August 17, 2011
Firefighter
behavioral health: Taking care of our own
behavioral health: Taking care of our own
Let’s all help our staff stay healthy, both physically and mentally
Editor’s note: In this exclusive article to mark the NVFC’s National Firefighter Health Week, Chief Mike Thompson outlines the behavioral health program recently launched at the Spokane Valley Fire Department. |
By Fire Chief Mike Thompson
Spokane Valley, Wash., Fire Department
Posted Firerescue1.com
As a prior military man, I am familiar with the concept of Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD) and have seen veterans who were undiagnosed and unable
to deal with the effects of this disorder.
Stress Disorder (PTSD) and have seen veterans who were undiagnosed and unable
to deal with the effects of this disorder.
In the fire service, it occurred to me that we had done a great job of
maintaining physical health through our programs, but we did not have a way to
identify issues related to prolonged exposure to traumatic situations in the
course of responding to calls within our community.
maintaining physical health through our programs, but we did not have a way to
identify issues related to prolonged exposure to traumatic situations in the
course of responding to calls within our community.
Nationally within the fire service, we have seen an upswing in suicide,
risky behavior, substance abuse, domestic abuse, etc. These are all symptoms of
potentially undiagnosed and untreated PTSD.
risky behavior, substance abuse, domestic abuse, etc. These are all symptoms of
potentially undiagnosed and untreated PTSD.
Our department established a wellness committee several years ago. The
committee is comprised of chiefs, staff, and union leadership. The committee
has established a good physical wellness program, including annual physicals
for all uniformed personnel. However, the one area the committee has struggled
with is the behavioral health component.
committee is comprised of chiefs, staff, and union leadership. The committee
has established a good physical wellness program, including annual physicals
for all uniformed personnel. However, the one area the committee has struggled
with is the behavioral health component.
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