Prevalence of PTSD Symptoms Among Iranian Red Crescent Disaster Workers Participated in Rescue and Collection Operation of the Tehran - Yasuj Airplane Crash

Background: The airplane crash is one of the most catastrophic events that may lead to extensive damage. The Tehran - Yasuj airplane crash was one of these disasters that took place on 18 February 2018 in Dena mountains in the south of Iran and resulted in the death of all 66 passengers and staff. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) among rescuers participating in the Tehran - Yasuj airplane crash operation. Methods: This study was conducted on 210 rescuers who participated in the rescue and collection operation of the Tehran - Yasuj airplane crash. A snowball method was used for sampling. Data collection was done using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and structured interviews. Correlation coefficients, linear regression, and Z-test were used for data analysis. Results: The prevalence rate of PTSd t according to PCL-5 and interview was 25%. The severity of the criteria was significantly different between different groups of education levels and duration of participation. Conclusions: The resultsshoweda high rate of PTSDamongIranianRedCrescent volunteers,whohadparticipated in the rescueand collection operation. The most severe symptoms were super-alert”, watchful or on guard and this severity was different according to different duration of participation in the operation and education levels.