Responder Types: Fire

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LAID OFF AT 50

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Man shares story of experience of being laid off at age 50 and how laughter and his desired legacy helped him find new direction.

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First Responder Toolkit

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First responders, no matter the role, are some of the truly unsung heroes in our cities and neighborhoods. Whether you’re putting your own lives on the line, providing emergency support or any of the other countless tasks associated with the job, each role is crucial in maintaining a safe place to live and work. However, while being a first responder is a demanding (and rewarding) career, the long hours, the possibility of injuries and the physical and mental traumas that can occur on the job can make it difficult to separate your work life from your personal life.

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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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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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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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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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The National Volunteer Fire Council

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The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation.

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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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