Which factors may affect the stress experienced by first responders after a mass casualty incident (MCI)?

The stress experienced by first responders after a mass casualty incident (MCI) is significantly influenced by factors related to the individuals themselves, particularly their age and psychological history. First responders may have varying levels of resilience and coping mechanisms based on their mental health background, previous experiences with trauma, and developmental stage. Older responders might have more experience handling stressful situations, while those with a history of psychological issues could be more vulnerable to stress reactions after an MCI.

Additionally, psychological factors such as pre-existing mental health conditions, past trauma experiences, and overall emotional state play a crucial role in how first responders process and respond to the high-pressure environment of an MCI. This understanding highlights the need for targeted psychological support for responders, especially those at higher risk due to their personal histories.

The other factors may play a role in the overall context of the incident, but they do not directly address the individual psychological impact in the same way that age and psychological history do. For instance, while the location, weather conditions, and type of injuries can influence the logistics of the response and the immediate challenges faced during an MCI, it is the individual responder's psychological makeup that primarily determines their stress level following such traumatic experiences.