Firefighters; they are the men and women who save property and lives. But what happens when their lives need saving? That’s the dilemma for hundreds of first-responders each year. The demands of the job and the repeated trauma they see can leave many in crisis.
Firefighters face the risk of many behavioral health concerns such as anxiety, depression, burnout and PTSD, etc. But the problem is that first responders don’t talk about behavioral health when it comes to each other. The often mentioned mantra in Fire/EMS/Law Enforcement is “We help others but never ourselves.” There is a stigma to admitting that the stress and the often disturbing scenes they respond to might be getting to them.
What makes suicide so difficult to prevent is that it is not a condition or disorder, but rather an outcome that may result from the presence (or accumulation) of many risk factors. What makes a suicide in first responders even more difficult to prevent is that they are the helpers. Who are they supposed to call for help when they are the ones who need it? Why is it so difficult for someone in Fire/EMS/Law Enforcement to ask for help? The risk of losing their peer’s respect, fear of being viewed as weak and unable to perform their jobs, fear of confidentiality, fear of losing their career? It’s no wonder, so many of the helpers suffer in silence. Many say seeking help can leave them on the fringe, considered damaged goods by their crew.
And that’s a problem; firefighter ranked number one in CareerCast’s annual survey of the most stressful jobs in 2015, just ahead of soldiers. CareerCast described the profession as, “dangerous in ever-changing conditions, with work not limited to battling blazes; firefighters also assist with medical emergencies and natural disasters.” Firefighters across the nation echo the idea of going to work each day not knowing if they will come back alive.
And that daily stress, combined with limited opportunities to talk about it, is taking a toll – as evidenced by the number 285. That’s the number of active and retired firefighters in the U.S. who are known to have taken their lives since 2012. It’s what many in the profession call “the hidden dirty little secret.” With 46 firefighters in 2015 already lost to suicide, something has to change.
It was a little- discussed topic by fire departments until Captain Jeff Dill created the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA). Dill started the nonprofit after hearing about the emotional impact the World Trade Towers disaster had on firefighters in 2001, and talking with first responders about lack of mental health resources for those returning from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Captain Dill says the number of firefighter suicides that get reported is only the tip of the iceberg.
In 2004, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) invited fire organization leaders to a summit on preventing line-of-duty deaths. A document titled “16 Firefighter Life Safe Initiatives” was drawn up to promote health, safety and cultural changes in the firefighting community. Number 13 calls for better access to psychological support and counseling for firefighters and their families addressing the occupational stress they face, and to counter the growing incidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases.
Despite the effort, the problem continues. A January 2015 article in USA Today cited National Fallen Firefighters Foundation statistics that a fire department is three times more likely to experience a suicide in a given year than a line-of-duty death. They added that PTSD, depression, substance abuse and suicide were still all too common.
Slowly, more and more resources are being created to help firefighters deal with the stress of the job. The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance is a great first-step, with information and links to support agencies. The National Volunteer Fire Council and the National Fire Protection Association also dedicate numerous resources to linking firefighters in crisis with agencies that can help.
Some of those are:
• Emergency Ministries – providing chaplains for first-responder counseling and support,
• Rosecrance Florian Program – offering substance abuse treatment and PTSD support for firefighters and paramedics,
• NVFC Fire/EMS Helpline, 1-888-731-FIRE
• North American Firefighters Veteran Network – 24 crisis line for addiction, anxiety, stress and more,
• The Sweeney Alliance – The focus of their program First Step Hope: Not All Wounds Are Visible addresses the difficult topics that few in the first responder professions discuss or have resources for PTSD, Suicide intervention and prevention, loss and grief.
• Station House – Treatment facility exclusively for first responders, established by first responders.
• American Academy of Experts in Trauma Stress – collaborating with organizations to meet the needs of victims and survivors
GREENBELT, Md. – The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) today launched the department portal component of its new Make Me a Firefighter volunteer recruitment campaign. Departments can now sign up at https://portal.nvfc.org to join the campaign and showcase their volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer firefighters make up 69 percent of the nation’s fire service, yet the number of volunteers has declined by about 12 percent since 1984. At the same time, call volume has nearly tripled. In addition, the average age of the volunteer fire service is increasing as departments are finding it difficult to reach millennials – those within the 18-34 age range.
To help departments counter these trends and increase the number of volunteers, the NVFC was awarded a SAFER grant from FEMA to conduct a nationwide recruitment campaign. The first component of the Make Me a Firefighter campaign consists of a department portal where volunteer and combination fire departments can register for the campaign and post their volunteer opportunities. Starting August 1, the NVFC will launch a public web site allowing potential volunteers to search for opportunities and connect with their local department.
This summer and fall, the NVFC will also be releasing resources through the campaign to help local fire departments recruit members. This includes recruitment ads and materials that departments can customize and localize using an online materials generator; tools to help departments reach target audiences such as millennials, women, and minorities; and training to assist departments in conducting a successful recruitment program. NVFC research has shown that there is strong interest in volunteering among millennials and minority audiences, and helping departments reach these largely untapped markets is a main goal of the campaign. Register for the campaign now at https://portal.nvfc.org so you will have access to these tools as they are released.
