Firefighting and PTSD Awareness-Organization in Marquette

Recently I was sitting with a friend who works in healthcare having a cool one, and we were talking about PTSD, not only among veterans but also among firefighters. In a strain of kharma, a couple of weeks ago I also attended a presentation about an organization that recently opened in the Upper Peninsula in Marquette, Michigan. The group focuses on supporting first responders and firefighters dealing with PTSD. The organization is called Frontline Strong Together, and they have opened a wellness center in Marquette.

I wanted to share some of that information because it is important to talk and write about these issues. I often write about firefighters, veterans, and related topics, and raising awareness helps people better understand the challenges first responders face. Firefighters and other emergency personnel regularly encounter accidents, trauma, and situations that most people rarely see. Working in these environments day after day can create significant emotional and psychological strain that many outside the profession may not fully understand.

The study included below is interesting because it shows a wide range in PTSD prevalence among firefighters, estimated between about 6.5 percent and 37 percent. One study of 131 firefighters found that about 8 percent showed PTSD symptoms, which is still a meaningful number considering how serious the condition can be.

I encourage you to explore some of the links below to learn more about the risks firefighters face and the prevalence of PTSD in the profession. 

*As a side note, I’m involved in theater and recently attended a directors’ workshop where there may be an opportunity to direct a future community based staged reading or production about firefighters and first responders. It’s still in the early stages of development such as finding a script and possibly submitting it for board approval, but the idea would be to offer an inside look at a firefighting family, address issues like PTSD, raise awareness, and possibly fundraise for a local fire department or related organization while also highlighting opportunities in volunteer firefighting. If the project moves forward there would likely be a small budget involved, so if you have any interest in being a sponsor, advertising, promoting or supporting the effort, feel free to send me a message in the comment box to the right and I can reach out if the idea receives approval and progresses. While it is in early stages of planning knowing it has interest to corporate sponsors and others can help in turning it into a "go". We can talk about it more.

Frontline Strong Together offers free mental health support to first responders

Frontline Strong Together

You may be interested in the study,

Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in firefighters.

• Firefighters are frequently exposed to traumatic events such as serious injuries, deaths, and disasters, which increases the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Research has found that PTSD prevalence among firefighters varies widely across studies, ranging from about 6.5 percent to 37 percent.

• One study of 131 firefighters using the PTSD Checklist found about 8 percent showed PTSD symptoms based on the screening measure.

• When additional diagnostic criteria such as fear, helplessness, or functional impairment were considered, the estimated PTSD prevalence dropped to about 5 percent.

• Factors linked to higher PTSD symptoms included previous psychological treatment, earlier entry into firefighting, and strong emotional reactions during the firefighter’s worst traumatic event.

Del Ben, K. S., Scotti, J. R., Chen, Y., & Fortson, B. L. (2006). Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in firefighters. Journal of Traumatic Stress. https://firstrespondercenter.org/document/prevalence-of-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-symptoms-in-firefighters/