By Joseph Hunter, M.A.
The daily stress and constant exposure to life threatening situations that first responders encounter can lead to burnout. They also have to face the physical strain of working long hours and getting very little sleep. In addition to burnout, handling the pressures of the job can eventually lead to drug and alcohol use.
Burnout is a feeling of extreme exhaustion and being completely overwhelmed. Due to their exposure to distressing situations, first responders have a higher level of burnout and fatigue. Plus, those who work at disaster scenes can encounter a secondary traumatic process, which leads to flashbacks and PTSD.
Why is burnout a common career killer for first responders?
- Stress of the calls
- Long shifts
- Too many shifts
- High call volume
- Too few people on the job
- Dealing with difficult people or patients
- Facing risks that lead to anxiety and depression
- Feeling they have to appear invincible
- Stress from PTSD
Due to the physically demanding nature and high stress levels of these careers, first responders are prone to increased drug or alcohol use. The images they see can cause PTSD and other stress disorders. To cope with these issues, they may turn to drugs or alcohol for help. Unfortunately, self-medicating can make the problem worse and starts a disastrous cycle of increased use and worsening anxiety or stress.
Signs of drug or alcohol abuse for those on the job include:
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Difficulty making decisions
- Struggling to recall specific details
- Needing assistance with basic tasks like paperwork
- Experiencing memory lapses
- Appearing distracted
When the stress and burnout of the job starts to creep into the life of a first responder, these tips can help keep it at bay:
- Get enough sleep
- Eat well and stay hydrated
- Work out regularly
- Do activities like yoga, massage and meditation
- Talk to a therapist
- Wash up when leaving work (wash away the day) or create another ritual to help leave work behind
- Take time to be alone and reflect
- Practice your spiritual beliefs
- Take time off when you need it
- Connect with others in the same career
- Limit time working alone
- Take time to journal
Many first responders avoid treatment due to the stigmas of the issues they face. They also worry about the negative consequences they could face at work. However, ignoring these problems can only increase stress levels and allow them to grow. Know that you are not alone, and specialized treatment help is available for the unique burdens that first responders face daily.
If you, someone you love or someone you know needs help, call:
Safe Call Now: 24 Hour Confidential Hotline: 206-459-3020
For more information on the First Responders program: Click here
Or call Shannon Clairemont at 661-466-6352 or Vanessa Stapleton at 304-651-3008
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Sean Riley is the Founder and President of Safe Call Now, a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Safe Call Now was started in 2009 after legislation was passed guaranteeing confidentiality nationwide for all who call the Safe Call Now crisis line that is staffed by current and former first responders.
Sean played baseball for San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. He started his law enforcement career as a San Diego County Deputy Sheriff in 1987 and later relocated to Washington State in 1990. Sean spent over 16 years with the Kirkland Police Department. His many accomplishments include being a member of the International Homicide Investigator's Association, Homicide and Sexual Assault Detective, Interview and Interrogation Specialist, D.A.R.E. Officer, Gang Officer and Certified Training Officer. Riley is also credited with solving one of the first ever elder abuse homicide cases in the nation.
Sean's prominent career in law enforcement ended in 2005 when he could no longer hide his "secret" behind the badge. Sean threw away his almost 20-year stellar police career due to alcohol and drug addiction and was headed towards suicide to become just another unknown statistic. In addition to attending college for substance abuse counseling, Sean worked as a supervisor at a local treatment center where he witnessed many public safety employees coming in and out of treatment. Riley decided to do something about it. From his own experience, he knew that first responders wanted to come forward to help, but due to the stigma attached, they would not. Admitting to a substance abuse or mental health problem is perceived as a sign of weakness and could result in the termination from a noble career. By creating a safe and confidential place to reach out for help, first responders are now coming forward in droves from around the nation to better their lives, better their families and better their careers.
Recognized as a dynamic national keynote speaker, Sean travels throughout the country to share his inspirational story. Coupled with cutting edge, interactive training, Riley hits those once thought of as "taboo" or "controversial" topics head-on.
"Safe Call Now provides education, healthy alternatives, resources and a complete continuum of care to save lives and put families back together. Through a collaborative effort, Safe Call Now has discovered when you provide an opportunity for an individual to get their life and their family back, you get one great employee back out serving the public."
- Sean Riley, Founder/President
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