Abstract

Introduction: In a review of Chilean firefighters mental health research, we found that there are no studies concerning traumatic exposure, peritraumatic dissociation, PTSD symptoms, and coping. In the last months, we were able to evaluate 433 firefighters from all over the country and planned to evaluate another 150 at the beginning of 2017. In January, the worst bushfire in Chilean history run for 29 days, interrupting the collection of data. Our aim is to compare the ones already evaluated with the ones that will be evaluated after this exposure. Method: Until now 433 Chilean firefighters filled out the assessment protocol (traumatic exposure, peritraumatic dissociation, global psychopathology, PTSD, coping). In the next month (March 2017) firefighters from two cities (n = 150) will be evaluated as previously arranged. Results: Contrary to expectations, only 1.2% of the participants already evaluated reported PTSD symptoms according to DSM-5 criteria (M= 7.01; SD 7.18), although 20% presented significant symptoms of peritraumatic dissociation (M= 13.45; SD 5.2). Data from this group (pre-exposure) will be compared to a group of firefighters exposed to the recent bushfire regarding self-report of exposure and symptoms. Discussion: Severe exposure to stress is a risk factor for developing PTSD symptoms. The recent bushfire, that caused the destruction of entire towns, the loss of lives (including firefighters lives), is both a tragedy but also an opportunity to understand how these experiences can affect the mental health of firefighters and how coping can contribute to mental health.