Topic Pages
Firefighter Life Safety Initiative 13 – Psychological Support
Source: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
This life safety initiative emphasizes that “Firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support.”
Traumatic Incident Stress
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
This page provides information on traumatic incident stress, including symptoms, on-site monitoring, and post-incident health considerations for responders.
Videos and Podcasts
Emergency Responder Behavioral Health – Understand the Risks and Know the Signs
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
This short video highlights some of the behavioral health risks responders face and the warning signs to watch for.
Support Your Crew
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
This video emphasizes the importance of recognizing the warning signs that someone is struggling so you can help your crew get the help they need.
Moral Injury and Suicide
Source: National Fire Protection Association
This podcast features an interview with Jeff Dill of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance discussing moral injury, firefighter suicide, and the mental health challenges facing today’s first responders.
Articles
A Million Papercuts
Source: National Fire Protection Association
Jeff Dill discusses moral injury, reducing stigmas, and the state of responder mental health.
Protecting Mental Health of First Responders
Source: International Association of Fire Chiefs
This blog post, released after the school shooting in Uvalde, TX, emphasizes the importance of behavioral health support for first responders and some resources that are available.
‘Don’t Think About a White Bear’: Understanding the Negative Impact of Avoidance
Source: FireRescue1
This article explains how when you avoid processing your most challenging calls, you don’t get better or stay the same, but rather you get worse.
Good Night – Sleep and First Responders
Source: National Strength and Conditioning Association
This article looks at the importance of sleep and recovery for first responders as well as strategies to optimize sleep specific to occupational demands.
Research and Reports
Behavioral Health Challenges in Fire & Rescue Personnel
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This slide deck provides survey data on the behavioral health challenges faced by emergency responders.
The Fifth Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service
Source: National Fire Protection Association
The Health & Wellness section of this national needs assessment includes data on behavioral health programs in fire departments.
Wounds of the Spirit: Moral Injury in Firefighters
Source: Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance
This paper explores what moral injury is and how it can affect firefighter mental and spiritual health, both in and out of the firehouse.
Moral Injury
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD
Find information about moral injury, the overlap with PTSD, and how to assess and treat moral injury.
The Ruderman White Paper on Mental Health and Suicide of First Responders
Source: Ruderman Family Foundation
This paper identifies mental health issues among first responders in order to alleviate stigma and facilitate access to services.
First Responders and Increased Risk for Sleep Deprivation
Source: National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project
This report discusses why first responders are at risk for sleep deprivation and some evidence-based guidelines to get better sleep.
Substance Use Disorders in First Responders: The Vicious Cycle of Chronic Traumatic Stress Exposure and Sleep Deprivation as Contribution Factors
Source: Advances in Addiction & Recovery
This article by Sara G. Gilman examines substance use disorders in first responders.
Factors Contributing to Stress Levels of Emergency Dispatchers
Source: Annals of Emergency Dispatch and Response
This study finds that personal and family demands as well as job demands are top causes of emergency dispatch stress.
Guides
Suicide in the Fire and Emergency Services – Adopting a Proactive Approach to Behavioral Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
This report looks at behavioral health in the fire and emergency services and the importance of addressing psychological health risks facing responders.
Videos
Suicide Prevention – Talking to a Responder in Need
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
This video provides tips on how to talk to someone in need of help.
Tips Sheets and Articles
Post-Traumatic Stress, Acute Stress Disorder, & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: What’s the Difference?
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This one-pager highlights the differences between post-traumatic stress, acute stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tips for Disaster Responders: Identifying Substance Misuse in the Responder Community
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Learn the warning signs of substance misuse and when to seek help.
Tips for First Responders: Possible Alcohol and Substance Abuse Indicators
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This one-pager provides indicators or warning signs associated with alcohol and drug addiction
Mental Health Literacy: From Awareness- to Operations-level Understanding
Source: FireRescue1
This article discuses how fire departments can better educate their members about mental health conditions in order to identify issues and seek help early.
10 Red Flag Phrases That Signal First Responders are Struggling with Stress
Source: FireRescue1
This article reviews the crucial phrases that signal emotional struggles for first responders and how to respond with empathy.
