Out of sight – Out of mind? The need for a professional and standardized peri-mission first responder support model

Abstract

First responders are an essential part of the chain (-mail) of survival as they bridge and reduce the time to first chest compressions and defibrillation substantially. However, in the peri-mission phase before and after being sent to a cardiac arrest, these first responders are in danger of being forgotten and taken for granted, and the potential psychological impact has to be remembered. We propose a standardized first responder support system (FRSS) that needs to ensure that first responders are valued and cared for in terms of psychological safety and continuing motivation. This multi-tiered program should involve tailored education and standardized debriefing, as well as actively seeking contact with the first responders after their missions to facilitate potentially needed professional psychological support.

Keywords

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• First responders
• Automated-external defibrillator
• Debriefing
• System to save lives
• Chainmail of survival