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How Peer Support Helps Firefighters Cope With Critical Incidents

After a horrific house fire in which children have perished, a multiple-casualty vehicle accident on a highway, or the line-of-duty death of a fellow peer support firefighter, firefighters must endure more than physical fatigue, their own psychological scarring that may last a lifetime. How do such courageous first responders deal with the unimaginable and return to duty in one piece psychologically?

MyOmnia
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How Peer Support Helps Firefighters Cope With Critical Incidents

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  1. MyOmnia How Peer Support Helps Firefighters Cope With Critical Incidents "You never know when a firefighter is in need of someone who understands." - MnFIRE Peer Supporter

  2. MyOmnia The Hidden Mental Health Crisis • Alarming Statistics: • 100+ firefighter suicides annually • Suicide rate: 18 per 100,000 firefighters (vs 13 for general population) • 20% of firefighters qualify for PTSD (vs 6.8% general population) • 90% report critical incidents in past year • 22% of wildland firefighters have attempted suicide • 36.7% report current suicidal ideation

  3. MyOmnia The Cumulative Impact • Breaking the Silence Barriers: • Traditional "tough guy" culture stigmatizes help-seeking • 23% report stigma prevents seeking behavioral health services • 29% fear services could hurt their reputation • Current prevalence: 13-16% depression, 8-26% PTSD symptoms, 30% addiction signs • Challenge: High-stress situations, risk of physical harm, and the impossibility of saving everyone creates overwhelming pressure

  4. MyOmnia Peer Support as a Game-Changer What is Peer Support? • Critical Incident Peer Support (CIPS): firefighter-to-firefighter assistance • Trained colleagues available to listen, mentor, and support • Shared experience creates trust and credibility • Confidential support for personal, emotional, or work-related issues • Gateway to external professional services

  5. MyOmnia Evidence-Based Benefits 1 Research Results:eathing • 48.3% of 631 police officers participated in peer support programs • Over half reported direct/indirect job performance improvement • Higher participation rates than Employee Assistance Programs • Depressive disorder (78% reduction) • Anxiety disorder (55% reduction) • PTSD symptoms (38% reduction) • Outcome: Peer support programs demonstrate measurable mental health improvements

  6. MyOmnia Building Effective Programs Body Scan Close your eyes and focus your attention: • The Four Pillars of Firefighter Wellness: • Physical Health Education • Behavioral Health Education • Suicide Prevention Education • Firefighter Peer Support Services • Critical Success Factors: • Comprehensive training and regular supervision • Trust-building through proper selection • Maintaining strict confidentiality • Leadership support at all levels

  7. MyOmnia Implementation & Innovation Overcoming Challenges: • Resource allocation and sustainability • Regional networks for smaller departments • Technology integration and program development • Volunteer/part-time firefighter coverage gaps

  8. MyOmnia Current Progress: • IAFF has certified thousands in peer support methods • New confidentiality legislation in California • Behavioral health units expanding to smaller departments • Holistic wellness models addressing seven domains of well-being

  9. Call to Action Moving Forward:"The fire service is different and not easily explained to people outside of it - this is an excellent time for our service to be one big family." • Requirements for Success: • Long-term commitment from leadership • Adequate funding for training and development • Cultural shift: viewing help-seeking as strength, not weakness • Ongoing research and program refinement • The Stakes: Each firefighter protected from suicide, each PTSD case treated, creates more resilient departments and safer communities.

  10. MyOmnia THANK YOU "Part of MnFIRE's process is bringing you together with similar people or getting you in touch with a person who has walked in your shoes. Although I'm the peer supporter, the bond goes both ways for me." • Remember: • Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness • Every firefighter deserves support and understanding • Together, we can break the silence and save lives www.myomnia.health

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