First Responders

Support services and resources for first responders are crucial for addressing the unique challenges and stressors they face in their demanding roles. Here is a list of various support services and resources that can benefit first responders:

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May Day May Day: Sounding the Alarm about Mental Health Struggles in the Firefighter Community

Scott Hewlett, Firefighter | Stories of Recovery- First Responders

A Call to Action for Fire Stations: Building Stronger Firefighter Families and Healthier Fire Communities

Imagine having a job where you work just 8 days a month…And on one of those days, you witness someone die. Now imagine doing that for 30 years. It wears on you. This is the reality of a firefighter's career.

Firefighters see unimaginable tragedy regularly—and that trauma takes a toll. Each year in the U.S., we lose approximately 105 firefighters to suicide. Not to the flames. Not to the hazards. But to the silent battle inside.

In every neighborhood across America—within just half a mile of your home—there’s a firehouse.
And inside that firehouse are 8 to 10 firefighters, serving with courage and commitment.

But here’s the truth:

47% of firefighters report suicidal thoughts.
19% have made a plan.
15% will die by suicide.

This isn’t just about statistics. This is about people. People who live on your block. Who respond when you call for help. Who are quietly suffering—not from danger on the job—but from mental and emotional burnout.

And it’s not just them.

Firefighters also report:

30% higher rates of alcohol misuse
10% higher pill use
13% struggle with gambling
37% with pornography addiction

And their families? They carry secondary trauma—seeing their loved ones leave home under stress, exhausted, emotionally distant, or in danger.

This leads to:

A 30% higher risk of mental health struggles in spouses and children.
A breakdown in emotional stability, communication, and connection.

So what are we doing about it?

There are support systems in place:

Peer Support Programs
Online Family Groups
Counseling & Wellness Programs
Residential Retreats
Crisis Response Teams

But we can do more. As the son of a firefighter, and as someone currently studying Fire Science, I believe it's time to expand the support network—not just for firefighters, but for the entire fire family.

Here’s the vision:

A boots-on-the-ground family support initiative in every local firehouse.
Programs that promote connection, wellness, and resilience for both firefighters and their families.

Imagine:

Family Days at the Firehouse – Saturdays filled with games, meals, and bonding time.
Support groups like:
- Firewives Club – for spouses
- Firefly – for young kids and parents
- Teen Squad – for ages 14+
- “Ember” Date Nights – for couples to reconnect
Work-Life Balance Plans that help firefighters strengthen relationships at home.

What’s the barrier? Time. Management. Coordination.

What’s the ask?

Start the conversation. Build a task force made up of volunteer family members, wellness professionals, and leadership. Present the vision to your station. Get involved. Even small steps make big change.

All firefighters have to do… is show up.

The bottom line:

Firefighters and their families are struggling—but they also want to be involved, to feel connected, and to heal together. When families bond, stress and anxiety go down. When firefighters feel supported, suicide and addiction rates go down. When we involve families, we build a resilient, ready, and connected fire community.

In Conclusion:

I stand here today as a future firefighter in training. This is not just a dream for my community—this is personal.
When I graduate, I hope to bring this program, one idea at a time, to the firehouse I call home.

Together, we can change the future of fire service. Together, we can save the lives of those who save ours. Today is a good day to begin.

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Beyond Tradition: A Non-Traditional Approach to Healing for First Responders

Signs of Depression

Hopeless outlook
Loss of interest
Increased fatigue
Sleep problems
Anxiety
Irritability
Changes in appetite
Changes in weight
Uncontrollable emotions
Considering suicide
General discontent
Guilt & Shame
Mood swings
Excessive hunger
Slowness in activity
Lack of concentration
Obsessive thoughts

Signs of Anxiety

Trouble concentrating
Impaired decision making
Nausea, IBS
Irritability, tense, restlessness
Heart palpitations
Sweating, trembling, shaking
Sleeplessness
Sense of danger, panic or doom
Persistent, excessive worry
Panic attacks
Fear & persistent worrying
Isolation
selctive mutism

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Finding Help

911
988
Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Firefighter Peer Support
Psychology Today
Call your EAP

Virginia Clagg PhD (ABD), LISW-S, LICDC (614) 352-6807

Tom Bolin, FF, Peer Supporter, CDCA, Speaker, Author (614) 203-0349‬

Signs of PTSD

Flashbacks
Recurrent thoughts
Recurrent dreams
Physical signs of distress
Avoidant behaviors
Isolation
Drug/Alcohol abuse
Easily startled
Feeling tense, on guard, on edge
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Angry outbursts
Persistent feelings of irritability, anger
Risky, reckless, destructive behavior
Memory loss
Negative thoughts about self and the world
Exaggerated feelings of blame
Ongoaing negative emotions of fear, anger and shame
Loss of interest in activities
Difficulty feeling happy, satisfied, positive

