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Emergency Ministries was founded in December 1998 - Now Celebrating over 11 years of service to those who serve...

 

 

Grieving Behind the Badge

by Peggy Sweeney

 

Emotional Support for Line of Duty Death Survivors

by

Peggy Sweeney

 

"Firemen are going to be killed right along. They know it, every man of them... firefighting is a hazardous occupation; it is dangerous on the face of it, tackling a burning building. The risks are plain....

Consequently, when a man becomes a fireman, his act of bravery has already been accomplished."

Edward F. Crocker, Chief of Department, FDNY 1899-1911

 

     Local newspaper headlines report the sad news of another fallen hero; the tragic death of a brave firefighter who has died in the line of duty. A dedicated professional who sacrificed his or her life that others may live or that homes and property would be saved from the ravages of fire. Most civilians half-heartedly acknowledge the event while searching for more significant information relating to their personal lives; a baseball score, stock market figures, want ads, or horoscopes. This newsworthy happening is just words on a page for them. Most civilians can not relate to this type of tragedy nor can they comprehend the depth of grief and pain that every member in the fire service feels. Their lives will not be changed by this tragedy. Unfortunately, this is not true for the family and co-workers of this fallen hero. Life as they knew it will never be the same again. Emotions run rampant and their seemingly normal lives spiral into a frightening and dark abyss where pain, loneliness, and grief are constant companions. Surviving this personal tragedy is at times almost unbearable. How does one survive? What lessons can be learned from these experiences?

Before we can learn to cope with pain and grief, we must first understand why we feel and respond to traumatic events as we do. In any loss (divorce, geographical relocation, loss of health, a friendship or job, etc.) there is grief and mourning. Grief is the emotional, physical, mental, and even spiritual responses human beings experience when their dreams and plans for life take an unexpected turn. Mourning is our outward expression (such as crying) to these feelings. A small loss experience such as a rained out ballgame or a broken promise can cause grief. We are disappointed, saddened, or angry at the outcome. We unwillingly must surrender control of a situation to unforeseen circumstances or to another person. Grief and mourning are normal, healthy responses. Each one of us journeys through grief in our own way and on our own time schedule.

When someone dies, our response to this loss is equal to our relationship with this person. The stronger the emotional bond the more intense the grief reactions. To illustrate, the death of an acquaintance pales in comparison to the death of a much loved family member, friend, or co-worker. In addition, the manner of death (sudden or anticipated) and our personal life stressors will also influence our grieving.

When someone dies suddenly (auto accident, heart attack, line of duty death) we experience immediate grief. There is no time for goodbyes. We cannot tell them we love them, let them know how much we value their friendship, or ask forgiveness. In contrast, when a loved one dies from a long-term illness or injury (anticipated death) we may have had the opportunity to prepare for the loss. This is not to say that we will not grieve following an anticipated death but rather that our length of grieving and the extent of our pain may be lessened somewhat because we have expressed our thoughts and vocalized our love and have helped the one who is dying accept their death and put closure to their life. Furthermore, our grieving process may be complicated by various everyday problems like job-related stress, family struggles (such as divorce), financial worries, or personal health issues. These distractions can greatly influence our ability to focus on our grieving which can delay or even suppress the grieving process.

Healing grief is not an easy task. Your grief journey is like a roller coaster ride. Just when you think you are doing better, a memory or a special event in your life will hurl you into the depths of despair. Rejoice in the good moments and days you have; they will help you survive the more painful and lonely ones. Surviving a loss takes a very long time; many months or even years. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy, and exercise. A journal of your thoughts and experiences will mark your progress in healing and your reinvestments in life and living. It's ok to cry. This is not a sign of weakness. You are not going crazy. You are very normal.

Do children grieve? Many people believe that children are resilient. When someone they love dies, they may continue their normal behaviors (playing, interacting with their peers, or even misbehaving) in spite of this person’s death. It may appear that this death has not made an impact on their lives. Do not be deceived. Children, even toddlers, are affected and do grieve. It is important to continue their normal routine as much as possible. They will need tender, loving care. While it may seem that they are adjusting to life after the funeral, it is imperative to keep the lines of communication open. Do not be afraid to share your feelings and frustrations with them. Don't shy away from talking about the deceased person or asking the child how they are feeling. Be aware that some adolescents and teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with their grief and emotional pain. A family that has suffered the devastation of loss must reach out and help one another.