Resource Centers
National Recovery and Suicide Prevention Month
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This resource center contains information, resources, training, and strategies to focus on behavioral health and prevent responder suicides.
Guides and Toolkits
Suicide Prevention Stand Down Week Toolkit
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This toolkit provides a call-to-action and strategies to address behavioral health issues and prevent responder suicide.
Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
Use this toolkit and corresponding training to learn how to promote and foster wellbeing among your department’s members through member involvement, health and safety, member growth and development, work-life balance, member recognition, and effective communication. You can also make the commitment to become a Psychologically Healthy Fire Department.
Mental Health Resource and Response Guide
Source: Florida Joint Council of Fire & Emergency Services
This guide includes information on prevention, early intervention, post intervention, and deployment of behavioral health initiatives as a path towards post-traumatic growth.
A Guide to Managing Stress for Disaster Responders and First Responders
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This guide provides a framework for stress management strategies for responders and their leadership.
Guide to Building an Effective EMS Wellness and Resilience Program
Source: National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
This guide looks at the issues impacting the mental and emotional health of EMS providers and provides information on how to build an effective wellness and resilience program.
First Responder Behavioral Health Access Program Toolkit
Source: 2nd Alarm Project
This guide provides comprehensive tools and resources to help departments establish and enhance effective behavioral health programs.
Sample Documents and Templates
Building a Comprehensive Behavioral Health Program Checklist
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This checklist helps identify strengths and gaps in a behavioral health program as well as an action planning template for next steps.
Assisting Agencies with Establishing a Chaplaincy Program
Source: Florida Firefighters Safety & Health Collaborative
This list provides things to consider when starting a chaplaincy program in your department or agency.
Behavioral Health Flow Chart
Source: St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
This flow chart outlines the levels of the behavioral health management programs for St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.
Model Programs
Behavioral Health Access Program
Source: City of Coral Springs
This resource provides a model for establishing a comprehensive employee mental health/wellness and crisis intervention plan.
Mental Wellness Program
Source: Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department
This guide outlines the plan of programs and services available to Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department members facing a mental health crisis of any scope.
10 Steps to Build Your Peer Support Program
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This document outlines the 10 steps to developing a peer support program.
Behavioral Health Program Recommendations
Source: Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance
These steps recommended by the FBHA are designed to assist fire departments in developing a behavioral health program.
Florida First Responder Suicide Deterrence Task Force 2023 Annual Report
Source: Florida First Responder Suicide Deterrence Task Force
This report highlights initiatives being done in Florida to support responder mental health and well-being.
Articles
Selecting a Wellness Coordinator for Your Public Safety Agency
Source: FireRescue1
This article provides tips on what to look for in a department wellness coordinator.
Firefighter Peer Support Teams: How to Build Trust and Maximize Effectiveness
Source: FireRescue1
This article highlights some key factors in building trust and competence in peer support teams.
Family Resources
What to Expect: A Guide for New Firefighter Families (Second Edition)
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
This guide is designed to help new volunteer responders and their families better understand and adapt to the volunteer emergency service lifestyle, support their loved one, and keep family relationships strong.
The Power of Family & Connection – A Lifeline for Fire Fighter Mental Health
Source: International Association of Fire Firefighters
This guide is designed to help new volunteer responders and their families better understand and adapt to the volunteer emergency service lifestyle, support their loved one, and keep family relationships strong.
The Transition Home: 6 Key Steps to Switch from Work to Home Life
Source: FireRescue1
This guide outlines strategies to help first responders leave work stress behind and fully engage with their personal lives.
Firefighter Life Safety Initiative 4: Empowerment
Source: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
This life safety initiative states, “All firefighters must be empowered to stop unsafe practices” and includes allowing members to speak up without negative consequences for doing so.
Best Practices for Presentations by Suicide Loss and Suicide Attempt Survivors
Source: Florida Firefighters Safety & Health Collaborative
Developed through a collaboration of several organizations and experts in the suicide prevention community, this list of questions is designed to help those who have been touched by suicide decide whether to share their story.
State Presumptive Laws
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
The IAFF has compiled a list of states that have presumptive disability laws, including those with behavioral health language. Click on the behavioral health dropdown menu on the page to see which states provide coverage.
