The role of coping with stress in public emergency management: A systematic review in firefighters (2010- 2025)

• Víctor Bryan Cuadros Mariños Universidad Cesar Vallejo. Lima, Perú. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2185-739X

Keywords: role, coping with stress, public management, emergencies, firefighters

Abstract

The review aimed to synthesize the available evidence (2010-2025) on stress coping strategies in firefighters and their relationship with public emergency management. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020, searching for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed empirical studies in SciELO, Scopus, and PubMed on coping, stress, PTSD, burnout, and organizational resilience in public service firefighters; of 268 records, 20 studies were included after critical evaluation. The results show that firefighters are frequently exposed to traumatic events, with a high prevalence of PTSD, burnout, depression, and anxiety. Adaptive coping strategies (emotional regulation, social support, active planning, and problem-focused coping) are associated with fewer psychological symptoms, better decision- making under pressure, and greater organizational resilience. Well-being programs based on the NIC taxonomy could reduce absenteeism, improve retention and institutional response capacity, and generate savings in public health. It is concluded that effective coping is key to mental health and operational  performance.  In  Peru,  resilience  programs  and  public mental health policies with specialized units and resilience indicators are recommended.

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