Heros Are Humans Too: Suicide Prevention and Postvention for First Responders

Last month I was asked on Fox 4 to speak about suicide rates related to first-responders. I thought I’d share some of my findings in this blog post.  
 
Some real talk... 
 
We can’t treat suicide as a behavioral problem. If we focus on suicide as the problem, then we don’t fix the root causes. We need to recognize risk factors and provide social support for individuals and groups. 
 
Policy and procedures need to be put in place to provide more support for health services. This includes more funding for mental health, suicide and trauma training. Paid mental health days. Prevention and education included in the curriculum for new trainees.  
 
Human to human…  

First responders are heroes. Yet, we can’t forget heroes are humans too. To reduce stigma and connect with someone who is showing signs of suicide or depression we need to talk more directly on how they are feeling and listen with compassion.  

This includes being:  
•    Direct 
•    Non-judgemental  
•    Calm 
•    Resourceful 

Let’s educate ourselves in both knowing risk factors and warning signs. 
 
Risk Factors:  
•    Current mental and/or substance use disorders 
•    Bereaved by suicide 
•    Engage in nonsuicidal self-injury 
•    Have previous attempt to suicide 
•    Have medical conditions 
•    Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+  
 
Warning Signs: 
•    Expression of helplessness or hopelessness 
•    Feeling like a burden to others 
•    Changes in sleep patterns 
•    Social withdrawal or isolation 
•    Displaying anxious or agitated behavior or extreme mood swings 
•    Increase use of substances (ie; alcohol) 
 
Statistics: 

• In a given year, a fire department is four times more likely to experience a suicide than a line-of-duty death. - National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 

• Suicide is the fastest rising cause of death for firefighters. - CDC 

• Four-fifths of suicide victims were male (78.3%) - KDHE 

• Gathering accurate information around suicides is difficult due to the classification of deaths ie; “accidental” or “other.” - National Volunteer Fire Council Report 

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 15-24 in the state of Kansas - KDHE 

Advocacy opportunity... 
 
There is current legislation out that focuses on supporting the detection, prevention, and treatment of mental health among public safety officers and for other purposes.  

Legislation: Current Bill in House of Representatives is H.R. 1646 “Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Act of 2019” or the “HERO Act of 2019.”  

Status of the bill: it has been introduced, the next step is passed to house then senate then president and then it becomes law. 
 
You are not alone. There is help out there… 
 
Resources:  

• Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance - 

  • *Suicide Screening form - 16 questions to assess suicide ideation and resources for the next steps.  

  • Offer workshops for firefighters, family and helping professionals. 

  • Suicide Reporting to gain information to help prevent further suicides.  

• Code Green Campaign - 

  • A first responder oriented mental health advocacy and education organization.  

• Learn to Pause - Mindfulness Training (FREE) - started by a local spouse of a retired first responder who committed suicide. And learn to mitigate stress, regulate emotion and improve overall health.  

• Resolve’s website has a list of helpful resources 

• Kansas Suicide Prevention  

• The Action Alliance (resource page with free training) 

 
Crisis Resources  

• Text “HELLO” to 741741 

• 1-800-SUICIDE 

• 1-800-273-TALK 

• Johnson County (KS) Mental Health Emergency Services 913-268-0156 

• MO CommCare Crisis Line 1-888-279-8188 

• MOCSA 24 Hour Crisis Line (sexual assault/abuse) 816-531-0233 or 913-642-0233 

• Kansas Department for Children & Families (DCF: child & vulnerable adult abuse/neglect reporting) 1-800-922-5330 

• Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division (child abuse/neglect reporting) 1-800-392-3738 

• Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline 1-800-392-0210

Jessica Nickels,
LPC

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