Mental Health Interventions for Rescue Personnel in Disaster Response: A Scoping Review of Best Practices

Abstract

Emergency responders—like firefighters, paramedics, and police officers—often face extreme stress and trauma during disaster relief work. These situations put them at risk for mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and burnout. This review explores the best ways to support their mental well-being. Using the PRISMA model, we reviewed global studies from 2000 to 2024 found in databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Key strategies identified include Psychological First Aid (PFA), Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), resilience training, and tele-mental health support. Interventions that involved organizational backing and cultural customization were the most impactful. Still, many programs lack long-term follow-up and don’t always fit into existing response systems, especially in low-resource settings. The evidence points toward using a multi-layered approach that addresses individual needs, promotes peer support, and integrates systems-level care. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and adaptable models that can inform mental health policy.