A line of duty death impacts the life of every member of the department as well as their families. It is imperative that they are given information about grief and how to cope with the pain and suffering it creates. The tragic event may trigger nightmares, anxiety, anger, or guilt. It is very important to their physical health and emotional well being that these men and women are provided with an outlet to express their feelings. As a result of this life-altering event, they may question their self-worth. They may wonder if anyone appreciates the risks they take.

There are many lessons to be learned on the journey through grief. This special hero has touched many lives and in their living and dying they have shared their gifts and talents and have taught us the value of life. Reach out to adults and children who may be hurting emotionally and share with them all you learned from your grief experience. By reinvesting in life and sharing love with others you will honor this hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. In so doing, they will never be forgotten.

 

Copyright Peggy Sweeney. All rights reserved.

 

About the Author: Peggy is a mortician and bereavement educator with Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville (TX), a member of the Comfort Volunteer Fire Department, and a facilitator for the Peterson Hospice Bridging the Gap program (teen group). She has recently been awarded certification in Bereavement Trauma and Emergency Crisis Response by the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Since 1990, Peggy has developed and conducted numerous workshops such as How to Understand Grief, Children Healing After Trauma (CHAT), and Grieving Behind the Badge that offer help to families and professionals coping with life-altering events. Peggy hosts monthly support groups for bereaved spouses/partners (Comfort and Conversation) as well as parents who have had a child or children die (Halo of Love). You may contact Peggy at (830) 257-4544 or peggyintexas47@gmail.com. A blog of interest for emergency response professionals: grievingbehindthebadge.blogspot.com

 

Chaplain's Note -  This article was used with the permission of (actually, the blessing of...she sent it to me! heheh)Peggy Sweeney

 

Firefighters at Risk

The Negative Effects of Stress and Trauma on the Human Spirit

Excerpt from a research paper entitled “A Proposed Program to Support the Emotional Wellness of Firefighters”

by

Peggy (HUGS) Sweeney

Editor’s note: The term firefighter in this article means professionals trained in fire suppression and rescue as well as pre-hospital care (first responders, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics). The terms firefighter, emergency response professional, and emergency service worker are interchangeable.

Today, in the United States, what were once considered safe environments are now more like battlegrounds. No longer are schools, homes, places of business, or even churches safe from violent acts of aggression. Moreover, our society is witnessing an alarming increase in homicides, rapes, domestic violence, child abuse, and highway injuries and deaths. The aftermath of these traumatic events is having a devastating and unfavorable reaction on everyone, especially emergency response professionals; the men and women who serve their communities as firefighters and pre-hospital caregivers. Their daily experiences with life-threatening and highly stressful events are affecting them physically, mentally, and emotionally. The constant exposure to life-threatening and traumatic events can lead to chronic (long-term) stress which, in turn, can result in high blood pressure and an increased susceptibility to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 1995) states that chronic stress may also cause “psychological problems including depression, withdrawal, apathy, and relationship problems in general.” Divorce, substance abuse, and heart attack rates in these professions are among the highest in the nation. The lack of support and compassion by citizens, government agencies, and business officials for the risks these professionals endure and the occasional negative editorial coverage by the news media also adds to their anxiety level. Furthermore, the short- and long-term aftermath of stress on the job can eventually increase workers’ compensation costs, medical and mental health premiums, and death benefit payments. Finally, the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Foundation (IAFCF, 1991) has stated that "Stress is one of the most serious occupational hazards in the fire service, affecting health, job performance, career decision-making, morale and family life. Emotional problems, as well as problems with alcohol and drugs, are becoming increasingly evident. High rates of attrition, divorce, occupational disease, and injury continue… [and] suicide is a real and tragic alternative for some."

