The professional activity of policemen is connected to psychological and physical stress. The aim of this study was to identify the work specific requirements and stress as well as to deter-mine the exact circumstances of the experience of traumatic events and their coping. Additionally the occurrence of potentially traumatising situations during operations and the prevalence of PTSD symptoms were investigated in detail using questionnaires. As traumatising events severe traffic accidents, use of firearms, but also non-specific operations resulting in death, e. g. the killing of a child, were listed by the policemen. The knowledge of the psychological stress and its sources as well as the analysis of the exact circumstances of traumatic events are helpful in preventing PTSDs more efficiently, e. g. by special trainings for coping with stress and conflicts, in faster identification and treatment using professional support.
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.