Sample Documents and Templates
Occupational Stress Exposure Recommended Protocol
Source: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Firefighters are regularly exposed to traumatic events, and it is important that they are prepared to deal with the impacts of these exposures and that departments provide access to resources that can make a difference. This model can be easily incorporated into a department’s current operations and support systems.
Where to Get Help
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Make sure all personnel know this number is available if they or someone they know is in a crisis. Chat and text options are also available.
NVFC First Responder Helpline
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
This 24/7 helpline provides immediate assistance in a crisis as well as confidential counseling, resources, and referrals to assistance for a range of behavioral health issues and work-life stresses.
Directory of Behavioral Health Professionals
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
Use this online, searchable directory to find local behavioral health professionals who are equipped and ready to help firefighters, EMS providers, rescue workers, dispatchers, and their families.
IAFF Center for Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This treatment facility for IAFF members specializes in PTSD for fire service members struggling with trauma, substance use, addiction, and other behavioral health challenges. View a video tour of the Center here.
Boulder Crest Foundation
This organization provides post-traumatic growth programs for veterans and first responders with trauma experiences through their Warrior PATHH and Struggle Well programs at various sites around the country, at no cost to participants.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
VOA ReST 4 First Responders
Source: Volunteers of America
Developed by Volunteers of America, this virtual space is a place where first responders can speak openly and honestly with peers about challenges they are facing.
FireStrong
FireStrong maintains a 24/7 Firefighter & Family Crisis Line as well as directories for chaplains and peer support. Departments can also set up a customized page for their members.
Videos
First Responder Helpline – Assistance When You Need It
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
This video empowers responders to get help if they need it and provides a resource for assistance.
Tips Sheets and Articles
Recognizing Suicide Warning Signs in Firefighters and EMTs
Source: Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance
This tip sheet provides five warning signs that a fellow firefighter is in need of help along with recommendations for how to talk to those who are struggling.
Back from the Brink
Source: National Fire Protection Association
This interview with firefighter Joe Kovalsky delves into his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and how he ultimately got the help he needed.
What Do You Say to Someone Struggling From Emotional Trauma?
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
This article by Chief Jared Meeker highlights the warning signs to watch for and what to say if you notice a fellow responder is struggling.
How to Support a Crew Member Returning from Treatment
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This one-pager helps responders talk to and support a fellow responder who is returning from a behavioral health absence.
Finding the Right Clinician – 7 Questions for Fire Fighters to Ask
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
If you are looking for a provider for yourself or as a resource for your department, this one-pager covers seven questions you may want to ask.
Fire Fighters Coping with Grief
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This one-pager reviews what you should expect from grief and how to take care of yourself.
How to Talk About Fire Fighter Suicide
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
It can be difficult to talk about the suicide of someone you care about. This one-pager provides tips to help.
Tips for Disaster Responders: Preventing and Managing Stress
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This tip sheet includes stress prevention and management skills you can learn and practice before, during, and after an emergency response.
Tips for First Responders: Managing Stress After a Natural Disaster
Source: Texas Health and Human Services
This tip sheet includes signs of stress and ways to relieve stress.
Therapy: Because Trying to Outrun Your Problems Doesn’t Count as Cardio
Source: FireRescue1
There’s a fine line between coping and avoiding. This article helps you identify which one you are engaged in.
Ruminator to Terminator: Changing Patterns of Negative Thinking
Source: FireRescue1
This article discusses how recognizing and understanding how our thoughts work can better equip us to break negative patterns.
