In our readings, an author quotes Mitchell as suggesting, among other things, planning for disaster mobilization. You’ll spend considerable time considering planning in PSAD 306. For now, consider from your experiences, what factors designed to preserve the mental health of first responders and rescue worker would you include in your plan. What evidence is there from our readings that support such factors being included? In addition, explain how you think leaders in your organization might best represent to employees, the benefits of taking advantage of resiliency and mental health training and perhaps, of utilizing the services of counselors–be they professional or peer counselors. How might your suggestions take into account the fairly well-documented level of resistance among public safety professionals to seeking help for mental health issues or even to acknowledge that they may be impacted by such things?

Readings:

• PDF – Mental health and substance abuse issues among first responders

Research suggests that 30 percent of first responders will develop behavioral health conditions(atàgreater than the occurrence rates in the general population. In addition, at least one study found that the rate of suicide attempts and ideations is higher in fireman. Finally, itàbeen suggested that between 125 and 300 police officers commit suicide every year. This twelve-page 2018 Supplemental Research Bulletin by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service discusses the current literature on mental health issues impacting first responders and offers evidence-based methods to positively impact this very concerning aspect of the public safety profession.

• PDF – Pre-incident Training to Build Resilience in First Responders: Recommendations on What to and What Not to Do

This ten-page article published in 2020 in the journal Psychiatry, Interpersonal and Biological Processes is a fascinating look at what pre-incident interventions are most likely to have a positive impact on post-incident mental health outcomes among public safety personnel. The article offers evidence to support the efficacy of some commonly understood interventions like physical exercise while also pointing out that there is little evidence that other popular practices like mental health training produce significant positive post-incident mental health benefits to public safety employees.

• PDF – The Value of Worker Well-Being

This very short õrgeon GeneralàPerspective&rom 2019 provides some very interesting information on workers(ealth and wellbeing. The article provides basic information on workers(ealth, which entities are responsible for protecting the health and safety of workers, and what work-based wellness plans are most effective.

• How police leadership can respond to officer mental health crises

This short article published in Police1 in 2020 provided some discipline specific guidance for dealing with mental health concerns in public safety. Despite its discipline specific perspective, many of the principles discussed are universal in public safety.

• 9-1-1 emergency: Battling stress in the communications center– subtle shifts in thinking add up to big results, offering greater levels of resilience to draw from during challenging times

This short article in Police1 from late 2020 looks at job-related mental health issues from the perspective of emergency dispatchers. Despite the discipline specific perspective, much of the information can easily be related to all public safety personnel.

• The Culture of Mental Health in Fire and EMS

This is a very short article published in 2018 in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services discussing mental health among public safety professionals from the perspective of fire and EMS personnel