Firefighter Behavioral Health Resource Center
If you or a fellow firefighter feel suicidal or need help now for any reason, do not delay – contact:
- 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. People can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point, so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.
- Share The Load Fire/EMS Helpline – 1-888-731-FIRE (3473)
- Safe Call Now – 206-459-3020
- Crisis Text Line – text the word HOME or BADGE to 741741
- Your agency’s Employee Assistance Program
The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs has developed this web page with resources and tips for what you and your department can and should do to protect the physical and mental well being of your members. Keeping firefighters happy and protecting our own is an inside job!
Resources:
- NYSAFC Behavioral Health Flyer (funded through a grant from the New York State Department of Labor)
- NYSAFC & PERMA PTSD Awareness Podcast Series for Fire/EMS/911 Personnel
- Fire Service Behavioral Health Management Guide (National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)
- Recommended Protocol for Exposure to Occupational Stress (National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)
- From EAP to BHAP – A Guide for Fire Departments (considerations for selecting an Employee Assistance Program or Behavioral Health Assistance Program – National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)
- After Action Review Poster (recommended “hot wash” to be conducted after EVERY run – National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)
- Trauma Screening Questionnaire (for use in assessing whether you or a fellow member might need additional assistance following a potentially traumatic event – National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)
- Yellow Ribbon Report "Under the Helmet: Performing an Internal Size-Up" (a proactive approach to ensuring mental wellness - International Association of Fire Chiefs Volunteer & Combinations Officer Section)
- CDC Guide for Responders and Families (following a potentially traumatic event – Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)
NY Project Hope – New York’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline
(A program of the NYS Office of Mental Health – Funded by FEMA)
Emotional Support Helpline: 1-844-863-9314
Links to Additional Resources:
- Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives: 13. Psychological Support (National Fallen Firefighters Foundation)
- Share the Load Program (National Volunteer Fire Council)
- Directory of Behavioral Health Professionals (NVFC)
- International Association of Fire Fighters Behavioral Health Program
- CDC/NIOSH Traumatic Incident Stress Resources
- Safe Call Now
- COVID-19 Behavioral Health Resources for Fire and EMS (U.S. Fire Administration)
- 1st Help
- Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance
- Heroes Health Initiative
- Responder Help
- Firefighter Survival "Beyond The Call" Video (Miami-Dade Fire Rescue)
Suicide in the Fire Service:
- Confronting Suicide in the Fire Service (Report and Recommendations from NFFF)
- Suicide: What You Need to Know – A Guide for Fire Chiefs (NFFF)
- Suicide Prevention and Awareness Resources (USFA Resource Center)