My Life-Changing Experience with EMDR Therapy to Manage PTSD
Source: FireRescue1
In this article, Aaron Greathouse discusses his experience with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
NVFC Virtual Classroom
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
On-demand courses and webinars include the following:
- Course – Creating a Psychologically Healthy Fire Department
- Course – Addressing Substance Abuse, PTSD, and Other Concerns in the Fire Service
- Course – Preventing and Coping with Suicide in the Fire and Emergency Services
- Course – First Responder Resilience: How to Bounce Back
- Course – Putting Out the Fire: Stress Resilience Strategies
- Course – Stress & Life Management: Finding Your Life Balance as a Volunteer
- Course – Wildland Firefighters Behavioral Health Awareness
- Course – Volunteer Fire Service Culture: Essential Strategies for Success
- Course – For Those Who Love a First Responder
- Webinar – Resiliency: Preparing for and Bouncing Back from Difficult Calls
- Webinar – It Could Never Happen Here: Suicide and the Volunteer Fire Department
- Webinar – When the Smoke Clears: A Primer of Fire Service Retirement
- Webinar – Moral Injury: Peeling Back the Layers of PTSD
- Webinar – NVFC First Responder Helpline: Assistance When You Need it Most
- Webinar – Emergency Responder Stress: Consequences and Coping Mechanisms
- Webinar – Chaplains in the Fire Service: Not Just a Title but a Position
- Roundtable Talk – The Role of Fire Department Chaplains
- Roundtable Talk – Prioritizing Behavioral Health in the Fire & Emergency Services
- Roundtable Talk – Mental Health and Its Impact on the Fire Service
IAFC Training
Source: International Association of Fire Chiefs
- Webinar – Mental Fitness: The Key to Sustained Safety, Health, and Well-Being
- Webinar – Mental Fitness Training for Life
- Webinar – Surviving the Job: Emotional Self Care for First Responders
IAFF Training
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
- IAFF Peer Support Training Program
- Safety Planning Intervention for Suicide Training
- Resiliency Training
- Resiliency Training Videos
- Webinar – Suicide Prevention in the Fire Service: Strategies to Save a Life
- Webinar – Getting Serious About Sleep: Challenges and Opportunities for Today’s Fire Fighter
- Webinar – New Recruits to Retirement: Increasing Self-Awareness Throughout Career
FireRescue1 Training
- Webinar – Firefighter Therapy: Busting Myths and Stopping Stigma
- Webinar – The Power of Connection: Family, Friends, and Faith for First Responders
Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance
FBHA provides workshops to fire departments, EMS, and dispatch organizations focusing on behavioral health awareness with a strong emphasis on suicide prevention and promoting resources available to firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and their families.
On the Job and Off
Find mental health training for first responders.
Mental Health First Aid for Fire and EMS
Source: National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Missouri Department of Mental Health
This course teaches firefighters and EMS providers the importance of early intervention and how to provide assistance to someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
Stress First Aid
Source: First Responder Center for Excellence
This course is available online, in-person, or as a train the trainer.
The Columbia Protocol for Suicide Risk Assessment
Source: Columbia Lighthouse Project
Training is available online, on-demand, and in-person on how to use the Columbia Protocol for suicide risk assessment.
Retire Well with 100 Club of AZ
Source: 100 Club
This webinar provides information to help firefighters transition from the fire service into retirement.
Share the Load Program
Source: National Volunteer Fire Council
This behavioral health support program provides resources to assist individuals seeking help for a behavioral health issue as well as departments looking to implement or enhance a behavioral health program.
Firefighter Mental Health and Wellness
Source: Florida Firefighter Safety & Health Collaborative
The FFSHC provides tools and resources to create a more balanced approach to a holistic and dynamic healing for first responders.
Behavioral Health
Source: International Association of Fire Fighters
This resource center provides information, tools, and resources for addressing behavioral health in the emergency services.
Behavioral Health
Source: First Responder Center for Excellence
The FRCE provides education and a research network committed to reducing first responder occupational illnesses, injuries, and deaths.
Integrated Health & Wellness Toolkit: Behavioral Health
Source: First Responder Center for Excellence
This clearinghouse includes resources for first responder behavioral health.
The Code Green Campaign
This first responder mental advocacy and education organization provides resources and training to improve mental wellness for responders and reduce barriers to accessing mental health care.
Federation of Fire Chaplains
Find information on starting a chaplaincy program within a department and training opportunities for chaplains.
ResponderStrong
This organization focuses on aggregating behavioral health resources to improve the life expectancy and well-being of first responders and their families.
Sleep Awareness Week
Source: National Sleep Foundation
Learn why sleep is important to your health and well-being and find advice you can apply to your daily sleep routine.