VIDEO: Bolivar first responders are learning about the importance of mental health in their jobs and the resources available to them. The class, offered by the Missouri Firefighters Critical Illness Pool, gives those attending, from police, fire, EMS, and emergency management, how mental health can take a toll on first responders.
First responders have a higher rate of PTSD, depression, and anxiety than the general public. In addition, the suicide rate for first responders is two to three times higher than the general public. For those presenting the class today, addressing the stigma and providing help is just as important as making it home safe at the end of each shift. โMental health check-ins are incredibly important for first responders,โ said Chief Chris Johns with the Bolivar Police Department.
Fire responders deal with around 500 traumatic situations during their careers. โThat is more than what the average person should have to go through,โ said Chief Johns. Having a support system is a valuable tool. โWe need to be able to lean on each other, lean on our peers who do this job and who understand what it is like to do this job. And sometimes that is a really good first step,โ said Chief Johns.
This is why the Missouri Fire Fighters have a way to help. โThe critical illness pool was started through the state legislature several years ago, and two years ago, it added a mental health component,โ said Scott Guccione, a captain with the Springfield Fire Department and member of MFFCIP. โIt allows us to go throughout the state and teach first responders about mental health and how to start a peer support team.โ
The Division of Fire Safety for Missouri is footing the bill.
