Global PTSD prevalence among active first responders and trends over recent years: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Summary: First responders like police, firefighters, and paramedics face traumatic events every day. This study looked at how many of them suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Researchers found that 14.3% of first responders have PTSD from their daily work, which is actually higher than the 8.3% who get it from big disasters. Sadly, PTSD rates have been going up, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. It doesn't matter what kind of first responder they are or if they are male or female—everyone is at risk. Also, paid workers and those in poorer countries have a higher chance of getting PTSD. Even with more focus on mental health today, these heroes still need better support and treatments.