Signs of Addiction

Obsessive thoughts of use
Intensive urges to use
Increased use/ tolerance
Needing more to get same effect
Abuse/ overuse
Maintaining a supply
Spending on using but cant afford it
Not meeting obligations (work, etc.)
Cutting back on social activities
Isolated use
Continuing use even though its a problem
Stealing, lying, hiding
Driving under the influence
Spending a good deal of time in recovery
Seaking behaviors
Can't stop using behavior
Withdrawal Symptoms
Family issues

Ohio Fire Peer Support Training Link

Selecting a therapist is a crucial step in your recovery journey. It's essential to opt for someone who is proficient in addressing your specific needs. Being trauma-informed does not equate to being trauma-trained. Therefore, ensure that you select a therapist who has received training in PTSD models (as highlighted in red below) for example.

Alternatives Models we Recommend

Acupuncture

Acupressure

Drum Circle

Dance Therapy

Somatic Experiencing

Meditation

Tantra

Soul Contract Work

Trauma Journaling

Life Coach

Functional Medicine

Kim Potter (614) 356-7233
Kim Sweitzer (614) 353-6615

Intervention Curriculum

Treating first responders requires a specialized and compassionate approach that recognizes the unique stressors they face. An integrated strategy that combines mental health support, resilience building, and community connection is crucial for their overall well-being.

Cultural Competence:
- Understand the unique culture and challenges faced by first responders.
- Adapt treatment approaches to resonate with their experiences and values.
Trauma-Informed Care:
- Apply trauma-informed care principles to address potential exposure to traumatic events.
- Acknowledge and validate the impact of trauma on mental health.
Confidentiality and Trust:
- Emphasize the importance of confidentiality in building trust.
- Create a safe space where first responders feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
Peer Support Programs:
- Facilitate or encourage participation in peer support programs.
- Provide opportunities for first responders to connect with and support each other.
Crisis Intervention Training:
- Include crisis intervention training in mental health programs.
- Equip first responders with skills to manage acute stress and emergencies.
Resilience Building:
- Incorporate resilience-building strategies into therapy.
- Focus on developing coping mechanisms and fostering emotional strength.
Normalize Seeking Help:
- Destigmatize mental health treatment within the first responder community.
- Promote a culture where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
- Teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress.
- Introduce practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing:
- Conduct critical incident stress debriefing sessions following traumatic events.
- Provide a structured forum for first responders to share their experiences.
Education on PTSD and Mental Health:
- Provide education on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health.
- Ensure first responders are aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues.
Flexibility in Scheduling:
- Offer flexible scheduling for therapy sessions to accommodate irregular work hours.
- Recognize the unpredictable nature of first responders' schedules.
Family Involvement:
- Include family members in the treatment process.
- Educate families about the challenges faced by first responders and how to provide support.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
- Utilize evidence-based therapies like CBT to address negative thought patterns.
- Focus on changing cognitive distortions related to traumatic experiences.
Holistic Approach:
- Adopt a holistic approach that considers mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
- Address lifestyle factors, nutrition, and sleep as part of the treatment plan.
Post-Traumatic Growth:
- Foster a perspective of post-traumatic growth.
- Help first responders find meaning and positive transformation from their experiences.
Cultural Competence:
- Understand and respect the diversity within the first responder community.
- Tailor treatment plans to consider cultural backgrounds and individual differences.
EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Utilization:
- Encourage utilization of Employee Assistance Programs for counseling and support.
- Raise awareness about available resources for mental health assistance.
Regular Check-Ins:
- Schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress.
- Adjust treatment plans based on evolving needs and responses.
Psychoeducation on Self-Care:
- Provide psychoeducation on the importance of self-care.
- Teach practical self-care strategies that can be integrated into daily routines.
Transition Planning:
- Address the challenges of transitioning from high-stress situations to everyday life.
- Develop strategies to manage the emotional impact of transitioning.
Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams:
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and support services.
- Ensure a multidisciplinary approach to address various aspects of first responders' well-being.
Follow-Up and Prevention:
- Establish a follow-up plan to prevent relapse or deterioration of mental health.
- Encourage ongoing support and monitoring.