Responding to traumatic scenes can take a serious toll on our mental health, leading to stress, trauma, and burnout. Supporting the well-being of your responders is essential for resilience and performance. Below are resources to help you promote mental health awareness and care on your department.
Need to talk to someone RIGHT NOW? These services operate 24/7/365:
Call or text 988, Suicide & Crisis Hotline
Text HOME to 741741, Crisis Text Line
Crisis lines specifically for Emergency Responders:
1-866-676-7500, Frontline Responder
206-459-3020, Safe Call Now: Crisis referral service for first responders, by first responders.
888-731-3473, NVFC Share the Load, free for NVFC members
Local Crisis Resource: North Central Health Care, serving Langlade, Lincoln and Marathon counties.
715-845-4326
715-848-4600
1-800-799-0122
Walk-in Crisis Center at 1150 Lake View Drive, Wausau
The Code Green Campaign: continuing education classes and consultation
IAFF, Behavioral Health: Information, online courses, and news
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Resources for Public Safety Professionals
Responder Strong: more resources
Physical health, wellness, and nutrition are essential for firefighters to manage the challenges of emergency scenes, minimize injury risks, and recover efficiently. Staying strong and resilient ensures they can safeguard their team and community.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of firefighter fatalities, often triggered by physical exertion, stress, and hazardous conditions. Risk factors like hypertension, obesity, and smoking increase the risk of SCD. Maintaining fitness, managing cardiovascular health, and monitoring risk factors are essential for reducing heart-related events, helping to ensure firefighter safety and longevity on the job.
Firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer and 14% more likely to die from cancer compared to the general population. This is largely due to exposure to carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde from burning materials. These toxins can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, increasing rates of cancers like mesothelioma, lung, and prostate cancer. Wearing up-to-date PPE, immediate and thorough decontamination, and health monitoring are vital for reducing risks.
Firefighter Nation: health and wellness news and articles
Firefighter's Support Alliance: advocates for firefighter safety, wellness, and public policy improvements.
IAFF, Wellness & Fitness: resources and programs
NIOSH: information, research, and programs
US Fire Administration: information, publications, and courses
Firefighters face intense physical demands, making injury prevention crucial. Strength, endurance, and flexibility training, along with recovery and using ergonomic techniques, help build resilience and reduce injury risks.
FIIRE Program resources: resources for building and running a safety program
Firefighter Health & Safety: resources and news
IAFF Illness & Injury: resources, training, and news
NFPA Research: most recent research reports on firefighter injuries