“Recruitment is a challenge for many volunteer and combination departments across the country,” said NVFC Chairman Kevin D. Quinn. “Yet our research shows that 44 percent of millennials are interested in volunteering with their local department. Many simply don’t know the need for volunteers exists. The Make Me a Firefighter campaign will help build awareness among the public as well as provide departments with the tools and resources they need to recruit to this and other target audiences.”
Learn more about the Make Me a Firefighter campaign and the department portal by watching this video, and share it with others facing recruitment challenges: https://youtu.be/vhfk6lEyNKw
About the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
The 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 invaluable resources, programs, training, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
Have you stopped to thank an emergency medical services worker? Now is the time!
Whether it was lifesaving medical treatment at an accident scene, search and rescue at a major disaster, transportation to the hospital during a heart attack or stroke, or specialized care for the nation’s first Ebola patient, millions owe their lives to EMS professionals.
California Casualty is joining millions of Americans in thanking those who work in emergency medical services during National EMS week, May 17-23 – set aside to recognize the safety, honor and the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line.” The observance began in 1974 and has grown along with the profession.
You can help thank EMTs, paramedics and other first responders in a variety of ways:
Order pizzas or prepare a meal for your local ambulance company or fire station
Create goody bags with treats, discounts at local restaurants or movie tickets for EMS personnel
Host a neighborhood celebration and invite EMS personnel to join the fun
Learn CPR
Help create an EMT or Paramedic of the Year Award for your community
Join events that honor and remember fallen EMS workers
Write thank you notes and take them to a fire station or local ambulance company
Paint some thank you banners or posters and put them up along main streets or roads where EMS people will see them
The national organization for EMTs also urges emergency medical service practitioners to host open houses, teach CPR, give injury prevention tips and offer ride-alongs to help spread the word and create better awareness about the important work EMTs and paramedics perform for our communities.
California Casualty makes it easy to give a salute to EMS professionals with our Nominate A Hero program. Numerous EMTs and paramedics have received a $250 gift card and have been recognized on the Hall of Heroes page at www.nominatemyhero.com. Thank your EMS hero with a nomination for the monthly award.
California Casualty also thanks EMS personnel for their hard work with the chance to win a custom Harley-Davidson® Road King or $25,000 in our Work Hard/Play Hard contest. Details and entry forms can be found at https://go.calcas.com/harley.
Whether you’re a firefighter, police officer, or paramedic, life as a first responder can be stressful and challenging. As a result of dangerous or hectic duties and long hours, many first responders are left with little time to care for themselves.
Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s important to start focusing on yourself a little more.
Tips for staying healthy and fit
It’s an admirable thing, to focus on the needs of others and care for strangers in challenging situations. However, there comes a point in time when you also need to think about yourself.
Try implementing any or all of the tips below into your daily routine to experience better overall health and improved fitness.
Get enough sleep. First responders often suffer from any number of sleep problems because of drastic irregularities in their schedules. If you believe you suffer from a sleeping disorder or condition, it’s critical that you see a doctor and get the situation under control. While it may be difficult, you should shoot for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. This allows your body to recover and keeps you mentally prepared.
Drink plenty of water. Your body thrives on hydration and needs adequate water intake to function properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, that means roughly 13 cups per day for men, and 9 cups a day for women. If you’re coming in under these marks, you’re probably not as energized or healthy as you could be.
Maintain a balanced diet.A healthy, balanced diet is key to staying healthy and in shape. For optimal results, eliminate as many processed foods as possible and focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You also want some lean protein in your diet, but too much can be a problem. Your muscles crave carbohydrates, and the more you can take in, the better prepared you’ll be for physically demanding situations.
Stop smoking. If you’re a smoker, you have to quit. Period. You understand the risks associated with smoking, and your cardiovascular health can’t handle this horrible habit. Smoking is one of the worst things you can subject your body to, and you won’t be able to perform well unless you curb this addiction.
Decrease alcohol intake.While you don’t necessarily have to give up alcohol altogether, you probably should decrease your intake. Avoid drinking alcohol right before bedtime, because this can disrupt your sleep cycles. If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, try to limit yourself to drinking only on off days … and doing so in moderation.
Exercise on a regular basis.While you probably get plenty of hands-on action on the job, you also need to set aside regular time each day for a targeted fitness regimen. Focus on both strength and cardio training with high-intensity workouts. Plan major workouts for your off days while making sure to include short fitness routines in your work schedule.
Discover ways to relieve stress.There’s no way around it: being a first responder is stressful. There will be days when it seems like it’s too much to handle. And while there’s no way to eliminate stress completely, you should work actively to reduce its effects on your life. Investigate constructive and safe ways to release stress, and learn to separate your duties from your personal life when possible.
Regular health screenings. Finally, it’s important to get regular health screenings a couple of times per year to ensure your body is functioning properly. High blood pressure is known as “the silent killer” and should be monitored on a regular basis.
