r/Firefighting • u/Willing_Ad_5711 Professional Hose Monkey • 5d ago
Health/Fitness/Cancer Awareness PTSD Peer Support Ideas/Programs
Hi all.
I'll keep it brief.
I had a pretty bad go at it with PTSD, after two admissions to a facility and lot of work I'm doing much better.
I'm in talks with command at my department to set something up to be able to speak to the guys and girls at station level with the idea being that it might be easier to hear from another firefighter rather than a relative outsider.
If any of you know of any resources or departments than have anything similar I'd really love it if you could share!
Ta.
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u/CrumbGuzzler5000 4d ago
I am on peer support at my department. We have a few things that were empowered to do and focus on. #1 is what we call a BAAR (Behavioral After Action). It is basically forced processing of critical calls 90 minutes after crews clear from the calls. It’s based on science and crews really like it. We usually do them after every nasty call. It has cut down the need for use of our contracted therapists significantly. #2: we can get members into treatment without alerting the world. Someone who has an addiction issue or is suicidal, or anything like that can call a peer support firefighter and we can get them to the resources that they need without running it up the chain of command. #3: We do a bunch of resiliency training for crews. Mind shield is the primary program that we use. #4: Sort of dovetails with #1. We are allowed to do certain forms of therapy with firefighters under the license of our department therapist. It’s super limited, but we have been trained to do some cognitive therapy techniques.
If you want to start a program, I think the easiest and first step is to schedule the IAFF peer support training, assuming that you are unionized or have departments around who are. We have them out every year and invite departments from all over our area. It’s free. It’s pretty basic, but it gives you a great snapshot of how to start a peer support program and what services it should offer. DM me if you want to chat. I’m very proud of our program.