I’m Vigdis Kristin, a PhD student at the University of Reykjavík. I study the mental health of trained volunteers who respond to natural disasters. The research I’m working on focuses on anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout among ICE-SAR volunteers following the Grindavík volcanic eruption. My team collected data at three time points, before the eruption, few months afterwards, and approximately one year later, to explore how location, emotional connection and other factors relate to psychological outcomes. We also conducted interviews with relevant disaster responder groups to better understand their experience. The aim is to document and understand first responders’ experiences to support their well-being and improve preparedness for future events.