Helping a Member in Need

The following is from the IAFF Behavioral Health website:

For a Member in Crisis

Firefighter & Family Crisis and Support Line
(844) 525- FIRE (3473)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255

Signs a Member Needs Help

Signs that may indicate a member is experiencing a behavioral health problem or crisis include:

Poor work performance
Disinterest in work or performance feedback
Recurring mood swings or irritability
Noticeable increase or decrease in weight or appetite
Reported sleep problems, observable grogginess
Recurring absences or unexcused absence
Less talkative at kitchen table or around the fire station
Difficulty interacting with other crew members
Disappearing or isolating for large parts of the shift
Crew feedback that the member seems different or is struggling
Drastic, sudden changes in one’s living situation or relationships at home
Recurring financial problems or debt
Increased need for privacy around cell phone usage
Bloodshot eyes, pinpoint pupils or alcohol odor
Poor hygiene or noticeable changes in physical appearance
Observed dissatisfaction, apathy or cynicism towards the job, the crew or life

Warnings a Member is Suicidal

While symptoms of a behavioral health problem are not always obvious, suicide warning signs are clear behavioral, emotional or interpersonal cues that a member is at immediate risk to attempt suicide:

Talking about or feeling hopeless, trapped or having no reason to live
Talking or thinking about wanting to die
Talking about or feeling unbearable pain
Researching or planning ways to kill oneself
Talking about or feeling like a burden to others
Talking about or feeling a lack of belonging
Calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Abandoning social, occupational and daily activities
Severe and sudden changes in sleep, substance use, and mood

If a member is displaying any of the signs above, he/she should be escorted to a mental health provider, emergency room or accompanied during a call to an accredited crisis hotline immediately.

While an admission to the Center of Excellence can usually be facilitated within one to three days, if your member is suicidal, he or she needs immediate local medical attention. Admission to the Center of Excellence can be coordinated once the member is in a safe place.

Interventions

If a member is showing any of the signs listed above, it is your responsibility to intervene. The member may just need to talk, need a few days off to deal with a family matter or may be struggling with a serious mental health or substance abuse problem that needs attention.

Your relationship with the member may dictate how you choose to intervene. Options include:

Ask the member privately, “I’ve noticed some changes in you lately. How are you doing?”
Ask your peer support team leader to check in with the member
Ask another crew member who is friendly with member how they the member is doing
Refer the member to your department clinician or EAP
Consider referring the member for a fit-for-duty evaluation

Upcoming Events