NFFF Behavioral Health Conference
More information at http://everyonegoeshome.com/news/2013/behavioralhealth_030113.html
(Please note that Denise Keenan is Clinical Director, Psychology, South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service.)
At an international conference on Friday, March 1, the NFFF introduced a new Behavioral Health Model that changes the way the fire service assists firefighters and others on the path to healing. It is based on the concept that no two firefighters will necessarily have the same reaction – not even to the same call.
“Years of accumulating research involving leading experts in the field of recovery from traumatic events, as well as our own work after September 11, helped us develop this new model,” said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “We realized not all firefighters want or need to sit in a room immediately following a distressing situation and talk about their experience. Instead, they want to know what resources are available to them and their families and how they can access those resources when necessary.”
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N.A.F.F.V.N. on the web supports this effort from the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. It needs to be everything inclusive of the kitchen sink being thrown at changing the climate and attitudes regarding mental health injury in the modern fire service. Stress Reactions, depression, Post Traumatic Stress and Suicide. These are the terms that we are gaining an understanding on and to which program roll outs are being developed together with educational material.
ptsd depression and stress reduction educational material is located on the web at NORTH AMERICAN FIREFIGHTER VETERAN NETWORK google search
The Sweeney Alliance supports these efforts. Visit our blog to learn more about coping with PTSD and reducing suicides in the fire service. Our monthly Grieving Behind the Badge newsletter features articles and resources by frontline emergency responders.
Peggy Sweeney, founder/editor
The Sweeney Alliance