First responders are facing challenges unlike anything they’ve encountered before. After battling the month-long Horton Fire near Payson, a 78-member crew of Arizona firefighters was among the first to deploy to Southern California in early January to assist with the fires still burning in Los Angeles County.
As the Santa Ana winds continue to reach up to 65 miles per hour, wildland firefighters in Los Angeles are being pushed to their limits, struggling to cover all the fires due to a shortage of personnel.
Those who are available to work endure 18- to 22-hour shifts, constantly navigating high-stress situations with minimal work-life balance, little time to decompress and sleep deprivation. The high-intensity nature of the job can lead to undiagnosed mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, suicide, burnout and substance abuse.
In high-stress situations, the body’s stress response activates and releases cortisol, which can impair the immune system if exposure to high levels is prolonged. This makes it harder to fight off infection or illnesses, disrupt sleep and can cause cognitive impairment on the job.
Sleep deprivation, which is a common issue among firefighters, can lead to poor decision-making and increase the risk of accidents.
The emotional toll of the job also worsens mental health. Burnout and emotional exhaustion reduce mental resilience, while repeated exposure to traumatic events can lead to PTSD, depression and suicide.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an August 2016 study found that approximately 20% of firefighters and paramedics meet the criteria for PTSD at some point in their careers, compared to 6.8% of the general population.
Another study conducted by the University of Arizona College of Medicine found that paramedics, EMTS and firefighters in Arizona have a 39% higher rate of suicide. A sense of defeat can make it difficult to stay motivated, and some first responders turn to substance abuse or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
The combination of an emotionally and physically demanding job has significant effects on mental health and psychological well-being. Supporting a loved one who is a first responder requires understanding, maintaining a supportive home environment and encouragement and education about the challenges they face.
Creating a culture that normalizes mental health care and prioritizes practices to manage it will help first responders feel more supported and maintain their well-being.
Mental and physical health are intertwined, and not taking care of yourself physically can affect you mentally.
Prioritize going to regular checkups and physicals, and maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, getting enough sleep and practicing mindfulness and deep breathing to help manage stress.
After spending a long day in a high-stress situation, first responders may find it easy to shut down and become more withdrawn around their families. Let your family know what you’re going through, and hold family meetings to discuss strategies for managing stress together.
Having loved ones involved can provide a sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation. Offer to be a support network for your first responder, or recommend them to see a mental health professional who specializes in trauma.
Having loved ones involved can provide a sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation. Offer to be a support network for your first responder, or recommend them to see a mental health professional who specializes in trauma.
Fighting fires means enduring extreme conditions, long shifts and high-stress levels that affect both the body and mind. The toll of long hours, high-stress environments and repeated exposure to trauma lead to an increased risk of PTSD, depression, substance abuse and tragically, suicide.
As mental health challenges continue to mount, it is important to create a supportive culture that fosters self-care, open communication and access to professional mental health resources.
The Stop Our Stigma campaign is a step in raising awareness for firefighters, EMTs and paramedics in Arizona. Many first responders continue without proper rest or mental health care. By reducing the stigma around seeking help, and offering a safe space for individuals to talk about their struggles, we can help support first responders.
Editor’s note: City of Mesa Fire Capt. Dale Crogan is a board member with Stop Our Stigma, a nonprofit organization committed to reducing the rate of suicide among paramedics, EMTs and firefighters. For resources, visit EMSHelp.org and StopOurStigma.org. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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