Which factors can affect the stress experienced by first responders after a mass casualty incident?

The correct response focuses on age as a contributing factor to the stress experienced by first responders after a mass casualty incident. Age can influence both physical and psychological resilience. Younger individuals may have different coping mechanisms compared to older or more experienced responders. Additionally, life experiences and maturity can play significant roles in how stress is managed, particularly in high-pressure situations like mass casualty incidents.

For instance, older responders may have encountered various types of crises throughout their careers, potentially equipping them with better skills for managing stress and making quick decisions under pressure. Conversely, younger responders might find themselves feeling overwhelmed in their first significant traumatic event due to less exposure to such situations. This variability highlights how age can shape an individual's ability to cope with the stress inherent in emergency and disaster response.

The other factors, while they may influence the environment or conditions surrounding the incident, do not have the same direct correlation to individual psychological response as age does. For example, the time of day or weather conditions can impact the logistics of a response or the physical comfort levels of responders but are not inherently tied to their psychological coping mechanisms. Similarly, the availability of food and drinks is related more to basic needs and comfort rather than the psychological stress response itself.