Oksana Lytvynenko - Candidate of Historical Sciences, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Activity Psychology in Special Conditions. National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine.
ORCID 0000-0001-6655-4258
DOI - https://doi.org/10.52363/dcpp-2025.1.3
Keywords: critical incident stress debriefing, psychological support, firefighters, PTSD, crisis intervention.
The article examines the issue of providing psychological support to firefighters through the use of the debriefing technique. It analyzes the combination of physical, psychological, and organizational demands that create an extremely tense work environment for professionals engaged in high-risk activities. Such factors lay a favorable foundation for the development of emotional burnout, PTSD, and a decrease in the overall level of an individual's stress resilience. In light of its relevance, the article also explores the specifics of the debriefing technique as an important psychological tool for supporting the emotional well-being of professionals whose work is closely associated with extreme situations, high levels of stress, and emotional trauma. The theoretical foundation of the method is explored, relying on crisis intervention models, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and social psychology. The mechanisms of psychological impact through debriefing are described, such as cognitive reorganization, emotional relief, enhanced sense of control, and strengthened group cohesion. The article reviews scientific studies that confirm both the positive and negative aspects of debriefing. In particular, it highlights the risks of retraumatization, the inefficiency of single-session interventions, and the importance of facilitators’ professional training. Emphasis is placed on the need for debriefing to be part of a comprehensive approach to psychological support for firefighters, considering individual characteristics, the psychological climate within the team, and the specifics of the experienced events. The paper substantiates recommendations for the use of debriefing in emergency response services to reduce the risk of post-traumatic disorders, professional burnout, and to enhance firefighters' psychological resilience. The study stresses the importance of integrating debriefing techniques into standard firefighter protocols to ensure personnel's psychological stability and increase operational effectiveness.