Salvadora, Lindsy O. <br/><br/>
Coping strategies and compassion fatigue among first responders in Iriga City / 
Lindsy O. Salvadora, Chrisel Mae Tayer, and Maria Bernadeth B. Trinidad 
 - 91 leaves. 
<br/><br/>Undergraduate Thesis (BHS) - Human Services  
<br/><br/>Includes bibliographic references. 
<br/><br/> First responders, that is the highly visible cluster of personnel who are constantly exposed to distressing incidents, which can cause compassion fatigue. Coping strategies is another factor that should be considered when addressing first responders. Most research on first responders coping strategies and compassion fatigue has focused on western populations, with little emphasis given to the unique conditions in the Philippines specifically in Iriga City, Bicol Region. The main objective of this study was to determine the coping strategies and compassion fatigue among First Responders in Iriga City. The researchers use the descriptive- correlational research design using a standardized scale as the primary tool for gathering data. The result showed that the overall levels of coping strategies of first responders was in moderately employed. While the level of their compassion fatigue in terms of burnout and secondary traumatic stress was moderate to high. The correlation indicated statistically there was no significant correlation between coping strategies and burnout, while there was a significant moderate positive correlation was found between coping strategies and the secondary traumatic stress. The findings suggest that first responders should actively engage in effective coping strategies, while reducing reliance on low-scoring maladaptive strategies. Furthermore, the Government administration must establish mental health programs geared and enforce organizational policies that prioritize mental health and establish standardized procedures for addressing burnout and secondary traumatic stress for first responders. The Government must also perform regular mental health evaluations among first responders to monitor levels of compassion fatigue and adjust support services accordingly.