VIDEO: It’s something that affects many people around the world, and first responders aren’t immune either. During Mental Health Awareness Month, one local fire chief is shedding light on resources that could help those who see some of the most serious situations.
News 40 spoke to Cheryl Allen, the chief of the Rural Russellville and Logan Aluminum Fire Departments, who told us that mental health can be a real concern among our heroes.
Allen said she, just like many other emergency response personnel, had a few rough situations she’s answered to before. “Images come back to you at the most random times, I have a few scenes that happened years ago that I can remember very vividly,” Allen said.
When asked about resources, Allen said in Logan County, they have something called the Burden Bearers.
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Georgetown Fire Department firefighter Brian Arnett participated in “Rescue Great Day” in Seville, Spain, an international non-profit competition amongst rescue teams throughout the world.
Participating as part of the Red River Rescue Team, Arnett, along with the team placed eighth amongst 36 teams.
Rescue Great Day is a non-profit association with the aim of periodically bringing together professional or voluntary rescue teams, groups, brigades and/or units, according to its website. Teams were self-registered. “We had teams from Spain, Romania, Germany — teams from all over,” said Arnett. “We were one of two US teams. There was a total of 11 scenarios and we competed in those.” “Rescue Great Day” featured events in which contestants were timed in a series of rescue related scenarios involving repelling and rope safety.
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