.

Umeda, M., Chiba, R., Sasaki, M., Agustini, E. N., & Mashino, S. (2020). A Literature Review on Psychosocial Support for Disaster Responders: Qualitative Synthesis with Recommended Actions for Protecting and Promoting the Mental Health of Responders. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(6), 2011. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062011 , Accessed: 2024-04-10.

Wang, L., Norman, I., Xiao, T., Li, Y., & Leamy, M. (2021). Psychological First Aid Training: A Scoping Review of Its Application, Outcomes and Implementation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), Article 4594.

World Health Organization, War Trauma Foundation, & World Vision International. (2011). Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers. Geneva: World Health Organization.

World Health Organization, War Trauma Foundation, & World Vision International. (2013). Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers. Geneva, World Health Organization.

World Vision Bosna i Hercegovina. (2020). Psihološka prva pomoć: vodič za terenske radnike. Sarajevo World Vision BiH.

Кордић, Б. (2018). Концепт и пракса психолошке прве помоћи. Годишњак Факултета безбедности, стр. 41-52.

Мarčeta, Ž., & Vrućinić, Ž. (2022). Psychosocial Support by Rescuers and Volunteers in the Circumstances of National Disasters. Journal of Security and Criminal Sciences, 4(2), pp. 23-37.

Малкина-Пых., И. (2005). Психологическая помощь в кризисных ситуациях. Москва: Эксмо.

Марчета, Ж. (2021). Психосоцијална помоћ у околностима природних катастрофа [Psychosocial assistance in the context of natural disasters] (Мастер рад) [Master’s thesis]. Бања Лука: Универзитет у Бањој Луци, Факултет безбједносних наука.

МБ БиХ. (2023). Рјешење о приступу информацијама број: 01-6-04-6-5015-1/23 од 2.8.2023. године. Сарајево: Министарство безбједности БиХ.

МО БиХ. (2023). Одлука о давању подршке за спровођење научног истраживања у МО и ОС БиХ број: 06-03-10-1591-8/23 од 9.2.2023. године. Сарајево: Министарство одбране БиХ.

Ненадовић, М. (2013). Психијатријска помоћ и психосоцијална подршка људима у ванредним ситуацијама. https://fedorabg.bg.ac.rs/fedora/get/o:7454/bdef:Content/get , Accessed: 2024-04-10.

Рыбников, В. и Ашанина Е. (2011). Психология копинг-поведения специалистов опасных профессий. Санкт-Петербург: Политехника сервис.

Црвени крст Србије. (2018). Психосоцијална подршка у несрећама – Приручник за професионалце и волонтере Црвеног крста Србије. Београд: Црвени крст Србије.

Шарапов, А., Пчелкина, Е. и Логинова О. (2023). Экстренная психологическая помощь: учебное пособие для вузов. Москва: Издательство Юрайт.

Шойгу, Ю. (2010). Принципы оказания экстренной психологической помощи в условиях чрезвычайных и экстремальных ситуаций. Вестник Санкт-Петербургского университета, № 12 (1), с: 162-168.

Шойгу, Ю. (2012). Организация деятельности психологической службы МЧС России. Национальный психологический журнал; № 1 (7), с: 131-133.

Шойгу, Ю. (Ред). (2007). Психология экстремальных ситуаций для спасателей и пожарных. Москва: Смысл.

Downloads

Published

2024-06-28

How to Cite

Marceta, Žarko, & Jurišic, D. (2024). Psychological Preparedness of the Rescuers and Volunteers: A Case Study of 2023 Türkiye Earthquake. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 6(1), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2024.6.1.3More Citation Formats

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024): International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Disaster Risk Management

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM) allows authors to deposit publisher’s version/PDF in an institutional repository, research gate, Academia.edu, and non-commercial subject-based repositories, or to publish it on Author’s personal website (including social networking sites) and/or departmental website, at any time after publication in compliance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial – NoDerrivatives 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). The Publisher’s copyright and source must be acknowledged and a link must be made to the article’s DOI (HTML link).

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *