Impact of psychological strain on fire and rescue service personnel retention in wartime – experiences from Ukraine

The research project focuses on how psychological stress, trauma, and moral strain affect Ukrainian fire and rescue service personnel’s willingness and ability to remain in the profession.

Through surveys and in-depth interviews, the project analyses the factors influencing personnel retention and identifies the types of support most effective in preventing mental ill health.

The project also highlights how gender roles and norms surrounding masculinity may influence the propensity to seek help. The findings are intended to contribute to greater knowledge of how the resilience of fire and rescue services can be strengthened, both in Ukraine and in other countries, including Sweden.