ArticleMental Health Strategies Tackle the Toll on First Responders 

Mental Health Strategies Tackle the Toll on First Responders 

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By Scott Collier

I am often asked how I do what I do – respond to calls, witness events that would give most people nightmares, and see generally upsetting things. Honestly, I often find it hard to answer this question because I don’t fully know! The memories are always there, tucked away in a small compartment of my brain. They don’t really go away, but for the most part, they remain forgotten, waiting for a trigger to bring them back to the surface.

The emotional weight of this career is a reality we face, and while we can’t erase those memories, there are strategies we can adopt to help manage their impact on our lives. During my training, a wise old officer (he seemed so much older back then) imparted three pieces of wisdom that have guided me throughout my career:

“We don’t cause these problems; we are just here to help in the aftermath.”

“I assume every living person I send to the hospital will recover and go on to live a healthy life.”

“Stay away from the obituary section!”

Mindset Matters

These insights serve as practical frameworks for coping with the emotional toll of our work. Embracing the mindset that our role is to provide assistance, not to dwell on the tragedies, helps us focus on the positives. This perspective allows us to compartmentalize our experiences, ensuring they don’t consume us.

Having worked for 30 years in a large department, I’ve had the opportunity to move around the city, experiencing different neighbourhoods and communities. This rotation offered a fresh start with each new district, allowing me to escape the emotional weight of certain locations. However, it also meant that when I returned to previous districts for shift trades or overtime, familiar sights – the homes, intersections, and buildings – could open the floodgates of memories. Sometimes, these recollections are so vivid that it feels as if the calls just happened hours ago.

On those nights, sleep often eludes me. When the memories resurface, it can be challenging to find peace. This is where post-incident discussions have been invaluable. Engaging in open conversations with co-workers not only helps clear our thoughts but also provides a new perspective on the call. These discussions often reveal insights we may have missed in the heat of the moment. We come to realize that despite the negative outcomes, there are always positive takeaways.

  • The Importance of Teamwork: Understanding that each member played a crucial role reinforces the value of collaboration and shared responsibility. It’s not just about individual performance; it’s about how we come together as a team.
  • Shared Experiences: Recognizing you’re not alone in your feelings is profoundly comforting. Every one of us carries some baggage, and sharing these experiences fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
  • Learning and Growth: Each incident is an opportunity for growth. We reflect on our training and consider how we can improve for future calls. This mindset shifts our focus from despair to development.

In addition to these discussions, there are other strategies that can help mitigate the emotional impact of our experiences:

  • Set aside time for yourself. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. These moments of self-care are essential for maintaining your mental well-being.
  • Counselling or therapy can provide a safe space to process your experiences. Mental-health professionals, especially those familiar with the stresses of emergency response work, can offer strategies tailored to your needs.
  • Regular exercise can significantly impact mental health. Whether it’s running, yoga, or team sports, physical activity releases endorphins, helping to alleviate stress and improve your overall mood.

It’s inevitable that working in emergency response will leave some emotional baggage in its wake. However, by employing effective coping strategies and fostering a supportive community among colleagues, we can navigate this emotional terrain. The memories may never completely fade, but we have the power to control their impact on our lives. By embracing teamwork, staying focused on our purpose, and taking care of ourselves, we can continue to serve our communities with strength and resilience.

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