New research from Vector Solutions reveals how prepared law enforcement officers and EMS, fire, and 911 ECC workers feel to tackle the unique situations they face every day. Vector Solutions’ Preparing Our First Responders report surveyed more than 600 full-time public safety professionals in a law enforcement, EMS, fire, or 911 ECC role in the United States with findings indicating there are significant gaps in first responder training and well-being resources.
Vector Solutions’ latest study shows that 95% of first responders feel they receive initial trainings that adequately prepare them for the real world. However, 78% of respondents felt compelled to revisit their training after encountering an incident. Additionally, the data also shows that these professionals have high mental health concerns that are not being sufficiently addressed.
“Proper training is critical at all times for first responders,” said Doug Kazensky, former police training sergeant, officer of 23+ years, and Solutions Engineer at Vector Solutions. “By equipping these professionals with the ongoing training they need throughout their careers, we can help ensure that they feel prepared for every situation they may encounter in the real world.”
While public safety professionals are receiving the on-the-job resources they require, there is a significant concern over the mental health resources provided. While 72% of respondents worry how their occupation affects their mental health, half of law enforcement professionals have even considered leaving their job due to the lack of well-being support.
“Every day our first responders can face extreme challenges on the job,” said Robbi King, veteran firefighter and Solutions Engineer at Vector Solutions. “If they’re being asked to show up for their communities every day but they’re still not receiving the resources they need, everyone will feel the impact of it.”
Additional Vector Solutions findings on the state of preparedness, training, and well-being that public safety organizations are facing:
Desire for Comprehensive Training
When it comes to the format of trainings, a striking majority of respondents agree that hands-on training is preferred and nearly half of respondents favor scenario-based instruction. However, law enforcement officers who supplemented their initial training with online training were more likely to feel prepared following their trainings.
- 82% of law enforcement officers said their training prepared them for the realities of the field, but those who leveraged online versions of part of their initial trainings are 12% more likely than average to say this
- 71% of all first responders surveyed favor hands-on training while 45% of respondents prefer scenario-based training
Despite High Confidence Levels, Respondents Face Major Obstacles
Issues including staffing shortages, low morale, and equipment concerns are impacting a large number of first responders in their everyday roles.
- 65% of first responders’ organizations are facing staffing shortages
- 47% are battling low morale in their departments and respondents who work at ECCs were 52% more likely than average to face issues with morale
First Responders Are Worried for Their Well-Being
Mental and physical well-being are heightened concerns across the board for first responders but it’s clear that those who have access to mental health training are reaping the benefits of it.
- 91% of respondents who have access to mental health training say it’s beneficial
- 6 in 10 first responders have witnessed an incident in the past 12 months that impacted their mental health
- 55% of EMS, fire, and 911 ECC workers and 82% of law enforcement officers worry about how their job impacts their physical health
Methodology
All findings are based on a survey of more than 600 full-time public safety professionals in a law enforcement, EMS, fire, or 911 ECC role, conducted from August – September, 2023. Survey conducted at 95% confidence, +/- 4% margin of error. Each respondent works full-time as a first responder, is 18+, and lives in the United States.
To learn more about Vector Solutions’ Preparing Our First Responders Reports, click here to access the Law Enforcement report and here for the EMS, Fire, and 911 ECC workers report.
