Firefighters & Mental Health

According to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, more firefighters die from suicide each year than in the line of duty, and many additional suicides are likely unreported. 

A Florida State University behavioral health study that surveyed over 1,000 U.S. firefighters showed that in some point in respondents careers:

47% considered suicide

19% made plans for a suicide attempt

16% went through with the suicide attempt

When these first responders are on a job they are being routinely exposed to incidents that result in devastating injuries and tragic loss of life and property. Between firefighters and EMS, they are seeing situations that nobody should ever have to see. Leaving many in a stuck position thinking, “I got into this profession to help people, but now I need help.”

Join us this Saturday at 12PM CST with cohost Paul Humble, who started as a volunteer firefighter and loved the work so much that he took on the role full time. He gives great insight to the struggles that come with being a home town hero. Going in-depth about how departments are working to provide resources to their first responders and how they can come together to help each other through common battles they are all mentally trying to overcome.

This is the first conversation of many about first responders and their mental health.