                No longer do firefighters just fight fires. With the advancement of fire prevention technology, such as flame-retardant building materials, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems, fire departments are responding to fewer and fewer fire calls than ever before. However, these same fire departments are now receiving more and more non-fire emergency calls. For example, “In 1997, there were over 10 million emergency medical calls made to fire departments in the United States” (Clark & Zak, 1999). As a result of the high volume of non-fire emergency calls, firefighters are usually first on the scene of accidents, suicides, homicides, and other acts of violence (assault and battery, rapes, bombings, school shootings, etc.). Emergency service workers respond to floods, earthquakes, and airline crashes where the death toll and property destruction is overwhelming. They care for victims of domestic violence and child abuse. Firefighters extricate mangled bodies from motorized vehicles and provide medical assistance to homeless patients on the streets of inner cities. They comfort parents and family members when a child or loved one has died. At times, they must physically restrain patients who are combative due to mind-altering drugs. Clark & Zak (1999) state that firefighters and emergency service professionals “are more likely than other workers to die violently—from gunshots, vehicle accidents, and fire-related incidents. Their risk of suffering a fatal incident is three times greater than for all workers.” Patients under the influence of narcotics or alcohol, family members of the victim, or bystanders may threaten them with knives, guns, or physical assault. They are constantly exposed to the dangers of communicable diseases such as Hepatitis and AIDS. And all too often, these men and women must cope with grief following the death of a fellow firefighter in the line of duty. The constant, day-to-day exposure to numerous tragic events has resulted in an increase of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among emergency service workers. The “rate for diagnosable PTSD among firefighters was 16.5 percent, compared to a one percent to three percent rate for the general population” (DeAngelis, 1995, p.36).

            In addition to the life-threatening and job-related stress they encounter in their professional lives, firefighters must also cope with an array of personal and family issues as well. These factors may include, but are not limited to, a child with special needs, the death of a loved one, “aging or invalid family members, terminal illness, divorce, and the daily demands of raising a family” (SAMHSA, 1995). Also, "The dangers of the job create anxiety in the firefighter's family" (Martin, 1981, p.2). Many of these emergency service workers feel that their loved ones and friends do not understand the magnitude of their duties nor the emotional strain they must endure on a daily basis. The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Foundation (1991) states that firefighters "want to protect loved ones from what happened [on the job]." Moreover, a firefighter's spouse must cope with the constant stress, sacrifice, and frustration of "living with the worry of having their husbands [or wives] constantly walking into the jaws of danger" (Burns, 1998). Even with the constant exposure to life-threatening situations and the multitude of mentally and emotionally challenging emergency calls, most firefighters are very reluctant to discuss the death, carnage, and human suffering they witness on the job with their family and friends. Ultimately, emergency service professionals struggle with thoughts of inadequacy as a spouse, parent, or social friend.

Traumatic events, including mass casualties, injury or death of children, life-threatening situations, or a line of duty death, have a profound impact on the mental and physical health of firefighters. Without coping skills, emergency service professionals can experience unhealthy side effects, such as stress, high blood pressure, and depression, as well as disabling illness including heart attacks, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Personal life issues, such as divorce, long-term illness or death of a family member, etc., can have a negative effect on them as well. Although research has shown that there are some resources available for firefighters and their families to cope with stress, there is a need, as well, to have a training program that will provide information on grief, suicide and addiction prevention, and promoting emotional wellness for everyone. The International Association of Fire Chiefs' Foundation (1991) states that "continuing education and training within fire departments are favored by many as tools for alleviating stress." Furthermore, "Specific training in dealing with death, crisis and suicide are needed, and orientation programs may help recruits better prepare for the physical and psychological rigors of their new profession."

Floren (1984, p.43) suggests that there is a "strong need to provide a more humanistic approach in the training of emergency [service] personnel." Also, "we need to learn more about death and dying, the stages of grief, what to expect from a suddenly bereaved family and how we may most helpfully interact with family members." Furthermore, emergency service workers must be able to talk about the pressures involved in traumatic situations, to understand what others have experienced in similar situations, and know that they are not alone in their feelings. Floren continues,  “Our training should emphasize the need for supportiveness and free expression of feelings… in stressful situations to help prevent serious problems. We need to be prepared for the internal conflicts that may surround a patient's death and know how our self-image may seem threatened by that event.”

