Patterns of Primary Care Use and Clinical Assessment Practices Among Treatment-Seeking First Responders.

Yockey, R Andrew; Galusha, Jeanine M; Ponder, Warren N; Carbajal, Jose; Collins, Christy R; Schuman, Donna L · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

cross_sectional · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

To identify the predictors of suicide for law enforcement officers (LEOs), firefighters (FFs), and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). We used primary care assessments of posttraumatic stress disorder (PC-PTSD-5), generalized anxiety (GAD-2), depression (PHQ-2), substance use (CAGE-AID), resilience (RSES-4), and suicidality (PHQ-SI). We conducted separate logistic regressions predicting suicide for LEOs and FFs/EMTs. Among LEOs, 8% screened positive for suicide, whereas 24% of FFs/EMTs screened positive, respectively. There were no significant predictors of suicide for LEOs. However, for FFs/EMTs, depression was associated with an increase in suicidality, whereas previous mental health treatment was a buffer against it. These data are cross-sectional and require analysis throughout the course of treatment. We demonstrated the utility of using primary care abbreviated assessments for first responders.