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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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
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
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Union: Fla. fire, EMS workers 'getting destroyed mentally and physically' by excessive overtime
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In the past year, Polk County first responders have been asked to pick up 4,495 mandatory OT shifts, totaling 89,434 hours
‘After the plane crash, just about every day was Flight 93 in one form or another’
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Shanksville Chief Terry Shaffer reflects on how his family is inextricably linked to the tragedy – and how they continue to honor the victims and the community
Why do some agencies ignore PTSD issues within the ranks?
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It's a serious issue, so why are so many fire service leaders looking the other way?
Mental health response teams: It’s time to add them to our growing list of responsibilities
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Police reform prompts further discussion of how fire and EMS should handle behavioral health crises
Ga. peer counseling program expands to help first responders deal with trauma
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The Georgia Office of Public Safety Support was created after legislation supporting the effort to formalize peer counseling for first responders passed in 2018
Former R.I. FF who won gender harassment case sues over denial of accidental disability benefits
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Ex-Providence Lt. Lori Franchina says she is in intensive outpatient psychiatric treatment and unable to work, putting her near poverty level
Albuquerque Fire’s new behavioral health director has long ties to the fire service
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Maia Dalton-Theodore will focus on collaboration, plus safe, confidential and customized services, to serve the city’s firefighters
Crisis intervention for first responders
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In this tip, Gordon Graham outlines how first responders should communicate when encountering an individual experiencing a mental health crisis
Fire rehab in the wildland: What every firefighter should know
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First responders need to take care of themselves on the scene to lessen the risk of injuries and chronic illnesses
How personal conviction can serve the greater good in public safety
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It's critical we maintain strong convictions that define who we are and what we do to better serve our community
New use-of-force law could add up to 500+ more medical calls for Wash. FD
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Under the new law, police will no longer be the primary responders to welfare checks or psychiatric calls unless a crime has been committed
Va. program connects first responders with people in crisis
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As part of the Community Assistance Response program, paramedics and mental health professionals, rather than police, are at the forefront of non-violent crisis calls
SAR efforts at Fla. condo collapse come to an end
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Surfside condo collapse search concludes after a month of work with 97 individuals confirmed dead
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