Within the past decade, there has been an increased awareness that the stressors of fighting fires and responding to stressful incidents are taking a significant toll on the behavioral health of firefighters. A recent study of 893 firefighters by Florida State University published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research shows a strong relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and suicidal thoughts and attempts among firefighters.
The Carson J. Spencer Foundation and researchers at Florida State University are collaborating to conduct a national study on the behavioral health of women firefighters.
This fall, the Behavioral Health team will be launching several new resources to provide the fire service and their families with access to counseling and psychological support.
A 24-7 COMMITMENT lifestyle means that you can balance a dream career like firefighting without sacrificing family. And so can your spouse. We’re going to help you determine what actions you can take to live out your dream, while doing the job you love, living with no regrets, and making every moment with your loved… Read more »
From the October issue of Firehouse® Magazine By Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki Our hearts were heavy this past August when three wildland firefighters were killed battling the Twisp River Fire in Washington State, and two died battling fires in California. These tragedies shook their communities and saddened our nation. These devastating deaths and other injuries… Read more »
Every day the public relies on firefighters to respond without hesitation to manage and resolve multiple emergencies, often while putting themselves in high-risk situations. In the wake of multiple suicides within departments around the country, fire service leaders have asked if firefighters are more vulnerable to suicidal tendencies.
Rituals with Laura Ling is a series that takes viewers on a journey through the psyche and habits of extraordinary individuals to find out how they survive, thrive, and gain focus. This episode shares the ritual of Greg Collaco, a San Francisco fireman who uses stair climbing to fight PTSI.
Presenting for the first time at FDIC, Leto said, “I strongly believe that it is our responsibility as firefighters to do everything we can to help each other, and this program opens people’s eyes to understand that sometimes it’s the simple things that really make a difference to people.”
Sometimes what we witness during a call hits too close to home or the pressures of life outside the firehouse seem insurmountable. Before we know it, the walls we’ve established to protect ourselves emotionally begin to crack. We’re often the last to notice. But if they aren’t shored up, those walls might come crashing down.
Current or retired firefighter? Help researchers learn more about suicide and mental health among firefighters by completing a brief online survey as a part of a research study funded by NFFF. Participants will be compensated for their time.
