There are a number of studies, programs and videos on the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on all of us in public safety. For the first time, police officer suicides in the United States have exceeded line of duty deaths, which is also the case in firefighters. The cumulative effects of handling emergencies are among the leading causes of PTSD in first responders.
Recently, in a span of a few hours, personnel from one station in our department responded to both a non-breathing infant and a police officer who was struck while directing traffic. Neither patient survived.
We as chiefs know to look for a change in mood or attitude in our members after a traumatic call, and to take the time to talk to personnel to see how folks are coping. For those showing some signs of delayed stress, we have help available to cope with the issues – employee assistance programs or chaplains – or just plain listening to the responder who needs to vent his or her frustrations, fears and grief over an emergency response.
Police officer LODD was ‘one of our own’
The LODD of the police officer and the death of the infant on the same night, worked by the same crew of firefighter/paramedics was especially troubling. The police officer had not only worked for our jurisdiction for over 15 years, he had also served as a fire explorer and firefighter/EMT with our department before crossing over to law enforcement. He was known by virtually every member of the fire department.
As the funeral arrangements unfolded, my concern was whether the police chief and his senior officers had any signs of extended stress. Each one of them was putting in exhausting hours, being present at every shift change and helping the family make arrangements. He and his lieutenants were there for their police officers, but what about them? That brought me to the question, “Who is there to counsel the chief?”
Not too many years ago, I was shocked to learn of a young fire chief who took his own life. We had met by chance at a fire conference, and his department was one I had the privilege to serve with while I was in the Air Force assigned to a nearby air base. After his death, I spoke with another member of his fire department and asked if there had ever been any signs indicating his stress or a breaking point? There had been none. So in retrospect, I began to wonder, is the chief supposed to be so stoic that nothing is supposed to affect him or her?
Find a confidant who understands public safety stress
What is the solution? I’m certainly not an expert, but it seems to me that every chief or senior officer needs a confidant – someone they trust explicitly – to share their trials, concerns, triumphs and failures with without judgment, who is capable of sage advice when the situation calls for it.
Who is that person for you? It could be your spouse, a close friend, another chief, a chaplain, clergy member or a trained professional counselor – anyone you unequivocally trust who also understands the stressors of public safety. That person needs to be your barometer who can observe, frankly discuss and advise you.
I’ve had several such mentors, confidants and advisors during my career, and at the same time, I’ve been the person others have come to on several occasions. Talking things through when you need to clear your head of doubts or fears is one of the best ways to avoid PTSD, but – equally as important – is to continue your solid leadership in a department that looks to you for guidance.
How to prioritize mental and emotional wellness for you and your officers:
