Network helps firefighters cope, heal

Firefighters are there for us when we need help. Who is there for the firefighters?

A trained network of peer-to-peer representatives work within the Parker County Emergency Services District 1 to keep tabs on firefighters’ emotional status, particularly after stressful or dangerous events.

Chaplain Cliff Spain, who coordinates the group, points out these individuals are not counselors. That designation would require a total of six to eight years of college plus supervised practice to become certified counselors, according to the Texas Counseling Association. However, professional licensed counselors are available to the firefighters when needed.

The 10 personnel who conduct peer-to-peer services for the ESD1 are firefighters themselves and know firsthand the pressure and emotions that comes with being a firefighter. When needed, peer-to-peer group has access to licensed professionals such as psychologists, counselors, and social workers familiar with firefighters and the type of situations they face.

“We address anything that can cause stress or create PTSD,” Chaplain Spain explained. “Intense situations or events involving a fatality or a difficult rescue can cause lingering stress on a firefighter.”

Spain or another peer support member will meet with the team of firefighters that responded to the sensitive call. One such call Spain described was an auto accident resulting in multiple fatalities.

“After the incident, we met the responding team at their station and sat down and talked with them about the call. From there, we can see if we need to go a little further and have what is called a de-briefing.”

Quality of life, personal well-being, and family contentment are also important to a first responder’s life.

Spain, who retired from the City of Fort Worth Fire Department after 30 years of service, is trained and certified through the Federation of Fire Chaplains. He has been conducting peer-to-peer support for 15 years and is approaching 40 years of firefighter service.

“We’re the first responders to the first responders,” Spain said. “These guys, they take care of themselves, they work out and eat right, they train and do everything to be ready to respond. Our job is to make sure they stay healthy mentally.”