Mental Health

The mental health resource page features the latest news and original content focused on mental and behavioral health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) and other wellness issues connected to the sometimes difficult or traumatic nature of first responder calls. Firefighters share their stories of overcoming PTSD and depression, and offer insights for how fellow members can seek help to manage those calls that “stick.” Further, firefighters and researchers offer guidance to firefighters via podcasts and expert analysis, covering topics like how to manage both on- and off-duty issues. For more information about mental health topics, sign up for the FireRescue1 Safety & Health newsletter.

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Las Vegas 5-years later: ‘Going back is a big deal’
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CAL FIRE Captain Chris Wetzel and his treating mental health provider detail his road from defeat to appreciation in the aftermath of tragedy
Ohio firefighters rescue 4 children from fire, but 2 die
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"It's a significant blow to us," said West Chester Twp. Fire Chief Rick Prinz, who said counseling and therapy dogs are available to crewmembers
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On-Demand Webinar: Firefighter health: Building a fire department culture that supports station-level wellness
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How fire service leaders can help their members build a resilient mind, employ functional fitness, and access useful nutrition and sleep resources
Don’t blame paramedics for system problems
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Who among us, in a moment of fatigue and frustration, hasn’t imagined parking the ambulance somewhere the sun doesn’t shine
Mental wellness check-ins: What they are and how they help
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The primary goal of mental wellness check-ins is to provide public safety employees with increased quality of life as well as tools to manage their response to stress and trauma
The ‘anniversary effect’: Processing the pain year after year
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Guidance for managing the emotions associated with the anniversaries of traumatic incidents
Capturing strength: Paramedic Kate Bergen honors the women of 9/11
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Through a series of portraits, Kate Bergen hopes to elevate the stories and recognition of the women who answered the call on that September day
Light through the darkness: Lessons from a 9/11 survivor
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Port Authority Officer Will Jimeno, who was trapped in the World Trade Center rubble, shares what he has learned from his recovery post-9/11
Ohio city opens new mental health center for first responders
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The city is looking to change the depression and suicide rate among police officers, firefighters and EMS providers
Golden Gate Bridge district to build first responder training facility for suicide net rescues
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Rescue crews face multiple challenges, including what to do if a person is uncooperative or if they attempt to jump from the stainless-steel net
FRI 2022 Quick Take: Worried about retention? Invest in the fire family
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Clinical psychologist Rachelle Zemlok, a firefighter spouse, emphasizes the role fire families play in the career decisions of firefighters
Minn. FFs roll out ‘The Tommy’ workout to honor fallen member, bring awareness to suicide
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St. Paul firefighters completed the workout, named after Tommy McDonough, as part of the McDonough Memorial Workout of the Day
Pushing back from ‘desk bod’: Chief officer strategies to prioritize health
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The transition from shift work to desk work typically brings a more sedentary lifestyle that needs to be actively resisted
Pre-employment psychological screening: What’s next for the fire service?
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A law enforcement tool could be the framework we need to develop a fire service-focused model
President Biden signs law extending PSOB benefits for PTSD, acute stress, suicide
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The Public Safety Officer Support Act supports first responders who experienced PTSD or died by suicide following exposure to certain traumatic events
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