I’ve found that there are many parallels between how a fire department responds to hazmat calls and how a fire department responds to firefighter mental health issues.
We’ve been talking about firefighter mental health issues for several years now, providing education and training to firefighters at what can best be described as the Awareness Level. Those efforts have focused on threats to a firefighter’s mental health, abnormal responses to those threats, and steps that firefighters can take to reduce the risks associated with the job and build individual resilience.
Think about this in the context of hazmat training. Would any fire department be doing its best for its members or the community if its personnel were only trained to the Awareness Level? At a minimum, fire department personnel should be trained to the Operations Level, because many hazmat incidents can be adequately managed using the defensive tactics learned in Operations Level training: absorption, damming, diking and diversion.
We teach firefighters to use the Emergency Response Guide (ERG) so they can safely, effectively and efficiently perform activities within the scope of their hazmat training. As it relates to mental health, we have reached the point where fire departments need to level up their efforts to actively develop mental health literacy in their firefighters so they are able to identify an issue and act in a way that’s consistent with the scope of their training.
Let’s look at what mental health literacy means and how fire department leaders and their firefighters can develop it.
Beyond awareness
Mental health literacy means firefighters know enough about mental health disorders to recognize and manage on-the-job exposures and prevent them from manifesting themselves in the individual. It’s not enough to be aware that anyone can experience mental health issues; it’s about having a deeper understanding so they can take ownership of their mental health. True mental health literacy means understanding the distinctions between mental health conditions, recognizing symptoms, and knowing how to respond appropriately and effectively for themselves and the people they serve with.
4 levels of mental health literacy
Just as there are distinct levels of hazmat response training, there are also several levels of mental health literacy. But mental health literacy differs from hazmat training in that every firefighter needs to progress to the highest level.
Let’s look at what those levels cover:
- Awareness literacy: Firefighters develop the knowledge and understanding that protecting their mental health is relevant to their work. They understand that stress, trauma and emotional strain are inherent to being a firefighter, whether they are career or volunteer, because mental health risks make no distinction.
- Functional literacy: Here, firefighters learn about common mental health conditions and risk factors as well as the protective factors necessary to protect their mental health. This knowledge is crucial in recognizing the signs of distress in themselves and their fellow firefighters.
- Critical literacy: Developing critical literacy enables a firefighter to understand the impact that mental health issues can have on their job performance, relationships and overall wellbeing. Just as importantly, they can come to appreciate the importance of seeking help early and how that can help in reducing the stigma attached to firefighters seeking help with their mental health challenges.
- Applied literacy: Knowledge and understanding are good and necessary, and as with any new knowledge or skill, the ability to apply that acquired knowledge and understanding is the desired result. Firefighters who achieve a level of applied literacy can identify when a peer might need support, initiate conversations about mental health both proactively and reactively, and connect individuals with appropriate resources as needed.
Key components of mental health literacy
Our hazmat training programs continue to build on the basic concepts that were first learned in Awareness-level training as the individual progresses through Operations and continues for those who pursue Technician and Specialist training. The same is true for mental health literacy, as these key components are initially learned in Awareness Literacy. As the individual progresses through the next three literacy levels, they can further develop their understanding and application.
Recognize signs and symptoms:
- Understand common mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD).
- Recognize signs of distress in themselves and others (e.g., changes in behavior, mood, sleep patterns).
Engage in self-care and coping strategies:
- Learn healthy coping mechanisms (e.g., exercise, mindfulness, social support).
- Understand the impact of cumulative stress and trauma.
Reduce stigma:
- Talk about mental health and well-being in the fire station. Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about mental health. Silence is killing firefighters.
Seek help early:
- Understand the importance of timely intervention. Learn about the available mental health resources (e.g., peer support, employee assistance programs) and know how to access the services they provide.
Training, resources and support
There are several great ways to train your members while offering valuable resources that will help develop their mental health literacy.
Firefighters can benefit from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), a program offered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (There’s a download link on the website for an informative one-pager in PDF file format) which gives them the skills to recognize and respond to mental health crises. Just as they learn first aid for physical injuries, MHFA teaches them how to provide initial support for mental health issues.
- Mental Health First Aid for Fire/EMS. This program provides evidence-based and early-intervention training specifically tailored for firefighters and EMS personnel.
- Behavioral Health Resources from the First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE). FRCE offers guidance and resources related to behavioral health for first responders. FRCE’s online materials guide fire departments in developing programs that address mental health needs within their teams.
- Stress First Aid (SFA) for Firefighters and EMS Personnel. SFA is a program from Everyonegoeshome.com that’s designed to continuously monitor stress levels among fire and rescue personnel to help recognize individuals who may be experiencing stress due to work or personal life and who may need intervention.
Additionally, fire departments should seek to support members through peer support. If your department does not have a formal peer support program, encourage your leaders to develop one. Specially trained members who understand the unique challenges of firefighting can provide valuable assistance and encouragement.
Lastly, we must remember that firefighters often hesitate to discuss their mental health due to fear of stigma or professional repercussions. Mental health literacy involves creating a culture where conversations about mental wellbeing are normalized. Encourage open dialogue, share individual experiences, and emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Beyond checking the box
Remember, mental health literacy – just like hazardous materials response literacy – isn’t just about checking a box. Rather, it’s about creating and nurturing a resilient and supportive environment one work shift, one firehouse and one fire department at a time so we can eliminate the stigma that’s keeping too many firefighters and officers from getting the help they need. One more firefighter dying by suicide is one too many.
REFERENCES
- Bandy, R.L. (2024). Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training of First Responders. Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5216.
- Halmasy, N., Brazil, A., Campbell, R. Mental Health Literacy. Firefighting in Canada. March 4, 2020.
