Fire Service Mental Health Event Set

The push for such events is rooted in data showing firefighters face PTSD at rates comparable to combat veterans; roughly 20% of firefighters and paramedics meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress during their careers, versus 6.8% for the general public. Studies have also found that firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. This symposium builds on the NFFF's long-standing Firefighter Life Safety Initiative #13, which stipulates that firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support. The foundation provides resources like its "Fire Service Behavioral Health Management Guide" and training modules such as "Stress First Aid." Other major organizations have established dedicated treatment programs. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) opened its Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery in 2017. The facility specializes in treating PTSD, substance abuse, and other behavioral health issues for fire service members. Locally, the Seattle Fire Department has a Peer Support program that utilizes therapy dogs and provides Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) for its members. These initiatives are supported by funding from the Seattle Fire Foundation. SFD also operates the Health One unit, a mobile integrated health team launched in 2019. It pairs firefighters with civilian case managers to provide a specialized response to non-emergency calls involving mental health, substance abuse, or social service needs. For Seattle's firefighters, direct and confidential help is available through the Seattle Fire Fighters HealthCare Trust's Peer Support Team and a 24-hour peer advocate hotline. The department also offers dedicated mental health services and counseling at its Station 2 Clinic.