Suicide Prevention and Awareness Safety Stand Down: Part 2

If one of your fellow firefighters went down in the middle of an active fire, you'd go in to get them out, right? So why not help get them out of an emotional injury?

It starts with awareness. If you see the warning signs of a fellow firefighter  in distress, letting it go shouldn't be an option.

-Be direct: Be proactive and approach someone when you've seen them exhibiting some of the warning signs or appear to be in crisis.

-Listen: Practice active listening techniques and let them talk without judgment, if it appears they are in crisis, do not leave them alone.

-Get them help: Don’t be afraid to get your brother or sister the help they might need. If you are not a trained peer find one that they can speak with, or if you think this may be above what a peer can offer, get them professional help. HealingOurOwn.org/gettinghelp has clinical resources that you can contact.

-Be there: Everyone deals with pain differently, be there for your injured colleague, supporting their recovery just as you would if they went down with an injury in a fire.

Remember: If someone is in crisis or seems at risk of suicide, don't leave them alone.

Do you know a firefighter? Please share these tools and resources below:

Firefighters, please visit website url: HealingOurOwn.org

Immediate assistance, call: 1-800-273-8255

 

Additional resources for Marin County: 

Marin County Mental Health & Substance Use Services

20 N. San Pedro Road, Suite 2028

San Rafael, CA 94903

415-473-6769

CRISIS INTERVENTION & Access/Service Referral Number

415-499-6666