Firefighters, paramedics, and rescue workers who respond to disasters again and again often absorb an invisible burden that can shape their mental health for years. A new study focusing on disaster responders in the Philippines sheds light on this lesser-known condition known as secondary traumatic stress (STS), and how it affects the people who rush towards danger to help others.
The research, carried out by a team from New Era University, examined five disaster risk reduction and management officers working in Olongapo City in Zambales province. All had spent years attending emergencies involving fatalities, serious injuries, and large-scale destruction caused by typhoons, fires, and accidents. The findings were published in ISPCE Bulletin.
STS differs from direct trauma because it develops through repeated indirect exposure to the suffering of others rather than personal victimisation. Even so, researchers found it can produce symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, including intrusive memories, emotional numbness, and heightened alertness.
Participants described being deeply affected by encounters with death and severe injury, particularly when victims included children or people they knew personally. Several responders spoke of the emotional weight of witnessing graphic scenes, as well as the anxiety of not knowing what they would face when arriving at an emergency.
The study also highlighted the physical toll of this work. Responders reported fatigue, disrupted sleep, and delayed bodily reactions, such as shaking once a stressful incident had passed and their bodies began to process what had happened.
Coping strategies varied widely among the group. Some found strength through peer support, faith, and personal routines, which researchers described as healthier long-term approaches. Others suppressed their emotions or convinced themselves that distressing experiences were simply part of the job, a pattern that can increase the risk of burnout over time.
Despite the challenges, many responders described a deepened sense of purpose. Rather than being defined solely by hardship, their experiences often became a source of meaning, reinforcing their commitment to helping others and reshaping how they viewed themselves professionally.
The researchers say their findings point to a pressing need for structured psychological support within disaster response organisations. This includes regular debriefing sessions, access to mental health professionals, and training that helps responders manage cumulative stress rather than waiting for a crisis point.
Given how frequently the Philippines experiences typhoons, flooding, and earthquakes, the study argues that protecting the mental health of frontline responders is essential for maintaining an effective disaster response system. The findings may also resonate with emergency personnel in other disaster-prone regions who face similar pressures.
Although the sample size was small, the researchers say the depth of insight offers valuable groundwork for future studies, particularly ones that include more diverse groups of responders and explore how training influences resilience.
