How Does Mental Health Knowledge Increase Fire Department Culture and Retention? [Case Study]

I came across an article below and thought about how one department used a Champlain and connected with an organization to improve the retention of young firefighters. It helps highlight how a little applied psychology can go a long way to developing teams and departments that are highly successful. It also helps bring forward the risk factors with PTSD among people who engage in dangerous occupations such as firefighters, police, EMT and military. 

Sometimes people don't even know they have these issues and symptoms because they are light PTSD Symptoms mixed with lack of knowledge and self-awareness. For example, you may come across some personalities that are abrasive, put others down, quick to react, condescending, and quick to judge. While these could be part of a normal flavor of life on a minimal level more times than not it could also indicate an underlining mental health condition. 

I have learned in life that none of us are better than others but different with different attributes. Likewise, some have developed their skills and some have not. Creating a growth oriented environment often means thinking about the bigger picture of human capital development and culture within organizations. That will be difficult if you don't get into the psychology a little. 

Thus, helping to create resilience in firefighters and helping those who cultivate toxicity because of undiagnosed mental health struggles is beneficial for the whole department. The bonds people create during service can last a long time and high functioning teams will have a sense of coordinated concern to maximize their performance, outcomes and opportunities. Keeping young people engaged means building a supportive environment that teaches them the skills to avoid these issues themselves. Yes, resilience can be taught and it can be applied in organizations.

The article I thought was interesting,

North River County: A Case Study: The department improved retention and mental health care by connecting to ICARE.  Because they have a younger department they found that there can be a lot of stress on young firefighters. Keeping them involved might mean helping them succeed in life through resilience. It may also develop the skills to keep them resilient throughout their firefighting careers so they can stay in the game. 

A few stats:

A study of 7,000 firefighters found that 65% of struggle with memories of difficult calls, 59% have family relation problems because of their job. Substance abuse were found in 27% and 19% had thoughts of suicide. Mental Health for Fire Fighters

You may want to check out this organization for information on firefighters. They list a couple of studies that show that 18% to 20% of firefighters may have PTSD National Fallen Firefighters Association

*I'm writing about firefighting to raise awareness of the field of fire fighting as well as attract donations and interest for a fire department in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you have some corporate donation money and want to donate tax free to a highly successful rural fire department let me know by sending me a message to the right. I'll point you in the right direction!