Beliefs and attitudes of first responders: An assessment of their willingness to assist persons with severe mental illness during a disaster

Purpose. Attitudes of first responders towards individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) during a disaster were examined. The Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) was used to explain the relationship between perceived threat and perceived efficacy and willingness to assist individuals with SMI during a disaster. Other attitudes and beliefs that may be associated with perceived threat and efficacy were also examined. It was hypothesized that the lower the perceived personal risk and the higher the self-efficacy, the more likely they are willing to assist persons with SMI. Methods. Over 4-months, 274 first responders completed an anonymous online survey that assessed their attitudes and behaviors towards individuals with SMI during a disaster. Odds ratios were computed to explain the effects of perceived threat and perceived efficacy on their willingness to assist. Multinomial regression was used to identify other attitudes and behaviors associated with perceived threat and efficacy. Results. First responders with low perceived threat and high perceived self efficacy were three times more likely to assist persons with SMI if required compared to those with high perceived threat and low perceived efficacy. This group was also six times more likely to report confidence in personal safety while helping persons with SMI when compared to first responders with low perceived efficacy and high perceived threat. Conclusions. Future first responder training should include additional preparation on assisting individuals with SMI through improving knowledge on the causes and consequences of mental disorders and increasing confidence in helping individuals with SMI during disaster events.