Rio de Janeiro Fire Department strengthens firefighter mental health support in disaster response
Specialized mental health support for firefighters in Brazil The Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro (CBMERJ) has implemented a Disaster Psychology service to prioritize the mental and physical well-being of its personnel in the face of frequent high-risk emergencies. This initiative focuses on providing dedicated mental health care to military firefighters […]
NVFC receives FEMA grant to expand firefighter mental health support
FEMA awards grant to NVFC for emergency responder mental health The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has been awarded a 2023 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant aims to bolster the NVFC’s ongoing efforts to enhance firefighter health and safety, specifically targeting the behavioral health of […]
Promoting mental health: LAFD hosts screening of first responder documentary
LAFD highlights mental health initiatives through documentary screening The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) hosted a free screening of the documentary “First Responders Sound the Alarm” at the Regal LA Live this past week. As reported by the LAFD, the event aimed to provide insights into the lives and experiences of the first responder community, […]
PTSD Awareness Month: Mental health support resources for first responders in the US
PTSD: The impact of trauma on volunteer first responders Volunteer first responders often face traumatic events that can significantly impact their mental health. June is PTSD Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of recognizing post-traumatic stress symptoms among first responders. First responders are encouraged to become familiar with the signs of PTSD and the available mental […]
Safeguarding firefighter and EMS mental health
Kristen Wheldon, President and Founder of the Fire Service Psychology Association explains the importance of comprehensive mental health support in fire services Over the past ten years, the fire service community has taken significant steps towards addressing the mental health needs of their firefighters and EMS providers. Notably, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has recognized […]
NVFC introduces online directory for mental health professional access
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) recently unveiled an innovative online tool designed to streamline the connection between emergency responders and mental health professionals. Launched on January 16, 2024, this searchable directory is specifically tailored to aid firefighters, EMS providers, rescue workers, and their families in accessing behavioral health support. This development marks a significant […]
CBMMG holds inaugural Mental Health Meeting to address firefighter well-being
The Minas Gerais Military Fire Department (CBMMG) hosted its first-ever Mental Health Meeting on 24 October 2023. Organized by the Health Assistance Advisory (AAS), the event aimed to foster discussions surrounding mental health concerns within the fire department. Exchanging experiences and understanding the mental health scenario The meeting provided a platform for military personnel from […]
Health and environmental impacts of Maui wildfires explained
Public health experts from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa provided insights into the health and environmental repercussions of the August 8 Maui wildfires during a webinar. The presentation aimed at educating Hawaiian healthcare professionals about potential risks and protective measures. Addressing Maui wildfire health concerns During the briefing titled “Environmental Health Impacts of the […]
U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit 2024 focuses on emerging fire safety technologies and firefighter health
2024 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit highlights fire prevention innovations and firefighter well-being The 2024 U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit, hosted at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, gathered experts from the fire safety community to address key challenges facing the fire service. The summit focused on emerging fire risks related to modern building materials, climate […]
Detroit awarded HEARTSafe Community designation for cardiac health efforts
Detroit receives HEARTSafe Community designation Detroit has officially been recognized as the largest municipality to receive the HEARTSafe Community designation, as reported by the Detroit Fire Department. The achievement was announced by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms, marking a significant milestone for the city’s commitment to cardiac health. The HEARTSafe […]