If fire departments and organizations want to reduce the number of lives that are lost from physical illness, substance abuse, and suicide in the fire service, then they must provide firefighters with help and coping skills. Training them to deal with trauma, stress, and grief is no less important then training them to be safe on the fire ground. No longer can job-related stress in the fire service be ignored. It is the duty and responsibility of every fire service officer to provide for and enhance the emotional wellness of his or her department. Without the support and dedication of everyone, stress and grief will continue to take a toll on firefighters and their families.

The emotional wellness of firefighters is at risk. Stress and grief are problems that are not easily detected or easily resolved. Severe depression, heart attacks, and the high rates of divorce, addiction, and suicide in the fire service prove this. Although every firefighter is provided with turnout gear, uniforms, and a badge that is proudly worn over their heart, none of these material items protect them from the ravages of emotional trauma. They are not robots. They are human beings. The need to be nourished and refreshed both physically and mentally is not a sign of weakness or apathy. Every effort must be made to save not only the lives of firefighters, but their emotional health as well.

There has been a call to action and HUGS Training has answered that call. HUGS Training is the solution to these problems. The Grieving Behind the Badge training program is proven to address these problems and to help resolve them for the men and women in the fire service family. Grieving Behind the Badge should be made available to all firefighters, their families, recruits, and fire department chaplains.

References

American Psychological Association. (1997). Stress: How and when to get help. Washington, D.C.: Author.

City of Los Angeles Fire Department. 2000. Annual report: Fiscal year 1998-1999. Author: Operations Control Division.

Clarke, C. & Zak, M. (1999). Fatalities to law enforcement officers and firefighters, 1992-97. Washington, D.C.: United State Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

DeAngelis, (1995, February). Firefighters' PTSD at dangerous levels. Monitor, pp. 36-37.

Floren, T. (1984, March/April). Impact of death and dying on emergency care personnel. Emergency Medical Services, 13 (2), pp.43-47.

International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation. (1991). Stress management: Model program for maintaining firefighter well-being. Washington, D.C.: Federal Emergency Management Agency and The U.S. Fire Administration.

Martin, S. (June, 1981). Stress and the fire service. The Minnesota Fire Chief, Vol. 47(6),

Smith, J. (2000, July 30). Stress study finds overwork hampers paramedics’ decision, care [20 paragraphs]. Dailynews.com [On-line serial]. Available FTP: Hostname: dailynews.com Directory: archives/2000/07/30/new01.asp

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (1995). Disaster work and mental health: Prevention and control of stress among workers. Washington, D.C.: Author.

Copyright 2000 Peggy Sweeney. All right reserved.

Life-Altering Events - Disabling Injuries

Part One of a Three Part Series

by

Peggy Sweeney

 

There is an epidemic sweeping this country that is finally getting the attention it deserves. Injuries and deaths among emergency response workers are at an all time high. Studies have shown that EMS personnel in the United States have an estimated fatality rate of 12.7 percent per 100,000 workers, more than twice the national average1. According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 the fatality rate for firefighters was 16.6 percent of all occupational fatalities2. Emergency response workers “are more likely than other workers to die violently—from gunshots, vehicle accidents, and fire-related incidents. Their risk of suffering a fatal incident is three times greater than for all workers.3

Patients under the influence of narcotics or alcohol, family members of the victim or bystanders may threaten them with knives, guns, physical assault, or verbal abuse. They are constantly exposed to the dangers of communicable diseases such as Hepatitis and AIDS.  Occupational injuries such as back strain from lifting patients and hearing loss due to loud sirens are routine in their line of work. Recently more and more injuries and deaths are occurring because firefighters and EMS workers are not wearing their seatbelts. Government agencies including the United States Public Health Service and Department of Labor as well as the National Transportation and Safety Board are finally addressing these incidents of job-related injuries and deaths and making recommendations to protect their safety and health.

Although personal protective equipment is protocol for firefighters and pre-hospital caregivers, studies reveal that additional safeguards for the health and safety of these workers need to be standardized. Mandatory classes in the safe operation of emergency vehicles as well as self-defense and strength building programs will further reduce death and injuries. These same studies have encouraged all fire and emergency service directors to take an active role in protecting the health and wellness of their staff. 

