Introduction

Emergency service workers (e.g. police, fire, ambulance officers) are regularly exposed to occupational stressors and potentially traumatic events, resulting in an increased risk of poor mental and physical health. For example, emergency service workers are twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to the general population and one in ten will develop posttraumatic stress disorder. Despite this, emergency service workers face barriers to accessing traditional mental healthcare. Physical activity is non-stigmatising and may help improve the mental and physical health of this population; however, novel ways to help people engage are needed. Peers with lived experience may be well-placed to co-deliver physical activity programs alongside health professionals. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of peer-facilitators co-delivering an online physical activity intervention for emergency service workers and their families.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 6 peer-facilitators. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using exploratory thematic analysis.

Results

Two main themes were explored. The first theme related to the value of lived experience that reflected two subthemes, i) credibility and relatedness by virtue of experience; and ii) knowledge and confidence by virtue of experience. The second theme related to the impact of the peer-facilitator role on the peers themselves, whereby peer-facilitators reported an increased sense of purpose and social connection.

Discussion

This qualitative study provides insights into how peer-facilitators can complement health professionals in the delivery of physical activity interventions for emergency service workers. Further research is needed to elucidate training requirements and safety protocols.

中文翻译：

---

同伴协助者为紧急服务工作者及其家人提供身体活动干预的经验

介绍

紧急服务人员（例如警察、消防员、救护人员）经常面临职业压力和潜在的创伤事件，导致身心健康状况不佳的风险增加。例如，与一般人群相比，紧急服务人员出现自杀念头的可能性是普通人群的两倍，十分之一的人会患上创伤后应激障碍。尽管如此，紧急服务人员在获得传统精神保健服务方面仍面临障碍。体育活动是无耻的，可能有助于改善这一人群的身心健康；然而，需要帮助人们参与的新方法。有生活经验的同龄人可能很适合与卫生专业人员共同提供体育活动计划。

方法

对 6 位同伴促进者进行了定性访谈。访谈被录音、转录，并使用探索性主题分析进行分析。

结果

探讨了两个主要主题。第一个主题与生活经验的价值相关，反映了两个子主题，i) 凭借经验的可信度和相关性；ii) 凭借经验的知识和信心。第二个主题与同伴促进者角色对同伴自身的影响有关，同伴促进者报告说，目标感和社会联系感增强了。

讨论

这项定性研究提供了关于同伴协助者如何在为紧急服务工作者提供体育活动干预方面补充卫生专业人员的见解。需要进一步研究来阐明培训要求和安全协议。