Insurance for first responders
At California Casualty, we offer premiere auto insurance for first responders. Whether you’re a firefighter, police officer, or paramedic, we take pride in offering reliable and convenient policies that fit your lifestyle and provide valuable peace of mind.
Jeff Bryan is a firefighter who doesn’t let adversity keep him down. Jeff returned to full time work in March 2015, just slightly less than a year after his right leg was amputated below the knee. Jeff severely injured that leg in a 1991 skiing accident in Colorado. He “limped by” in pain until doctors determined the leg had to be removed. Jeff, who is a firefighter and EMT Intermediate with the Ute Mountain Fire Department in southwest Colorado, refused to let the amputation keep him down. He was released from the hospital on his 50th birthday. He says there were two ways to go: give up and feel sorry for himself or push forward and beat it – he chose to move beyond and conquer it.
As soon as he was able, he started bicycling, ice climbing, paddle boarding, swimming and yoga. As far as anyone can determine, Jeff is the only firefighter in Colorado to return to full-time active duty after a leg amputation. Jeff does not want to be known as the firefighter who lost a leg, but the guy who works hard to stay in shape and be the best EMT/firefighter he can.
What’s his philosophy and how does he train? He spells it out here in his own words:
In 1991, I suffered a commuted fracture of my tibia while skiing in Breckenridge, CO. It was during this injury that I first trained to get my life back.
In 2011 I had an ankle replacement. I once again undertook the task of regaining my fitness; however, I never regained my top physical condition. For the next 3 years I worked in unbearable pain. I basically, worked, slept and trained in the gym. I developed high blood pressure. I was getting sick.
On March 20, 2013 I worked a 72. On the 23rd I clocked out and headed to Vail to meet my doctors. Four days later, I was told my best option was amputation. I spent the next three days lying in bed. During this time I made the decision that failure was not an option.
On April 22, 2014 I had a below the knee amputation. I went for an Ertl amputation since I qualified. The Ertl procedure is designed to build muscle and preserve bone that will support prosthetic devices for those who plan to be active. The surgery went well and I was released from the hospital 4/26, my 50th Birthday.
Now 30 pounds overweight, I had a huge undertaking. I needed to lose the 30 pounds and fulfill my goal of returning to active duty. 50 years old, overweight and now an amputee!
I started out just the way I did in 1991. At four weeks I started riding the bike with one leg. At six weeks I received my first prosthetic and was on my way to PT. I followed my instructions to a tee. I continued to bike and work on balance. At this time I also started yoga.
At my age I did not need to increase my calorie intake above 2000 calories a day. I eat a balanced diet, consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables, chicken and grass fed beef, which I purchase by the half cow. Once a week I splurged and enjoy a bowl of Ice cream. I drink water, 10-12 glasses a day. I never drink soda.
Within a week of getting my first prosthetic I went out on my stand up paddle board. I spent a lot of time swimming, paddling, spinning and lifting. I am a firm believer in high reps, low weight.
We all hear the term crossfit. I do not do a crossfit program. I am a firm believer in cross training, consisting of cardio, core, flexibility and strength training. As I progressed, I started to add new activities. In July, I started rock climbing. In August, I started biking outside.
At 50 years old, avoiding injury is key. Yoga or a good stretching routine should be done daily. Cardio should be done a minimum of three days a week. I prefer four or five, but three will work. I do weight training four days a week. All my weight lifting is done either after cardio or after I ride my bike to the gym. I never lift heavy. I keep my reps at a minimum of 12. I usually do sets of 16-24. I lift for endurance, strength and elongated muscle. Heavy lifting will not only decrease flexibility, it will Increase your risk of injury.
The idea is to move fluidly between cardio and strength while resting as little as possible. As I progressed I added more activities. I started to climb ice, backcountry ski, bike hard and stick to my routine. The idea is to mix it up and have fun.
In January I started ice climbing again. I was climbing strong and climbed as much as I could. I started riding single track on my mountain bike in March. I mix it up as much as possible. Your workout should not be a chore, it should be fun. If you’re not having fun, try something different. Start slow and increase your intensity. I add weight very gradually. I make sure I can do a set of 24 before I up my weight. My bike rides started out at five miles. I am now averaging about 25 per ride on my road bike and 10 miles a day on single track. Just remember Cardio, Core, Flexibility and Strength.
As the seasons change, I take advantage of the weather. I cross country ski, climb, bike or paddle. I still do a minimum of four days lifting; once again, never with heavy weight. I am a true believer that flexibility, elongated muscle, core strength and endurance is the key, especially for firefighters and first responders (more on that in coming articles).
And, all this is working. At nine months I was cleared for full duty by my doctor. At 11 months, I had cleared my final physical. In March, I returned to full duty as a line firefighter and my first shift was 3/7/15.
*Note- Jeff completed the first 30 days of his 90 day probation on April 7 without any issues. He is committed to being the best first responder he can, serving the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Southwest Colorado.
