Post-Critical Incident Mental Health Support Programs and Services for U.S. First Responders: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Abstract: Provide a summary (250-300 words) of the research, including objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
Background: First responders routinely experience occupational exposure to potentially traumatic events, placing them at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes. Although numerous post-critical incident mental health support programs have been implemented within first responder organizations, the extent to which these programs have been described and evaluated in the United States remains unclear.
Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify and characterize post-critical incident mental health support programs and services implemented for U.S. first responders, summarize program characteristics and reported outcomes, and identify gaps in the current evidence base.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley, refined by Levac and colleagues, and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched for peer-reviewed U.S. studies describing, implementing, or evaluating post-critical incident mental health support programs for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and other first responders. Data were extracted using a standardized form and synthesized descriptively through narrative analysis and evidence mapping.