First responders are expected to act fast and process later when dealing with emergencies. But, the stigma of a first responder being the “helper” who then asks for help can be a barrier to seeking much-needed help.
Now, more than ever, first responders need access to wellness resources that can help them navigate the physical, mental, and emotional toll of being first on every traumatic scene.
In this guide, we explore first responder well-being and share our top tips for prioritizing first responder wellness.
First responder well-being refers to the physical, mental, and emotional health and resilience of individuals who work in professions that are among the first to arrive and provide assistance at:
● The scene of emergencies
● Disasters; and
● Other critical incidents
This group typically includes firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, paramedics, and other emergency services personnel.
First responders often face unique challenges and stressors in their line of work, which can take a toll on their well-being.
At Siento, we believe the first step to improving first responder wellness is to end the mental health stigma often associated with these professions.
Our first responder wellness app is dedicated to providing a safe and non-judgemental peer-to-peer support platform where first responders and other individuals in high-stress industries can share their struggles and feelings openly.
With Siento, you’re never alone.
As a first responder, you must maintain physical fitness and health to effectively perform your duties. You’ll typically undergo rigorous training to ensure you are in good physical condition to handle the demands of your job, such as lifting heavy equipment or performing physically demanding rescues.
To stay on their A-game, first responders should consider all aspects of physical well-being, not just exercise. In addition to maintaining a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise and strength training each week, first responders should also:
First responders must develop emotional resilience to cope with the stress and emotional toll of their work. This includes learning to manage their emotions and build coping mechanisms to handle the challenges they face.
Emotional well-being is a personal journey, and it’s normal to experience ups and downs, especially for first responders. Improving emotional well-being is essential for first responders to lead a fulfilling and balanced life before, during, and after every shift.
Some ways to enhance emotional well-being include:
The nature of the work exposes first responders to traumatic events, which can lead to conditions like:
Promoting good mental health and providing access to mental health resources is crucial for first responder wellness.
Taking steps to improve your mental health, even when you’re not feeling low, can significantly contribute to your overall health and quality of life. Here are a few ways you can enhance your mental well-being as a first responder:
Approximately 30% of first responders will experience mental health issues as a result of the unique challenges and stressors they face in their line of work. Exposure to traumatic events, life-threatening situations, and the constant demand for quick decision-making can take a toll on their mental well-being.
The stigma surrounding mental health in these professions can sometimes make it challenging for them to seek help, which can exacerbate these issues.
Recognizing the prevalence of mental health challenges among first responders, many organizations and agencies are addressing and mitigating these issues by providing:
Prioritizing the mental health of first responders is not only crucial for their own well-being but also for their ability to continue providing effective and compassionate emergency services to the communities they serve.
The best type of therapy for first responders often depends on their individual needs and the specific mental health challenges they are facing. However, some therapeutic approaches have shown particular effectiveness for this population. The best approach often involves a combination of therapies tailored to the individual's needs.
It's essential for first responders to work with mental health professionals who understand the unique stressors and experiences associated with their profession or to speak with their peers in the same field.
Confidentiality and trust established between the therapist and the first responder are crucial for effective therapy. Ultimately, the choice of therapy should be made collaboratively with the therapist and take into account the specific challenges and goals of the individual first responder.
Various psychological therapies can be effective in helping first responders cope with negative job-related experiences and address mental health issues.
Here are some of the psychological therapies commonly used for first responders:
The choice of therapy will depend on the individual's specific needs, preferences, and the nature of their mental health concerns.
Alternative therapies, such as psychedelics, have gained attention in recent years as potential tools for mental health support and therapy. Research into their therapeutic use is ongoing, and some studies have shown promising results.
Some of the psychedelics being studied for their potential mental health benefits include:
The use of psychedelics for mental health should only be considered in a controlled and supervised clinical or therapeutic setting, and it should be approached with caution.
Pharmacotherapy, the use of medications to treat mental health issues, can be a valuable component of comprehensive care for first responders dealing with mental health challenges.
Here are some examples of pharmacotherapy that may be prescribed for first responders:
The decision to use pharmacotherapy should be made in consultation with a qualified mental health professional or psychiatrist who can assess your specific needs, symptoms, and potential side effects of medications.
Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) is an approach that can be highly beneficial for first responders to help them manage stress, improve mental well-being, and enhance resilience. It includes activities such as meditation or breathwork.
MBT involves cultivating mindfulness, which is the practice of paying non-judgmental attention to the present moment.
Here's how MBT can be of help to first responders:
To implement MBT effectively, first responders can receive training or participate in mindfulness programs specifically designed for their profession.
Peer-to-peer support is exceptionally beneficial for first responders due to its unique ability to address the specific challenges and needs of this high-stress profession. It creates a sense of shared understanding and camaraderie within the first responder community.
Peers have firsthand knowledge of the daily demands, traumatic incidents, and emotional toll associated with the job, making it easier for them to empathize with one another.
This shared experience fosters an environment of trust and confidentiality where first responders can openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment or stigma — a critical factor given the prevailing stigma surrounding mental health in these professions.
The informal nature of peer support can be especially beneficial when dealing with trauma, as it provides an immediate outlet for emotional processing, helping individuals come to terms with their experiences.
Peer support offers practical benefits, such as:
By providing ongoing support and a sense of belonging, peer-to-peer support enhances mental health and job satisfaction, ultimately enabling first responders to better serve their communities in times of crisis.
Siento is dedicated to improving first responder wellness with our peer-to-peer support platform specifically designed for individuals in the most stressful careers.
We recognize the stigma associated with mental wellness issues in the first responder community. Not only does this stigma cause first responders to bury the trauma experienced on the job, but it also causes concerns about job security.
We’re here to end the isolation and suffering. When first responders can connect anonymously with others in the Siento community, they no longer feel alone in their struggles.
To learn more about how our mobile first responder wellness app can help you or a first responder you love, click on the link below and join our growing community.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.