Sunday, January 10, 2010

firefighter stress and post traumatic stress

So many firefighters in the world are exposed to traumatic stress as a result of the work they do that after they have been in the system for a while the risk of developing post traumatic stress is growing. The trend in suicides is also a risk event which is on the increase.

web site: works towards education on ptsd wounding.

Risk Prevention like Fire Prevention in the services should consider information for firefighters from the web site as part of the National Fallen Fire Fighters "EveryoneGoesHome" Firefighter life safety initiative under section 13 "Mental Health and Wellness".

The "firefighterveteran.com" web site dedicated to clearing away the "emotional smoke" of ptsd wounding. Under the North American Fire Fighter Veterans Network mandate education on ptsd stress wounding is the hydrant key that is being used to open up the line and let the information flow on the internet.

Have a look at the program "F.I.R.S.T. S.T.E.P. H.O.P.E. " program.

Use the words and phrases: Recovery from the Emotional Smoke of the Event". H.O.T. meaning Hazardous Overload of Thoughts. W.E.T. meaning wasted emotional thoughts. A.I.R. meaning accept individual responsibility for getting help.

Take a look at all the pages and the links to the West Coast Post Trauma program out of San Rafael California. All the links on the front page are included on the list of links on the links page. Look at the information on the suicide death of Rod Spycher an IAFF veteran.

In the meantime lets make it our mandate to educate eachother and gain the knowledge on how to deal with the increase in the stress levels of our service. Stay safe on the "Fire Line" where the emotional smoke sweat and fears are every bit as hazardous as any chemical you will face on a haz mat call.....

Shannon H. Pennington Ex IAFF career firefighter
on the web;
firefighterveteran.com