What effect can a disabling injury or illness have on the mental and emotional well being of someone in the emergency response community? How can someone cope with the trauma of a permanent disability that prevents him or her from performing their duties as a firefighter or EMS professional? What can you do to prepare yourself should a tragedy such as this happen to you? These are some of the issues addressed in this article.

As providers of care, we have talents most civilians do not. We thrive on the good feelings of a job well done when we are able to make a difference in someone’s life. Each of us made a conscious decision to become a firefighter or emergency service provider because we wanted to help others in distress. We do not take our calling lightly but rather seek to be the best we can be. When one of us suffers a physical injury or life-threatening illness that takes away the very thing that gives meaning to our life we grieve. This type of loss is similar to having someone we love die. We may experience many of the same feelings and emotions that we do when we are grieving. We believe that our role in society as caregiver or firefighter helps to define who we are and our value as a person. In other words, our self-worth. When this defining element is eliminated due to a permanent disability, we may think that we are less of a person or no longer of value to our family or the community we served.

No one should take life for granted. In the blink of an eye your future can be forever changed. What if something unforeseen happened that would prevent you from fulfilling your planned role in life? What would you do? How would you reinvest in life following a catastrophic injury or illness? God willing, you will never be faced with a crisis of this magnitude. However, it is important that you take the time now, while you are healthy, to explore your options if a tragedy happened. Center your choices on your talents. Choose a career that will give you the same feelings of accomplishment that you have now in emergency or fire service. Never forget that there will always be someone who needs you. There are many people in your community who would benefit from your help and expertise. If you make decisions with an open mind and a loving heart, I have no doubt that if you are ever faced will a disabling injury that the choices you have thought about now will enable you to heal physically and emotionally.

If you are one of the many professionals that have suffered a disabling injury, I hope my words will offer comfort and help in coping with your loss. As you begin to heal physically, you will need to heal emotionally as well. You may feel, at times, that you are riding a roller coaster. Up one day and down into despair the next. This is normal. You may experience anger because fate has stepped in and robbed you of so much.  Surround yourself with family members and friends who will provide a positive outlook for your future. Draw upon your inner strengths. You have always had goals and dreams. As a result of your disability your goals and dreams for life will need to be redefined or altered. This does not mean that you are less of a person in any way. You will need to accept your limitations and accommodate your life to fit your disability. You can and will remain a valuable asset to your family and community.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that emergency response administrators should make every effort to allow disabled firefighters and EMS personnel to participate in the day-to-day activities of the department should they so desire. Although these men and women may be unable to fulfill their former responsibilities they still have much to offer. Their knowledge base is invaluable to new members of the departments. They can lend assistance to the staff in many areas including moral support following a stressful emergency call. Do not overlook these opportunities. You will be helping them not only recover emotionally from their injuries but more importantly you will be offering them an outlet to regain their feelings of self-worth.

 

Copyright Peggy Sweeney. All rights reserved.

 

About the Author: Peggy is a mortician and bereavement educator with Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville (TX), a member of the Comfort (TX) Volunteer Fire Department, and a facilitator for the Peterson Hospice Bridging the Gap program (teen group). She has recently been awarded certification in Bereavement Trauma and Emergency Crisis Response by the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Since 1990, Peggy has developed and conducted numerous workshops such as How to Understand Grief, Children Healing After Trauma (CHAT), and Grieving Behind the Badge that offer help to families and professionals coping with life-altering events. Peggy hosts monthly support groups for bereaved spouses/partners (Comfort and Conversation) as well as parents who have had a child or children die (Halo of Love). You may contact Peggy at (830) 257-4544 or peggyintexas47@gmail.com. A blog of interest for emergency response professionals: grievingbehindthebadge.blogspot.com

 

 

1 Maguire BJ, Hunting KL, Smith GS, Levick NR. Occupational fatalities in emergency medical

  services: a hidden crisis. Ann Emerg Med 2002;40:625—32.

 

2 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census of Fatal Occupational

   Injuries, 2006.

 

3 Clarke, C. & Zak, M. (1999). Fatalities to law enforcement officers and firefighters, 1992-97.

  Washington, D.C.: United State Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

 

 

 

 

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