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 who regularly face crises like landslides, floods, and other emergencies across the state and beyond.
Governor Cláudio Castro emphasized the commitment to equipping personnel with necessary resources and mental health support to improve their readiness for complex rescues.
He said: “Our management understands that health care, especially mental well-being, is essential for our firefighters to be able to make the best decisions in the most critical moments.”
CBMERJ’s mental health strategy includes ongoing assessments by psychiatrists and psychologists who implement programs designed to help firefighters manage the stress and trauma associated with their work.
These specialists offer preventive services that include discussion groups, lectures, and workshops across the state, providing a platform for emotional relief and skill-sharing among the personnel.
This program follows national and international Civil Defense protocols, focusing on themes such as grief management, resilience, and self-care.
Through these services, firefighters gain tools to handle emotional challenges, contributing to both their mental health and operational effectiveness.
CBMERJ’s Disaster Psychology service also provides targeted support during and after large-scale emergency operations, including natural disasters within Rio de Janeiro and in neighboring regions.
Health professionals work directly in the field, ensuring firefighters receive necessary care both during immediate disaster response and in post-crisis recovery phases.
Colonel Tarciso Salles, Secretary of State for Civil Defense and General Commander of CBMERJ, highlighted the team’s mission, stating: “Attention to the health and well-being of the troops, the men and women who carry out rescue operations every day, is our priority.” This continuous care model aims to reduce long-term impacts associated with high-stress environments.
In a proactive approach, the Rio de Janeiro Fire Department has also trained teams of medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and nursing technicians, to accompany firefighters during high-risk missions.
This specialized training lasts three months, preparing healthcare personnel to provide immediate assistance on-site during critical situations.
The training equips them to operate in hazardous areas, enhancing the safety and support available to firefighters.
By embedding these trained professionals in operations, CBMERJ bolsters its capability to maintain personnel health and safety, reflecting a dedicated, integrated approach to supporting its emergency response teams.
The Military Fire Department of the State of Rio de Janeiro (CBMERJ) has implemented a comprehensive Disaster Psychology service to support the mental health of firefighters facing frequent emergencies, according to the Rio Fire Department.
This program includes regular mental health monitoring, specialized crisis response, and post-incident care, helping personnel manage the emotional toll of rescue operations.
Governor Cláudio Castro and Colonel Tarciso Salles emphasize the priority given to mental well-being, backed by continuous preventive services and a trained healthcare team that can respond alongside firefighters.
The initiative also includes specialized training for medical staff to provide immediate assistance during high-risk missions, strengthening overall emergency response and personnel safety.
