First Responder Focused
Trauma Research
Calling Current or Former First Responders to participate in Trauma-Focused Research
October 10th – 13th, Burlington VT
Trauma in First Responders is Different
The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP) is a cutting-edge research initiative aimed at understanding and enhancing First Responder resilience under acute stress. We believe that by creating Trauma Screening and Treatments tools that are specific to First Responders we can improve the strength and mental health of our First Responder communities.
We hope this research can pave the way for improved mental well-being, heightened cognitive performance, and transformative therapeutic techniques for First Responders in the immediate aftermath of trauma.
Eligibility
Current or retired Law enforcement, Fire, EMS officers who meet our criteria on the IES-R and are able to attend all 4 days of In-person Research at VCRW's headquarters in Burlington, VT.
Duration
Study participants are provided (4) consecutive workshop days, 0900 - 17:00 with a break for lunch. Complete schedule for participants in both subject cohorts is below.
Compensation
There is no monetary compensation, however therapies and treatments provided are completely complimentary.
Lunch is included.
Why Participate?
Research indicates that as many as 1 in 5 first responders experience symptoms of PTSD—a rate much higher than the general populace. Yet, the full scope and depth of these experiences remain understudied.
Contribute to Science
Personal Insights
Cutting-Edge Tools
Join a Community
Tentative Schedule
By participating in our PTSD study, you are not just contributing data. You are offering insights, personal experiences, and perspectives that can help us develop tailored support mechanisms, treatments, and preventative strategies for first responders nationwide. Your involvement could lead to transformative policies, improved on-the-job support, and refined therapeutic interventions.
Research Eligibility Questionnaire
Self-Assessment
The Impact of Events Scale-Revised, IES-R, is a self-assessment to help determine how much a previous event is impacting you.
The quiz lists a list of difficulties people sometimes have after stressful life events.
Please read each item and indicate how distressing each difficulty has been for you during the past seven days, with respect to the event. How much have you been bothered?
The scale will open in a separate page for your review. If your self-score meets our criteria, you are eligible for this study. We hope that by volunteering with us we will be able to help you and connect you with additional resources to support your mental health.
Next Steps
Register to be a Research Volunteer
If you are interested and available to volunteer, please complete this form. A member of our research team will get in touch with you as soon as possible with more details about the study and the next steps.
For those who did not meet the eligibility criteria for our study, we genuinely appreciate your interest. We encourage you to seek resources and support if needed. A few reliable resources include:
Your well-being is of utmost importance to us. Whether you’re participating in the study or seeking support elsewhere, please prioritize your mental health.
What is The Acute Stress Adaptive Protocol (ASAP)?
The ASAP (an EMDR based early intervention) is both a screening tool and a therapeutic treatment for emergency responders to assess and care for their mental health in the immediate aftermath of responding to crisis.
Add Your Heading Text Here
The Acute Stress Adaptive
Protocol is Preferred By
First Responders Because:
- The experience stays confidential: no need to re-tell and relive the event
- Can be administered by a trusted peer in group, individual, or virtual setting
- Shorter and more concise process aligns with the procedural training and skill set of emergency responders
- Clear worksheet, protocols, and follow up care is created
Learn More
Stay Up To Date
With the Latest ASAP Research
Learn more about how Early EMDR Intervention techniques and First Responder Cultural Competence