Following a tragic line-of-duty death in 1992, fire departments nationwide swiftly adopted the “Denver Drill,” a rigorous training protocol that commemorates the city where the incident took place.
The drill emphasizes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, involving maneuvering a victim through narrow openings and tight spaces.
It took a single line-of-duty death to drive crucial changes aimed at preventing such incidents from recurring.
How many firefighter suicides must occur before we see a similarly urgent and effective response? Firefighter suicides, which are at least three times more common than line-of-duty deaths, highlight a pressing behavioral health crisis within the fire service and the disparity between how we address job-related physical injury and death versus the impact of psychological injury.
Below we describe how organizations can support firefighter mental health through prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.
The fire service has increasingly recognized the importance of critical incident intervention.
However, it is not enough to focus only on the aftermath of events; agencies must be proactive in their approach to firefighter mental health.
Below are some examples of preventive measures that address issues before they escalate and contribute to a supportive work environment that values mental health as integral to overall firefighter wellness.
Comprehensive wellness programs are essential for firefighter mental health, incorporating regular mental health screenings, resilience training, and stress management workshops tailored to their unique challenges.
Educating personnel on early signs of mental health issues and fostering a culture where seeking help is encouraged can significantly reduce stigma and promote well-being.
Regular screenings enable early identification and timely interventions to prevent escalation into severe conditions.
Integrating mental health services into performance improvement plans addresses job performance issues, recognizing that these problems may stem from underlying mental health challenges.
By incorporating mental health support, such as confidential counseling and stress management techniques, departments can address both symptoms and root causes, enhancing performance and reducing burnout.
Treating performance issues with the same structured response as medical emergencies ensures mental health considerations are integral to performance improvement.
This holistic approach supports personnel well-being and job effectiveness, demonstrating a commitment to firefighter wellness and reducing mental health stigma in the fire service.
Preparing firefighters for the psychological demands of their job involves equipping them with the tools and knowledge to manage stress effectively.
Preparedness ensures that firefighters are not only aware of potential psychological challenges but are also equipped with practical skills to address them.
Below are some proactive preparedness strategies that departments can use to mitigate the impact of traumatic incidents and enhance overall job performance.
Incorporating peer support teams into the agency structure can help create an environment where firefighters feel safe to express concerns without fear of negative consequences, enhancing overall well-being and resilience.
Comprehensive training and education for all fire department staff improve organizational performance and individual well-being.
Department-wide health and wellness training, including mental health education, reduces stress and PTSD rates, and increases job satisfaction.
Mentorship programs boost job satisfaction and reduce burnout.
They improve decision-making and confidence among junior firefighters and enhance leadership skills in mentors.
These programs also aid in retention and skill transfer.
Lastly, ensuring that critical incident response resources and interventions are established before a crisis occurs is crucial to smoother operations in the response phase.
An effective response to mental health crises requires prompt and appropriate action following traumatic incidents.
Fire departments should have established protocols for immediate mental health support, including debriefing sessions conducted by culturally competent mental health professionals.
Fire psychology is creating national standards for fire service mental health, including wellness checks and crisis response.
Access to counseling services and time off for affected personnel are crucial components of a comprehensive response plan.
These measures ensure that firefighters have the support needed to process their experiences and recover from the emotional impact of traumatic events.
Immediate response strategies not only aid in the short-term recovery of firefighters but also contribute to long-term mental health by addressing issues before they become more severe.
Federal mandates stress confidentiality for clinicians but often exclude peer support teams.
Proper training and confidentiality for peer support can improve trust and effectiveness.
Long-term recovery support is essential for firefighters who have experienced significant trauma or ongoing stress.
Fire departments should provide access to ongoing therapy, support groups, and rehabilitation programs for addiction.
It is essential for firefighters to have access to culturally competent clinicians who understand the unique challenges of their profession.
Allowing firefighters to choose their mental health providers can lead to better therapeutic outcomes and increased engagement in treatment.
Post-critical incident, structured follow-up at 2, 6, and 12 months significantly improves long-term mental health outcomes by addressing issues before they escalate.
Maintaining a supportive work environment that prioritizes mental health can help firefighters recover and reintegrate into their roles with renewed resilience.
Addressing the mental health needs of firefighters is not just an option but a necessity.
Fire departments must proactively implement comprehensive wellness programs that encompass prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
By doing so, they can mitigate the adverse effects of stress and trauma, support their personnel’s mental health, and foster a culture of resilience and well-being within their ranks.
As the “Denver Drill” has shown in the tactical area, changes focused on awareness and training can prevent future tragedies.
Similarly, a robust approach to mental health can save lives and enhance the overall well-being of firefighters.
Ensuring these measures are in place will not only benefit individual firefighters but will also strengthen the entire fire service community.
Dr. Mariya Dvoskina is a Police and Public Safety Psychologist at Nicoletti-Flater Associates, specializing in mental health support for first responders and their families.
With expertise in crisis intervention, trauma, peer support, suicide prevention, and violence management, she serves as NFA’s emergency response coordinator.
Dr. Dvoskina holds a Doctor of Psychology from the University of Denver and brings a culturally competent approach shaped by prior experience as a correctional officer.
Susie Zavala is a clinical social worker dedicated to supporting first responders and their families.
A National Fire Academy instructor and certified Youth Firesetting Intervention Specialist, she leverages over 20 years of first responder experience to provide culturally informed therapeutic services.
Her personal ties to the first responder community and her unique perspective enhance her ability to address the challenges of high-stress professions, including law enforcement and firefighting.
This article was written using resources such as peer-reviewed journals, systematic reviews, and organizational reports that explore the mental health challenges faced by firefighters.
Key sources include studies on resilience, mindfulness, and critical incident stress debriefing, as well as research on the effects of trauma, depression, and substance use on firefighter well-being.
References also include insights from the U.S. Fire Administration, the IAFF Center of Excellence, and FireRescue1, which provide practical frameworks and strategies for improving mental health outcomes.
The article draws upon evidence-based practices and expert recommendations to present a comprehensive approach to firefighter mental health, emphasizing prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
