The Everyday Challenges of an Experienced Firefighter focuses on the issues faced by firefighters. It addresses family life, extended rotating shifts, stress on the job, smoking, and mental health.
Mental Health
A recent study by the Fire and Rescue New South Wales in Australia revealed that firefighters are at increased risk for mental health problems. The study looked at the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. It also investigated the relationship between depression and alcohol misuse.
Mental health training is available to firefighters. They are trained in how to identify symptoms of mental disorders and how to cope with them. This helps make them more comfortable when they talk about their problems.
A few support organizations are also working to help prevent mental health issues for active firefighters. In addition to these, there are also many resources available to firefighters. These include the Code Green Campaign, which raises awareness about mental health.
Organizational Factors
When firefighters respond to an emergency, they must arrive at the right time and with the appropriate equipment and resources. This is a skill that is learned through experience according to an experienced firefighter, Daniel Ahasic. But how can an experienced firefighter recognize how the organizational factors in their workplace affect the day-to-day challenges of responding to emergencies?
A safety culture assessment is one tool that can be used to help fire departments evaluate and improve their organization's safety climate. The results of this survey can be used to drive positive changes in the department.
Each fire department has different public expectations, staffing, and community structure. To address these differences, stakeholders can develop goals and implement solutions to increase firefighters' safety.
Stressors on the Job
Firefighters often experience a wide range of demands on their time. They may work overtime, be understaffed, or deal with shift patterns. These factors can contribute to emotional exhaustion and burnout. In addition, they also face traumatic events such as seeing someone die in front of them or witnessing a mass casualty event.
To combat these issues, firefighters can use stress management techniques. However, these techniques must be integrated into their daily routine. For instance, they must admit to their feelings of stress. Once they've acknowledged it, they'll need to find the support to handle the pressure. This can be accomplished through an employee assistance program or by seeking professional help from a mental health provider.
Smoking
A firefighter is exposed to several hazardous materials. They also need to adhere to several policies. Many of these include smoke-free workplace policies, primarily curbing smoking in firehouses.
Firefighters are also at risk for a variety of respiratory illnesses. Smoke is a contributing factor, as firefighters are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide. The likelihood of a heart attack increases with increased exposure to carbon monoxide.
The best way to reduce the risks associated with smoking is to quit. Using nicotine replacement therapy is one option. Various products are available, including nasal sprays, inhalers, patches, and gum.
Other measures firefighters should consider they include a stress management program, a training program for addiction prevention, and a program for suicide prevention. A brotherhood/sisterhood can also promote healthy behavior among peers.
Extended Rotating Shifts
When firefighters face extended rotating shifts, they may find it difficult to adjust. Some firefighters cannot handle 24-hour shifts, while others need help adapting to working four days straight.
A 24-hour shift can be a difficult time away from family. Many departments require that firefighters travel long distances. Sometimes, the commute is as far as 30 miles from the station. This means that it will take longer for the firefighter to reach their home.
The most common shift schedule is an eight-hour shift. However, many fire departments have switched to 12-hour changes. These can help firefighters get the rest they need.
Family Life
Family life as an experienced firefighter can be challenging. Constant injury, death and trauma exposure can lead to mental health consequences.
While firefighters are often aware of the need for support, the extent they are prepared to offer their families may differ. As such, there is a need for programs that help firefighters manage the stress associated with being a firefighter. Some residential programs are designed specifically for the needs of firefighters and their families.
For example, peer support programs encourage first responders to seek mental health care. These programs are designed to help firefighters understand the underlying mechanisms of trauma and PTSD.
