Which factors can affect the stress levels of first responders after a mass casualty incident?

When considering what factors can influence the stress levels of first responders after a mass casualty incident, it is essential to recognize the multifaceted nature of stress responses. While the nature of the event itself—such as the severity, scale, and specific details of the mass casualty incident—can have a profound impact on first responders' experiences and stress levels, other factors also play significant roles.

In examining the nature of the event, this includes aspects like the level of trauma observed, the challenges presented during the response, and the emotional weight of the situation. For example, an event involving children or particularly horrific conditions might produce higher stress levels compared to other types of incidents.

However, failing to consider age and gender as contributing factors oversimplifies the issue. Age can influence a responder's experience level, coping mechanisms, and resilience, while gender may affect how stress is expressed and processed in response to traumatic incidents. Therefore, while focusing solely on the nature of the event is relevant, it's essential to acknowledge that stress in first responders is a result of a combination of various factors—including age and gender, in addition to the specifics of the incident itself.

In this context, selecting only the nature of the event overlooks the complex interplay of different variables that collectively shape the