How Agencies Can Help With First Responder Trauma

Posted on by armorupnow

By Joseph Hunter, M.A.

The work of a first responder is immensely rewarding.  Firefighters can save people from burning homes and buildings. Police officers protect their communities from violence.  And EMTs and nurses help people when sick or injured.

But being a first responder also comes with many challenges.  They work long hours, see humanity at its worst, and even put their lives in danger – all to help others.  So, who is helping our heroes when they are the ones who need help?

Experiencing trauma day in and day out without a healthy way to cope is exhausting, stressful and can lead to burnout.  Because of this, it is imperative that employers do everything they can to help and protect the mental health of first responders.

Signs of Trouble

Because of the constant demands of their jobs, first responders experience trauma that can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Signs of PTSD in first responders include:

  • Hyper arousal
  • Avoidance
  • Intrusive and negative thoughts
  • Re-experiencing traumatic events

Another issue that faces first responders because of the stress and trauma of their jobs is the possibility of burnout?  This is a top “career killer” for first responders, and the symptoms include:

  • Sadness, depression or apathy
  • Being easily frustrated
  • Blaming of others
  • Lacking feelings or empathy
  • Isolation
  • Feeling like alcohol and drugs will help
  • Poor self-care
  • Exhaustion
  • Feelings of failure and loss

 

Reducing First Responder Stress and Burnout

While some levels of physical and emotional stress are unavoidable in their line of work, employers can help reduce first responder stress levels and potential burnout by doing the following:

  1. Providing proper training around how to manage trauma
  2. Educating for highly stressful situations they may encounter
  3. Preparing for the physical and mental toll the job will take on their bodies and minds
  4. Emphasizing the importance of seeking help for recovery when necessary and providing safe outlets for first responders to go to if they need support

 

Recovering from Trauma for First Responders

Employers can work on preparedness and help with their employee’s resiliency and recovery after experiencing traumatic events. Some examples of this include, but are not limited to:

  1. Training exercises such as incident response
  2. Educating first responders on crisis communication
  3. Psychological help and peer support when first responders are feeling overwhelmed
  4. Providing timely communication after an event
  5. Having a response plan for emergencies that lays out clear assignments and avoids confusion and chaos

 

Help After the Crisis

There is an extensive list of programs and ideas that employers can put into action in their workplace that will go a long way toward helping first responder mental health.  These include:

  • An employee-assistance program with providers who can help create a recovery plan. This can speed up recovery and work to prevent burnout and PTSD.
  • A critical incident stress management program (CISM), which is a peer-led approach to crisis intervention. Sessions provide practical advice and educate first responders on the signs of stress.
  • Anti-stigma campaigns in the workplace.
  • Education for mental health providers to help them understand the first responder culture
  • In-house peer support programs
  • Flexible and collaborative return-to-work (RTW) processes after experiencing a traumatic or physical event

 

Seeking Help as a First Responder After Trauma

First responders have lived in a culture where they are supposed to be invincible. Fortunately, this mentality is beginning to shift and it’s slowly becoming more acceptable to seek help without feeling weak or ashamed. That help should be easily accessible in the workplace. If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or signs of burnout, reach out and get the assistance you need from your employer. If you’re suffering from PTSD and have turned to substance use to cope, the First Responder Wellness Program can help you overcome your alcohol or drug use, misuse and the trauma that has been haunting you.

References:

  1. Coping with a disaster or traumatic event. (accessed Sept 5, 2018). http://www.emergency.cdc.gov.

 

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

Published by armorupnow

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