Category Archives: Fire

MICHIGAN FIRST RESPONDER MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

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The Wayne State University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Sciences has teamed with the State of Michigan to develop a comprehensive behavioral and mental health training and support program for the state’s first responders and their families to address the stress they face in their duties protecting residents.

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First Responders and PTSD: A Literature Review

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The mental health of first responders is often overlooked. Increases in mental health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and rates of suicide have prompted research into what first responders need in order to stay emotionally healthy. The time has come to put the mental health needs of our first responders before their call of duty. Exposure to traumatic events has been linked to psychological distress and many frontline workers experience these traumas on a daily basis. Literature suggests that the increased incidences of psychological distress requires extensive scientific inquiry into the mental health of first responders worldwide.

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Federal Healthcare Resilience Task Force EMS/Prehospital Team

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First responders are facing unique stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This document (EMS27) presents resources and strategies in support of first responder behavioral health. This document contains weblinks to non-federal websites and webpages.

Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. government, or any of its employees, of the information and/or products presented
on that site.

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999 Foundation

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The National 9-99 Police and Sheriff Foundation raises funds for injured or fallen officers and their families, invests in K9 safety and training, and provides counseling and mental health resources to all officers in need.

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First Responder and Law Enforcement Resources

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  • Free Face Shields for First Responders
  • Frontline Worker Resources – An Initiative of the Massachusetts AG’s Office
  • Self-Care Resources for Healthcare Professionals and Responders to Covid-19 – SAMSHA
  • Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for COVID-19 in the United States
  • Resiliency and Wellbeing Resources for First Responders During COVID-19 Response
  • OTF Co-Chairs Message about Procuring PPE
  • What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Resources for First Responders and Law Enforcement
  • Drug Enforcement Administrations (DEA), Diversion Control Division, DOJ, COVID-19 information page
  • National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Coronavirus Information
  • The National Police Foundation Coronavirus (COVID-19): Resources for Law Enforcement
  • COVID-19 Briefing for Law Enforcement (Vimeo)
  • Presentation on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for Law Enforcement
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FirstNet: Providing Mobility and Flexibility for Michigan Law Enforcement

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Technology is critical to the work of today’s police force. Decades ago, we were celebrating the development of centralized databases and the advent of computer-aided dispatch systems. Now, agencies can use drones, thermal imaging, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices to enhance police operations and make officers more efficient and safer on the job.

Mobile broadband technology is a key component of these advances. 4G LTE – and soon 5G – connections enable officers to access the same resources in the field as they would sitting at a computer in a police station. Gone are the days of having to return to the station to complete reports or upload video footage. And FirstNet – the only nationwide broad-band network dedicated to public safety – provides officers the reliable broadband connection they need to operate on a daily basis or during any incident or emergency.

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Brain scans help shed light

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Celebrities and public figures have recently been more open about mental health conditions they deal with. This is a positive sign of shrinking stigma around mental illness, and it also helps in reducing it. The most recent in this line was Ariana Grande’s mention of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD … and a brain scan.

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FOP

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The Fraternal Order of Police is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 364,000 members in more than 2,100 lodges. We are the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. We are committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those we serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement and employee representation.

No one knows the dangers and the difficulties faced by today’s police officers better than another officer, and no one knows police officers better than the FOP.

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POAM

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POAM is a full-service labor organization formed to provide every labor-related service from negotiations, grievance processing, legal and legislative representation to Act 312 arbitrations.

The number one issue that POAM representatives address when speaking with groups interested in switching union affiliation is the quality of our business agents and the service they provide to their local units. Calls are returned promptly. Many questions are answered on the spot, more difficult inquiries are responded to immediately after the issue is investigated.

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COPLINE

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“Cops understand Cops. We’ve been exposed to similar situations in our careers. Whether you’re active duty or retired and feel like no one understands what you’re going through, we want to answer your CALL.”

CopLine has earned the trust of the Law Enforcement community by providing peer listening through a hotline by maintaining complete confidentiality as well as anonymity if the caller chooses. We train competent, confident, committed, and compassionate retired officers to engage with callers on the daily stressors officers and their family members experience.

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Firefighters are first responders

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While the number of fire-related calls to U.S. fire departments has steadily declined in recent decades, the volume of calls to fire departments has continued to grow. As fire departments have become increasingly relied upon to provide emergency response to an ever-growing range of incidents, so have firefighters’ roles and responsibilities.
NFPA continually works to support fire departments by developing standards, trainings, resources and initiatives that help them perform their work as effectively and safely as possible, wherever they’re required to go. Similarly, NFPA has proactively addressed emerging issues in which fire departments have become actively involved.

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Behavioral Health and Wellness in the Fire Service

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There is growing concern about behavioral health issues and the significant impact on wellness. The stresses faced by fire fighters, paramedics and EMTs throughout the course of their careers – incidents involving children, violence, inherent dangers of firefighting and other potentially traumatic events – can have a cumulative impact on mental health and well-being.

The IAFF​ continues to develop resources that educate and support members on behavioral health concerns. Check back often for updated information on behavioral health programs and resources.

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IAFF Recovery Center

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A Rehab Center Designed Specifically for IAFF Members We want you to feel at home at the IAFF Center for Excellence. That’s why we designed it with the firehouse in mind, to make treatment as comfortable as possible. You’ll find familiar touches throughout the common areas and residences.

Our 15-acre facility, located just outside Washington, DC, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland is furnished with comfortable residential accommodations and more than 60 beds. It offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor amenities to encourage physical activity and mental clarity to heal the mind, body and spirit.

 

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Behavioral Health for Firefighters

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Firefighters and EMS personnel routinely witness horrific events that ordinary people don’t. These experiences can lead to mental health issues, including PTSD and depression—even suicide. Here you can view the latest findings, policies and procedures that can help first responders and their leaders recognize behavioral health problems and take action before they put themselves and those around them at risk.

Recognizing emerging or existing mental health issues is critical to keeping first responders safe.

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Mental Health Resources: Critical for Firefighters

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Like most emergency responders, firefighters are expected to be calm, level-headed and able to face even the most challenging situations with courage. They have long been expected to contain their emotions and approach their jobs with logic and reason, with the understanding that only those who have the ability to successfully manage the stress and emotional aspects of the job are cut out for success.

As a result, many firefighters have suppressed their feelings, with devastating consequences to their mental health. Research indicates that a large number have experienced mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. For example, one study of 7,000 firefighters found that 65% of the respondents struggle with memories of difficult calls, while 59% have had family or relationship problems as a result of their jobs. Substance abuse issues were experienced by 27%, while 19% have had thoughts of suicide.

In this article, we explore why mental health is critical for firefighters and what resources are available to help departments raise awareness within their teams.

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