By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Fire Association is promoting changes in working conditions after the Austin Fire Department lost its fourth firefighter to suicide since 2017.
Lieutenant Amanda Bennett said if it were not for the assistance of a fellow firefighter, she may not be here today, CBS Austin reported.
“He saved my life from myself,” Bennett said. “I didn’t realize how bad I was until I decided I wanted to end my own life. I kept trying to push through for my crew, my community, and my own pride.”
Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks said firefighters are requesting an additional annual cadet class to add 25 firefighters and reduce their workweek by one hour.
Nicks said the high workload is a major issue. Firefighters work 24-hour shifts with 48 hours off, leaving them only one day for personal errands and family time after recovering from their shift, KVUE reported.
“A firefighter, unless he takes a vacation, never has a weekend off with his family, ever,” Nicks said. “They start becoming like a stranger to their family when they’re away that much, and when they come home ... their head is somewhere else, processing the injury that they saw or some horrific event.”
Bennett said she felt trapped and unable to discuss job-related trauma due to the stigma that firefighters must be strong and tough, which discourages them from seeking help.
One plan to help firefighters deal with traumatic incidents is to have the department adopt a schedule with 72 hours off between shifts, similar to what is used in Portland.
Bennett emphasized that breaking the stigma and ensuring firefighters know it’s okay to ask for help is a priority.
“I want to de-stigmatize and celebrate the strength that it takes to admit to others, and most importantly yourself, that you need help,” Bennett said.
