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Start Healing Today — Peer Support Resources for Firefighter Mental Wellness

Firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. With an estimated 100 suicides each year and a suicide rate of 18 per 100,000, firefighters face a significantly higher risk compared to the general populationu2019s 13 per 100,000.

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Start Healing Today — Peer Support Resources for Firefighter Mental Wellness

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  1. MyOmnia START HEALING TODAY Peer Support Resources for Firefighter Mental Wellness

  2. The Silent Crisis • Firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty • Suicide rate: 18 per 100,000 vs 13 per 100,000 (general population) • In 2024: 112 firefighter/EMT suicides documented • 33% of firefighters thought about suicide in the last year

  3. Root Causes • Repeated exposure to trauma, violence, child-related incidents • Burnout from rising call volumes (700% increase since 1974) • Loss of meaning in work due to fewer structural fires • Job stress outweighing trauma as main driver of suicidality

  4. Barriers to Support • Fire service “tough guy” culture → stigma in seeking help • 23% avoid behavioral health due to stigma • 29% fear damage to reputation if they ask for support • EAP programs often lack cultural competency for firefighters

  5. Power of Peer Support • Shared experience reduces stigma & builds trust • Higher participation vs. EAPs & outside services • IAFF trained 5,400+ firefighters since 2016 • Focus: confidentiality, active listening, crisis intervention

  6. Keys to Effective Peer Support • Trust & Confidentiality – foundation of credibility • Cultural Competency – programs run by firefighters for firefighters • Thorough Training – therapeutic communication & crisis response • Peer supporters connect with community resources

  7. Innovative & Holistic Approaches • Local peer networks supporting understaffed departments • Digital platforms & hotlines (e.g., Share the Load) • Shift from crisis-only → proactive wellness strategies • Wellness includes family, finances, fitness, mental health

  8. The Path Forward • Leadership must prioritize mental health culture change • Peer Support + Comprehensive Wellness = resilience • IAFF Center for Excellence: 1,000+ members helped since 2017 • MyOmnia Solutions: Tailored peer support & wellness monitoring

  9. Thank You MyOmnia www.myomnia.health/

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