John Rose of Oak Bluffs: Providing Support for Firefighters

Firefighters, like many first responders, face unique challenges that can impact their mental health. Given the demanding and often traumatic nature of their work, John Rose of Oak Bluffs says, firefighters must prioritize their mental well-being. Here are several strategies that firefighters can adopt to take care of their mental health:

Support from friends

Building a good network of friends among firefighters is really important. When friends support each other, it creates a place where firefighters can talk about their experiences, share problems, and get advice from others who went through the same things. John Rose of Oak Bluffs says this friendship helps them feel like they belong and are less lonely.

Critical incident debriefing

When something really hard happens, John Rose from Oak Bluffs shares that it’s helpful to have talks to go over it. These sessions let firefighters talk about how they feel after a tough event, share their emotions, and get support. Doing this can prevent chronic stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Going through a debriefing is one of the methods to take care of mental health.

Seeking professional help

Firefighters need to talk to trained mental health professionals when they need support. According to John Rose of Oak Bluffs, these professionals can keep things private and advise on how to handle the stress that comes with firefighting. Having regular talks with counselors is a good way to deal with mental health concerns before they become a bigger problem.

Education and awareness

Firefighters need to know about the mental health challenges they might face on the job. If they understand the signs of stress, anxiety, and PTSD, they can know when they need help. Programs that teach about mental health can also make it easier to talk about these issues without feeling embarrassed or judged.

Encourage work-life balance

Firefighters do a tough job with a lot of stress and erratic schedules. It’s really important for them to find a good balance between work and their personal life. Getting enough rest, doing fun things, and spending time with family and friends can help keep their minds healthy, according to John Rose of Oak Bluffs. Fire departments should make rules that support reasonable work hours and make sure firefighters can take time off to relax.

Physical exercise

Firefighters can incorporate exercise into their routines to reduce stress and improve mood. Many fire departments have fitness programs, and encouraging physical wellness is integral to maintaining mental well-being.

Healthy communication

Establishing open lines of communication within the fire department is crucial. Creating an environment where firefighters feel comfortable and safe discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment fosters a culture of support. Leadership should encourage conversations about mental health and provide resources for those seeking help.

Regular check-ins

Supervisors and colleagues can play a proactive role in supporting mental health by conducting regular check-ins. John Rose of Oak Bluffs suggests creating a culture where individuals feel comfortable discussing their well-being. This approach will ensure that potential issues are identified early, and appropriate support can be provided.

John Rose, an Oak Bluffs native, serves as the Chief of the Oak Bluffs Fire Department, with certifications including Fire Prevention Officer and Fire Officer. For more on firefighting, mental health, and leadership, follow this page.